Archive for July, 2008
Today we remember Saint Ignatius.
- St Ignatius Loyola (1491 – 1556)
- Ignatius (or Iñigo) was born in Loyola in the Basque country. He was a soldier, but was wounded in the battle of Pamplona (against the French) at the age of 30. During a long convalescence he read a life of Christ and a collection of lives of the saints, and discovered that his true vocation was to devote his life wholly to God. He was as systematic about this as he had been about his military career: he spent a year’s retreat in a Dominican friary, made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and then set about learning Latin.
Such enthusiasm in a layman caused grave suspicion in the always rather paranoid Spanish authorities, and he was questioned and imprisoned more than once. He moved to Paris in 1528 and continued his studies; and then in 1534 Ignatius and six companions bound themselves to become missionaries to the Muslims in Palestine. By the time they were ready to set out, war made the journey impossible and so the group (now numbering ten) offered their services to the Pope in any capacity he might choose. A number of them were duly ordained and they were all assigned to various tasks.
Soon it was proposed that they should organize themselves into a regular religious order, and in 1540 the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) was formed. Ignatius was the first Superior General until his death. Soon after their foundation the Jesuits began to meet the challenge of the Reformation: a tough task, given the debilitated state into which the Church had fallen, but one which, as Ignatius said, had to be undertaken “without hard words or contempt for people’s errors”.
Ignatius had a gift for inspiring friendship, and was the recipient of deep spiritual insight. Soon after his conversion Ignatius wrote the Spiritual Exercises, a systematic step-by-step retreat that can be followed by anyone – and has been followed by many, not all of them Catholics, ever since.
I didn’t want to forget our Saint for today. I am especially interested in what this man did with his life and how the Holy Spirit worked to bring him into service for God. Imagine that, someone who loved reading fictional material, was worldly in various ways, came to know and found discernment as we know it today. Seriously, he was formerly in the military so discipline was a way of life. That discipline was a gift, but had to be converted. I responded to the way he at one point derived no pleasure from his worldly pursuits and only when he let his mind concentrate on the deeds and lives of the great saints, did he experience joy. His Spiritual Exercises are widely known today, and many use them to discern the will of God.
July 31 2008 | LOTH and saints | No Comments »
Well, slowly I am getting the hang of Wordpress. I figured out a few things. Not hard really, just getting used to the dashboard. I found out how to expand the editor options, so I can add font colors and other formating. I also figure out how to add sub-pages. They’ll appear as a menu when you click on them.
I guess I am bored, “Estoy aguevado”, so I am making changes to enhance the blog’s appearance. That and it’s pouring down rain. After a few weeks of warm dry weather, we needed it.
In other news, today I was coming off the ferry and it was just lightly raining. The road’s wet so I went to paranoid mode and decreased the lean angle of the Road Glide. I felt the back slip even though I was careful with the application of the throttle. That’s the price of so much dry weather, the first light rain brings up the oil, and rubber on the road surface. NOT GOOD FOR Motorcycles! Extremely slippery surface!
Well you get the idea. So I’m paranoid heading home and get to the I-section to where I turn for my house, when I see a whole bunch of cars. Slowly I pull head and see a downed rider, bike on it’s side, lights on, but no rider. People standing around looking down the embankment. I thought, “This is not good..“.
So I parked the Glide, and walked over to see what I could do (no one seemed to know) so I hopped over the embankment to see my fellow brother-on-two-wheels lying face up, blood coming from his face slightly. He was conscious, eyes opened so I knelt beside him and started chatting with him, asking him all sorts of stupid questions. Finally, bothered with my ???’s, he responded, “Whats with all the dumb-a$%@% questions?”. I laughed and knew he was alright. By that time, the paramedics showed, as well, the Sheriff Deputies. I hung around while they worked, helped with the traffic and helped to keep his wife calm. He told me, “It happened so fast… I don’t remember what or how I ended up here.” I hated to tell him that it usually happens that way bud…..
The first rule in motorcycle riding is: “Never ride faster than your Angels can fly…”
It appears his was on duty, because he went over the guardrail and landed in a bramble of blackberry branches that broke his fall. Another foot over, and he would have hit the Douglas Fir that’s been standing there for over 30 years…
God is Good.
July 31 2008 | news and site News | No Comments »
If you want Peace,
Work for Justice……
-Pope Paul VI
July 31 2008 | random thoughts | Comments Off
By Emanuella Grinberg
CNN
Town struggles with fallout from immigrant’s fatal beating
SHENANDOAH, Pennsylvania (CNN) — By the time help arrived, Luis Ramirez lay convulsing in the middle of the street, foam running from his mouth. Blows had struck the 25-year-old illegal Mexican immigrant with such force that they left a clotted, bruised impression of Jesus Christ on the skin of his chest from the religious medal he wore.
More….
I pray for this young man and his family. Another senseless crime where apparent good kids go bad. Where’s the compassion? Are we becoming that desensitized to violence? You note the media used the word “illegal” as if that made this more palatable. No person deserves this. An impression of our Lord Jesus Christ on his chest. The baptism of blood. RIP Luis. May God keep you in his home…
This time Legally.
More on the Story:
Commentary: Killing of immigrant a senseless, barbaric act
By Ruben Navarrette Jr.
Special to CNN
SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) — To listen to the immigration debate, you would think illegal immigrants have it easy. That’s nonsense. America has a long tradition of animosity toward legal immigrants, let alone illegal ones. The undocumented are preyed upon by thugs, cheated by swindlers, exploited by employers, harassed by Minutemen, and made into scapegoats for society’s ills by opportunistic talk radio blow-hards and cable news fear-peddlers.
The life of an illegal immigrant shouldn’t be a walk in the park. But what most Americans don’t realize is that, far from being easy, that life is quite difficult.
In fact, prosecutors say, for Luis Ramirez, it was murder.
More…
July 31 2008 | news | No Comments »
One of the things I went to when I was looking to shed some unwanted weight was an old time favorite of mine, “Cycling”. I had been active on the Elliptical Trainer for some time and it worked very well, especially during the remaining months of Winter. But when Summer finally made it’s appearance, it was clear I would need something that would keep me going as far as cardiovascular goes. I remember long ago my love for cycling and decided I would buy me a new bicycle. One capable of standing up to a 30 mile, twice a week trek from home to work. I settled on the Cannondale Synapse Sport 5.
It’s a fine bike that I’ve outfitted with rear rack, F&R Fenders, pannier bags, F&R flashing LED lighting, tool bag, air pump and cycle computer. I swapped out the seat to a “Specialized Milan” and “Armadillo” commuting tires. It’s set up with a rear cog that plays well to the many grades and hills in the greater Puget sound area. I must say, it’s pretty dang smooth to ride. After my first ride, to work and back, I was really sore, perhaps more than I should have been. After reading some, I found that the one thing we neglected when I purchased it was having it set up. Silverdale Cyclery was good enough to get me correctly fitted and I am happy to say, soreness in that particular area, is no longer an issue.
So, I’m really enjoying it now and it’s helped me to shed at least 15 lbs since I bought it.
If you’re looking for something to get you into shape, or have fun. Re-visit your childhood by buying a bicycle. Not only getting you into shape, you’ll help to reduce the carbon emissions by not having one more car on the road, for at least a day..
July 31 2008 | cycling | No Comments »
Src: Catholic Culture
He was born about the year 380 and died in the year 450 and died in Imola in northern Italy. He was made bishop of Ravenna, the new capital of the Roman Empire, and was responsible for many of the building works there. The name “Chrysologus” means “golden speech”, and was given to Peter because he was such a gifted preacher; unfortunately, most of his writings have perished, and only a collection of short sermons remains.
Another Deacon!
Piety and Zeal, two things to note and pray for.
How many today show piety and zeal? Display these two characteristics, Peter Chrysologous enjoyed elevation, admiration and a name change! Seriously, he had something going on for him if he enjoyed the confidence of Leo the Great.
An educated man who inspired others by his brief and concise homilies; one of which explained the Incarnation “The Sacrament of Christ’s incarnation” (an excerpt):
A virgin conceived, bore a son, and yet remained a virgin. This is no common occurrence, but a sign; no reason here, but God’s power, for he is the cause, and not nature.
Wonderfully simple, a statement of faith. And he goes on to say that God brought dignity to man by becoming man, but without bringing dishonor to who he was. God’s power made the world for us to live in because he loves us. He continues to bless the world with things he’s devised to our growing glory. That we’re created in his image to present his invisible image on earth. I like it!
One of the wonderful things about praying the Office of Readings. I get to know these people who are our heritage as well as our heroes.
I intend to check out more of his homilies on the Apostles Creed, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist.
I hope you do too!
July 30 2008 | LOTH and formation and liturgy and saints | No Comments »
40 Years!
I don’t know if I mentioned that I am a parishioner of Saint Olaf Catholic Church in Poulsbo, one of many parishes within the Archdioceses of Seattle under the guidance of the Most Reverend Alex J. Brunett, Archbishop of Seattle, of which is celebrating as well, his Golden Jubilee. We are blessed richly with his ministry and are most appreciative of his service of 50 years as a priest, to all us as God’s people.
This last Sunday, July 29th our parish inaugurated our 40th anniversary year with a family picnic. The theme for this year’s celebration is “40 years of Faith and Family”. We had about 400 people take part. An opening prayer started things off, we had a multiplicity of ethnic music and dancing as well as different cuisine. We had a blessing of our parish bell, which was donated, and hung to call our faithful to Mass.
Our youth band “Novus Gratica” performed a variety of moving songs and music. The weather held, we had sun breaks and few sprinkles, but it didn’t deter us from our day of fun. My good friend brought his horse and led the kids and us big kids around for short rides. The dunk tank was a hit as well. We will continue our celebration throughout the year, so stay tuned.
There are so many people to thank for coming together to make this a fun event and a great time to reflect and celebrate as a family of faith. The Knights of Columbus seemed to pull off a miracle grilling all those hot dogs and burgers on 4 family sized grills. Thanks for hanging in there guys! And Thanks for the many that gave their time and energy.
Lastly, Thank you Father David, for being such a gracious priest and pastor.
May God Bless you!
July 29 2008 | celebrations | No Comments »
Last night I served at the Spanish Mass at our parish. One of the things I like about serving is learning something new and challenging. I do understand some and am learning more, but I have a long way to go. But afterwards a gentleman approached me. He was a visitor to our parish, on business here in Kitsap county. He told me he was from New Mexico and was involved in Prison Ministry. I have been interested in this type of ministry for some time. There was a priest who visited at Holy Trinity from time to time that was a prison chaplain out at McNeil Island. Often, he spoke of it and I wondered what it would be like to bring hope to those imprisoned.
As we chatted, he mentioned how many people in prison desire to change and that there are few people to minister to them. My mind thought of my friend up in Port Angeles who was in Corrections (not anymore) that couldn’t take the constant strain of working in that environment. He’d tell me that some of the guys in there, should be there and for good reason, shouldn’t ever get out. But there are some that are truly trying to turn their lives around. I believe that. Really, I do.
I thought of St. Paul imprisoned and in chains, and how he often wrote to the outside world and how their constant support helped him to overcome his loneliness and despair.
This guy I was chatting with is a good fellow, seeking to bring the Lord to those that have “opened their hearts” to the gospel. All he wanted was a copy of the worship missal that was bilingual. He’d never seen that and had recognized he might be able to teach those men some english, while teaching them the scriptures, songs and liturgy. I was glad to meet this fellow. Perhaps another thing the Lord wants me to ponder as I prepare for formation.
Thanks be to God.
July 27 2008 | formation and hispanic ministry and ministry and outreach | No Comments »
Leaving Mass early is something I think each of us has done in the past, and at some point we hear a message and make a conversion of heart. But articles such as this brings gladness to my heart because someone cared enough to lead someone back on the right path:
What They’re Missing
Zenit
A response to: Leaving Right After Communion
Some years ago, I attended a one-day youth retreat as the guest of the speaker. A nun at the parish — not mine — assigned me out of the blue to spend 45 minutes with a small group of high school seniors who obviously didn’t want to be there. I was not given anything particular to talk about, so I let them chat for a few minutes.
One said something openly about wishing he could duck out of the retreat like he ducks out of Mass every week, right after communion. And I knew what I wanted to say to them.
I asked them if they didn’t feel they were missing something by leaving early. None of them thought they were. I asked them what happened immediately following communion. None of them knew; of course, they didn’t stay!
So, I carefully led them through what happens after communion, and what it means, and they were so bored.
Then, I “landed on them” with my point: The next to the last thing the priest does before dismissal is give the congregation a blessing. Point-blank: Which of you doesn’t need a blessing?
They hemmed and hawed and hung their heads, and I thought, “Oh, great! Now they won’t go to Mass at all!”
While it was not my parish, the priest there was a dear friend and my confessor at the time, so I went to Sunday Mass there on occasion. Imagine my absolute joy to see the one young man who had made the original comment acting as an altar server for two or three years after the retreat!
Sometimes, all they need to is to be told what they are missing.
Carol Luscomb
While the retreat director felt as if he might have scared them off, one made a conversion of heart and in effect, became a different type of parishioner; a servant. Sometimes we need to be told what we NEED to hear, vice what we WANT to hear. This is only one of the several problem areas in my life where the Lord healed and restored my sight.
Perhaps we’ll see more on:
- Arriving Late – When is too late?
- Crass Conversations at the foot of the Altar – What do you think Jesus would say about our chats?
- Reverence in our Sacred Spaces – Do we actually believe in the Real Presence?
I know they will be constant petitions of mine.
July 27 2008 | random thoughts | No Comments »
“By their fruits, you will know them…”
Memorial – Ancient Tradition has that these are the name of Mary, the Blessed Virgins parents. Devotions to Saint Ann is to be found in the East in the 6th century, and the West by sometime in the 10th which became widespread. Saint Joachim became likewise honored at a somewhat more recent date.
And so rejoice, Ann, that you were sterile and have not borne children; break forth into shouts, you who have given birth. Rejoice, Joachim, because from your daughter a child is born for us, a son is given us, whose name is Messenger of great counsel and universal salvation, mighty God. For this child is God. – (Vol III Liturgy of the Hour, Divine Office, Memorial of Joachim and Ann..)
July 26 2008 | LOTH and liturgy and prayers and random thoughts and saints | No Comments »
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