Francis is the first Jesuit Pope... but St. Ignatius of Loyola was the f...

Pope Francis visits Auschwitz:"Lord, have mercy on your people, sorry fo...

Pope Francis prays at the Black Madonna of Czestochowa

Pope Francis arrives in Krakow!

Wednesday July 27

MATTHEW 28:20 by achristianpilgrim

Mass opening World Youth Day

Krakow - high hopes for World Youth Day | Business

Spiritual Work of Mercy - Pray for the Living and the Dead

Monday July 18th Pray for Peace in our cities.

TOLERANCE AND INTOLERANCE (FULTON J. SHEEN) by achristianpilgrim

July 15 Talk by Friar Andre Cirino OFM

Friar Andre Cirino shared with us his thoughts on the idea of Jesus, The Bridegroom . He used the thoughts from Brant Pitre's book

Jesus , the Bridegroom.  It was an excellent talk and sharing. 

Friar Andre has been a friend of our Community for many years even when we were in Bordentown.

Friar Andre also is part of a team that gives pilgrimages to Assisi with study guides.

Anyone interested can go to his website

assisijourney.com 

Tennessee musician enters seminary and will play at World Youth Day

July 15, Feast of Saint bonaventure

July 15 Saint Bonaventure Feast

New post on CNS Blog

Rome: City of beauty, history and…#Pokemon? by Administrator1 By Junno Arocho Esteves A Pokemon Go avatar in St. Peter's Square. ROME (CNS) -- Pokemon Go, the location-based augmented reality game based on the popular animated cartoon and has swept across the United States and has made it here to Italy. Using their mobile phone's GPS and camera, players can catch and train virtual Pokemon as well as battle with other players at designated areas called Pokegyms. As players walk around, they can reach designated areas in the maps called Pokestops where they can pick items, such as Pokeballs, unhatched Pokemon eggs, and other goodies. The most coveted Pokestop in Vatican City, however, is the least accessible one: the window of the papal apartment where Pope Francis delivers his Sunday Angelus address. The window of the papal apartments is one of the many Pokestops in Vatican City. Given my schedule, I'm not one to indulge in mobile games as often as I'd like, and maybe it's for the better since I get hooked so easily. But after seeing all the fuss online, I decided to give it try. And yes, I got hooked. I found myself walking aimlessly through the streets of Rome stopping every so often at a Pokestop or trying to catch a rogue Pokemon for my collection. A walk from the office to St. Peter's Square takes no more than 2 minutes. With Pokemon Go, it took me about 5 minutes, often times bumping into tourists because I was staring at my phone. Looking around the square, almost every tourist had a phone; I was looking for any novice Pokemon masters like myself looking for goodies at one of the many Pokestops in St. Peter's. One young tourist stares at her mobile phone in St. Peter's Square.  (CNS photo/ Junno Arocho Esteves) However, going around, discreetly looking at other people's phones, I noticed they were either texting, snapping selfies in front of the basilica or recording videos of their children scurrying across the square. Pokemon Go might bring a lot of people back to church, but not in the way one would expect, particularly because some Pokestops are actually churches. While riding a bus near the Vatican, I passed by the Roman parish of St. Peter the Apostle. And yes, it's a Pokestop. Nevertheless, I came to the realization that not only was I fully engrossed in the game, I was also alienating myself. The Roman parish of St. Peter the Apostle is one of many Pokestops in Rome. I was standing in the area where St. Peter was martyred, walking on stones that have been stepped on by countless saints, and yet I could only focus on where I could score a few Pokeballs and a Revive potion. Technology has opened the doors to communicating with people and traveling to places we could only dream of. But leaving it unchecked left me looking at a place that only existed in a fantasy world and not enjoying the true beauty out there. I'm reminded of Pope Francis' wisdom on communicating with others: "It is not technology which determines whether or not communication is authentic, but rather the human heart and our capacity to use wisely the means at our disposal." The following day, I walked to the office -- phone in pocket -- and realized that catching the sun rise over St. Peter's Basilica was way more satisfying than catching Pokemon. Administrator1 | July 15, 2016 at 8:32 am | Categories: CNS | URL: http://wp.me/peBMy-8Yk Comment    See all comments    Like

Scientists and religious representatives discuss the keys of Laudato si'

Social network-savvy Bishop Barron goes live: he will speak with youth a...

The Right to Religious Freedom

Pope interrupts vacation to meet with his new spokespersons, Burke and G...

The intense summer heat did not prevent them from carrying a heavy cross...

Sunday July 10

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR: 15th ORDINARY SUNDAY – LUKE 10:25-37 by achristianpilgrim Jakarta, 10 July 2016 A Christian Pilgrim achristianpilgrim | July 10, 2016 at 7:08 am | Tags: 15th ORDINARY SUNDAY [YEAR C], PARABLE OF JESUS, PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN, TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR | Categories: MISCELLANY | URL: http://wp.me/p1055h-3p8 Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://achristianpilgrim.wordpress.com/2016/07/10/who-is-my-neighbor-15th-ordinary-sunday-luke-1025-37/

Thanks for fl

Bishop Barron's tips to evangelizing on social media

Sunday July 10th Readings for Sunday

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:25-37 

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Psalms: Psalm 69:14,17,30-31,33-34,36-37 or Psalm 19:8-11; Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20

The Scripture Text

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And He said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him  and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him” And Jesus to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37 RSV) 

The story of the Good Samaritan is a parable. That means, it never really happened. But since it is a parable, it has happened a million times. We can pull it out of its Middle East setting and place it in modern-day America and make it happen again.

A man was driving in the night and he stopped to stretch his legs at a rest area. Someone hit him over the head with a club and stole his car and money. Later, a well-known pastor of a church made a brief stop, saw the unconscious, bleeding man, but was afraid and drove off and left him. Then a businessman drove by in a fancy sports car, spotted the victim and sped on, not wanting to get involved.  Finally a junky old pickup truck rattled into the area, driven by a scarfaced Cuban, recently deported from one of Castro’s prisons. Seeing the victim, he ran to the pump and soaked his large red handkerchief, then wiped the man’s face until he regained consciousness. He then lifted him in the truck and hurried to the emergency room at a hospital. Since the victim had no identification, the Cuban gave his own name and address, assuming responsibility for any bills not covered by the man’s hospital insurance. Which of the three proved to be the victim’s neighbor?

When Jesus asked that question, His audience so hated the Samaritans (half-breeds and heretics) that they would not even say “Samaritan”, but only “the one who took pity on him”. We may not like the story either, for it tells how people (like you and me) can ignore others, even those in dire need. It says that some “big people” are not so big – and that others, thought to be of little account, are tremendous individuals.

There are countless victims along the road. They suffer from ignorance, disease, violence, blindness, depression, old age, poverty, floods and fires. A teacher might choose to ignore the ignorant; a doctor could refuse the sick; a salesman can cheat the naive; the clergy can avoid the sinners; the rich can pretend not to see the poor.

Many need only a little help, like a dollar bill, some good advice, a genuine smile or just a minute or two of our time to hear “their story”.

The road between Jerusalem and Jericho goes from above sea level to below; from the dusty desert to plush green fields, for long straight stretches to winding hills and valleys. In other words, it’s a model of any road, any place, any time. Since we only pass by once, why not be a Good Samaritan along the way?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the greatest single obstacle I have in loving my neighbor is myself. I am always giving in to selfishness, rather than making a sacrifice for my neighbor. Even when I do something for my neighbor, there is often resentment or pride. Heal me and renew me, that I may never forget that my neighbor is Your presence in the world. What I do for anyone, I do for You. When I fail others or ignore others, I fail and ignore You. Forgive me, for all the times I have failed You, all the times I hurt You in others. Thank You, for Your forgiveness. Amen.

Note: The text of the reflection is taken from Rev. James McKarns, “GO TELL EVERYONE”, pages 252-253. The prayer is adapted from one in Father Killian Speckner OFMConv., “THE PRAYERS OF FATHER KILLIAN”.

Jakarta, 7 July 2016 

A Christian Pilgrim

achristianpilgrim | July 9, 2016 at 8:15 am | Tags: JESUS CHRIST, PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN, TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS | Categories: BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS 2016, PARABLES OF JESUS | URL: http://wp.me/p1055h-3p3

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The Pope starts off his holidays with a packed schedule

July 6, 2016 Wednesday

Father Resti Galang , a friend of ours from Vallejo, California
visited us on Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Father Resti is originally from the Philippines but now stationed at St. Catherine of Siena Church. Father has relatives who live close to the Monastery and so he stops to visit us whenever he is on his home visit.

Pope Francis meets with 200 poor, sick and disabled: “You are the treasu...

Three-day Living Fully 2016 conference in Rome celebrates human life and...

Tuesday July 5th , 2016

Independence Day Celebration at Monticello, July 4, 2011

http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball
PROF. SABATO WELCOMES THE NATION’S NEWEST CITIZENS AT MONTICELLO

Jefferson’s story is almost universally known, his brilliance and passion for liberty celebrated around the world. Yes, his vision of liberty was regrettably restricted to one race and one gender. He was imperfect, as we all are, and a man limited by his times. Yet his virtues and accomplishments far outweigh his vices and failures. His life of extraordinary achievement and vision inspires, and commands respect and gratitude. I’m especially appreciative that he founded the University of Virginia; I love my job and I wouldn’t have it had Jefferson not persisted against great odds to create UVA! (Wahoowa.)

And if the University, the Declaration of Independence, the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition aren’t enough to induce your thankfulness, then maybe you’ve forgotten that Mr. Jefferson helped to introduce ice cream and macaroni & cheese to the United States. That makes me hungry — I hope we have some for lunch.

This moment isn’t a celebration of Jefferson as much as it is a tribute to you and your potential. The extraordinary thing about America is that each citizen is given the tools and the opportunity to make a difference and to leave a legacy that will continue once our brief moment on earth has passed.

There are as many ways to produce a legacy as there are people on the grounds of Monticello today. Since I’m the speaker, naturally I’m going to recommend my favorite: Politics. (You knew this was coming, surely.)

I realize politics has a terrible reputation. Mention the word, and dark visions of corruption, bribery, and smoke-filled rooms are conjured up. I’ll grant you, the current presidential campaign certainly hasn’t helped the reputation of politics. How I would love to offer you some pointed commentary on that subject and our current candidates, but decorum on this day of unity prevents me. (Maybe at our picnic.)

Here’s a revolutionary thought for your Fourth: Politics in America is a good and necessary thing.

It’s the oil that greases the creaky machinery of government by encouraging responsiveness to public opinion.

It’s the glue that binds together a nation of continental expanse and stunning diversity — unquestionably, the United States is the most diverse Republic on the face of the planet, as you here today prove, with concentrations on our shores of people from every other country around the globe.

Without liberal application of politics, the centrifugal forces and the discord generated by diversity might rip apart the fabric of our society.

Without skillful use of the political arts, how could we hope to make our system work when power is divided in so many ways, vertically with layers of national, state, and local governments, and horizontally with the separated powers of Congress, President, and Supreme Court?

Politics is simply the means we use to make our nation work, and to make our states and communities better places to live.

Your power as an individual citizen is awesome. You can shake things up by speaking up, starting a petition, organizing your neighbors, backing a candidate for office, or running yourself!

And voting, of course — always, always voting. The choices may not be ideal from time to time, as the 2016 election demonstrates, but part of a citizen’s duty is to pick the best from a mixed lot. Good luck this November.

And get ready to vote frequently — and I don’t mean for contestants on American Idol or voting people off the island. You’re going to be called on to vote for serious reasons several times each and every year. Primaries and general elections and special elections galore. Just be glad you’re in Virginia. We have a relatively short ballot. In California they elect so many offices and decide so many issues that voting is a part-time job!

By the way, if you want to quickly maximize your influence, just organize all your family and friends to vote. My late father was a first-generation Italian-American and a distinguished veteran of World War II. After the war he became something of an evangelist for democracy. Not only did he never miss an election, he carted many members of our extended family to the polls — happily providing those who weren’t fully informed with a list of preferred candidates. The lesson is, you too can become a political boss with your own machine!

Your local registrars for the City of Charlottesville and the County of Albemarle are right here with us. Talk about customer service. Before you leave these beautiful environs, be certain to register to vote.

Truth is, citizenship is hard work. You have to do your homework because mistakes can prove costly. You see our good friends across the pond, who made a decision on the European Union that millions are trying to take back, too late to save the value of the pound or maybe even the integrity of the United Kingdom. Judging by the large number of Brits googling “what is the European Union?” after they voted, it looks likely some electors didn’t know what they were doing, with enormous consequences.

The internet does make any voter’s task easier, though it’s critical to seek out the facts before casting a ballot. You also have to separate good from bad information. Here’s a tip. Ignore the shrill voices. You can safely skip any website or delete any tweet that is written in ALL CAPS.

* * *

Let me conclude where I began, when I cited Thomas Jefferson’s amazing story. You have a remarkable story, too, and you’re beginning what we hope will be the best chapters of all, the ones penned as a U.S. citizen.

Help us to live up to American ideals. Make us better. With your international backgrounds, encourage your fellow citizens to build bridges, not walls. Join us in civic enterprises that will benefit everyone. Your contributions may not make you famous, but fame is overrated. The Kardashians are famous, and no one knows why!

We’re counting on you. We know you’ll come through, just as generations of new citizens have for the entire existence of America — America the Beautiful, now and forever, your country.

Congratulations to our new citizens and Happy Fourth, everyone!

 

Sunday July 3 In Memory of Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel summoned up his mission when he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986 in these words,

"Whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation, take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.  Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

At the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington Elie 

Wiesel words are now carved in stone at its entrance:

 "For the dead and the living, we must bear witness."

Rest in Peace .

Sunday 3 2016 Readings for Sunday 14 in Ordinary Time

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN EVANGELIZATION by achristianpilgrim THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN EVANGELIZATION (A biblical reflection on the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time [Year C] – July 3, 2016)  Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-12,17-20  First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalms: Psalm 66:1-7,16,20; Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18  The Scripture Text After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of Him, two by two, into every town and place where He Himself was about to come. And He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the Kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town. The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:1-12,17-20 RSV) “Who, me?” That’s a typical reaction to the thought that Jesus has called us to go out and “bring in the harvest.” Almost instinctively, we seem to feel that this means we will have to spend all our time preaching and teaching about Jesus! But the key to lessening our anxiety about our calling is to realize that there are many, many ways in which we can accomplish this work. In fact, God wants to increase our vision so that we can better understand just how many different ways we really can spread the Gospel. Direct teaching and preaching about the life, words, and actions of Jesus do make up an important part of labouring for the harvest, and most of us really are more capable of doing this than we think. There are many ways to learn: reading books about ways of sharing the Gospel with others; attending classes or programs about evangelization and faith-sharing; and simply talking with other Christians who have done this successfully in their lives. But beyond specifically preaching about Jesus, there is much we can do. Acts of kindness, service, intercessory prayer, and living lives of faithfulness to our responsibilities are a few way. Think of how a kind word spoken at the right time, or a special card sent to someone lonely or hurting can lift their spirits. Think, too, about how a peaceful gesture in the midst of a time of conflict can halp defuse tension and soften someone’s heart. Even something as simple as a smile can help a person open themselves a little bit more to the love of God. And don’t forget prayer. That’s the one thing that all of us can do – and it is probably the most effective use of our time in helping prepare someone’s heart to receive the Good News about Christ. Finally, remember that the mot important person in the work of bringing in the harvest is the Holy Spirit! He is in you! He wants to work through you to bring others to Jesus. So whatever you do as a worker in the fields of the Lord, let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you. Let Him show you how you can effectively labor to bring in the Lord’s harvest. “Who me? Yes, you! Prayer: Lord Jesus, send me out into the harvest today. Use me, Lord, in whatever way You have planned to help bring people to know You and Your love. Amen. Jakarta, 30 June 2016  A Christian Pilgrim  achristianpilgrim | July 2, 2016 at 9:47 am | Tags: AS LAMBS AMONG WOLVES, JESUS CHRIST, THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL | Categories: BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS 2016, EVANGELIZATION | URL:http://wp.me/p1055h-3ou Comment    See all comments    Like

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Blessed Junípero Serra: Apostle of California, Exemplar of Evangelization

in September 2015 Pope Francis looking at the statue of Saint Junipero Serra in the Capital in Washington, DC