Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sister Karen's First Vows, April 27, 2013
Sister Karen promised to follow the Gospel Way of Life of Saint Clare on Saturday, April 27, 2013.
Father Steve Kluge OFM of Brant Beach, NJ was the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass.
It was a beautiful Day for Sister Karen and for our Community.
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Left to right:Fathers Lennon SVD, Peter Celbuka,Jack McSherry SVD and SteveKluge OFM Main Celebrant and Homilist.
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| Sister Karen is fourth from the left. |
Friday, January 4, 2013
Celebrating the Baptism of the Lord with the Franciscans of the Holy Land | Travelujah
Celebrating the Baptism of the Lord with the Franciscans of the Holy Land | Travelujah
On January 8, Travelujah.com arranged for me to to accompany the Franciscans of the Holy Land on their annual pilgrimage to the Jordan River. This "annual" trip was rather unique, because the same event was celebrated at the same place... less than three months ago. The reason: Until recently, the Baptismal Site known as "Qasr al Yahud" was a closed military zone, and pilgrims were allowed to go there only once a year, on the last Thursday of October. But last summer the Israeli authorities opened the site all year-round. With the site now much more accessible, the Franciscans decided to move the date of their annual pilgrimage to the most appropriate liturgical time for it, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, celebrated on the first Sunday after Epiphany (January 6).
The busload of friars left Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem shortly after 8 AM, with a festive atmosphere on board. The attempts of Fr. Artemio Vitores, the Custodial Vicar, to announce the order of the day on the microphone were periodically interrupted by various jokes and songs. After only a half-hour ride, we made a brief first stop at the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Jericho, where the friars and faithful were welcomed by the local civil authorities. Fifteen minutes later, we were back on the bus and heading for the Jordan River.
As soon as we arrived, the Franciscans lined up for their ceremonial procession, starting from an abandoned monastery next to the parking lot. The friars led the procession towards the river, walking through the rocky ground in two orderly rows while singing Latin hymns such as "Lauda Ierusalem Dominum" and "Christus vincit". They were followed by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, accompanied by religious, civil and military dignitaries, and with the faithful closing ranks just behind them.
Once arrived at the shore of the Jordan, the Mass began promptly, celebrated by the Custos. The setting was ideal as we sat in balmy weather under the palm trees, just a few feet away from the water in which Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The reading from the Gospel of Matthew reminded us that this is the place where Jesus' calling and mission were revealed by the Father, when after coming out of the water the heavens were opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon Him, and a voice from heaven said "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Mat 3:17).
When the Custos walked around the crowd, sprinkling the people as a reminder of our baptismal promises, it felt like a unique privilege to be blessed with a few drops of water from the Jordan on this Feast of the Baptism of Jesus. As Fr. Ibrahim, the parish priest of Jericho, reminded us in the homily, our baptism signifies a dying with Christ and rising to new life with Him. The moment was surely especially moving for the parents of the five children who were then baptized by Fr. Ibrahim.
In contrast to the deserted Jordanian shore of the river facing us, just a stone's throw away, the large joyful crowd on our side left no doubt that a festive event was being celebrated.
"It's great to be here, a real privilege" said Brother Mauritius, a Benedictine seminarian who joined the Franciscans for the day. "It was a very nice celebration at the Jordan River, on the day of Jesus' baptism at the place of his baptism."
Fr. Paul, a young Indian priest studying in Jerusalem, echoed him: "I really enjoyed this day, it was really wonderful to see five children being baptized at the same place where Jesus was baptized."
After Mass, we got back on the bus and headed for the Mount of Temptation, traditionally believed to be the place where Jesus went into the desert after His baptism to be tempted by Satan for 40 days. The hike up to the Greek Monastery, known as Qarantal, protruding from the rock high above Jericho, was not as daunting as it looked from below - a mere 20 minute walk from the parking lot.
At the entrance of the monastery, a Franciscan deacon read the account of Jesus' temptation before we entered for a short visit. We walked through the narrow passageway that connects the entire monastery, and were treated to some refreshments and snacks, courtesy of the Orthodox Monks who take care of the monastery. We then had a quick peek at the few modest chapels and caves carved into the rock in this masterpiece of monastic architecture, before heading back down to the bus towards our last top of the day.
We ended where we began, on the lawn of the parish church of Jericho. Friars and guests were treated by the local Palestinian Christian community to a fantastic lunch of grilled meats, Arabic salads (including the obligatory hummus and eggplant spread), and various baked goods. It was a light time of casual conversation, old and new encounters with much good humor and laughter, and the sharing of experiences in many languages: in addition to the lingue franche of the day, Italian and Arabic, one also heard plenty of Spanish, French, English, Hebrew, and other tongues.
In a time of conflict and turmoil in the Middle East, it was a mini-reversal of the Tower of Babel and actualization of the unity and fraternity of Pentecost. This was most visible at the end of the day, when some of the Franciscans got together to sing songs in their various languages. The improvised talent show crowned a day well spent celebrating the beginning of Jesus' ministry and our own participation in the mystery of His life, death and resurrection.
View the photo album of the Franciscan Pilgrimage to the Jordan River
* * * * *
Posted by Sister Florence OSC
Celebrating the Baptism of the Lord with the Franciscans of the Holy Land
The busload of friars left Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem shortly after 8 AM, with a festive atmosphere on board. The attempts of Fr. Artemio Vitores, the Custodial Vicar, to announce the order of the day on the microphone were periodically interrupted by various jokes and songs. After only a half-hour ride, we made a brief first stop at the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Jericho, where the friars and faithful were welcomed by the local civil authorities. Fifteen minutes later, we were back on the bus and heading for the Jordan River.
At the Jordan River
As soon as we arrived, the Franciscans lined up for their ceremonial procession, starting from an abandoned monastery next to the parking lot. The friars led the procession towards the river, walking through the rocky ground in two orderly rows while singing Latin hymns such as "Lauda Ierusalem Dominum" and "Christus vincit". They were followed by the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, accompanied by religious, civil and military dignitaries, and with the faithful closing ranks just behind them.
Once arrived at the shore of the Jordan, the Mass began promptly, celebrated by the Custos. The setting was ideal as we sat in balmy weather under the palm trees, just a few feet away from the water in which Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The reading from the Gospel of Matthew reminded us that this is the place where Jesus' calling and mission were revealed by the Father, when after coming out of the water the heavens were opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon Him, and a voice from heaven said "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Mat 3:17).
When the Custos walked around the crowd, sprinkling the people as a reminder of our baptismal promises, it felt like a unique privilege to be blessed with a few drops of water from the Jordan on this Feast of the Baptism of Jesus. As Fr. Ibrahim, the parish priest of Jericho, reminded us in the homily, our baptism signifies a dying with Christ and rising to new life with Him. The moment was surely especially moving for the parents of the five children who were then baptized by Fr. Ibrahim.
In contrast to the deserted Jordanian shore of the river facing us, just a stone's throw away, the large joyful crowd on our side left no doubt that a festive event was being celebrated.
"It's great to be here, a real privilege" said Brother Mauritius, a Benedictine seminarian who joined the Franciscans for the day. "It was a very nice celebration at the Jordan River, on the day of Jesus' baptism at the place of his baptism."
Fr. Paul, a young Indian priest studying in Jerusalem, echoed him: "I really enjoyed this day, it was really wonderful to see five children being baptized at the same place where Jesus was baptized."
The Mount of Temptation
After Mass, we got back on the bus and headed for the Mount of Temptation, traditionally believed to be the place where Jesus went into the desert after His baptism to be tempted by Satan for 40 days. The hike up to the Greek Monastery, known as Qarantal, protruding from the rock high above Jericho, was not as daunting as it looked from below - a mere 20 minute walk from the parking lot.
At the entrance of the monastery, a Franciscan deacon read the account of Jesus' temptation before we entered for a short visit. We walked through the narrow passageway that connects the entire monastery, and were treated to some refreshments and snacks, courtesy of the Orthodox Monks who take care of the monastery. We then had a quick peek at the few modest chapels and caves carved into the rock in this masterpiece of monastic architecture, before heading back down to the bus towards our last top of the day.
Lunch at the Jericho Parish
We ended where we began, on the lawn of the parish church of Jericho. Friars and guests were treated by the local Palestinian Christian community to a fantastic lunch of grilled meats, Arabic salads (including the obligatory hummus and eggplant spread), and various baked goods. It was a light time of casual conversation, old and new encounters with much good humor and laughter, and the sharing of experiences in many languages: in addition to the lingue franche of the day, Italian and Arabic, one also heard plenty of Spanish, French, English, Hebrew, and other tongues.
In a time of conflict and turmoil in the Middle East, it was a mini-reversal of the Tower of Babel and actualization of the unity and fraternity of Pentecost. This was most visible at the end of the day, when some of the Franciscans got together to sing songs in their various languages. The improvised talent show crowned a day well spent celebrating the beginning of Jesus' ministry and our own participation in the mystery of His life, death and resurrection.
View the photo album of the Franciscan Pilgrimage to the Jordan River
* * * * *
Posted by Sister Florence OSC
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Christmas- Reflection
It is hard to celebrate this Christmas with joy and happiness
because of the tragedy at Newtown, Ct.
The massacre at Sandy Hook School has made us, as a nation, look more deeply it to our own value system.
We are asking questions and offering solutions but when all is said and done we once again are left silent.
The silence that becomes prayer.
That is all we have to offer and maybe in the end as we pass this spirit of pray on to our childrent that is enough. In doing this we may behold the face of this
little Child who took on our flesh , and bore the same pain that we are bearing now. We know Mary, His Mother, held His broken body
when He died at the hands of people who chose to rid the world of this Man, this Man who never sinned.
May the parents find some consolation in Mary's own suffering as a Mother.
May the parents know that we support them with our prayers.May we survive and grow. That is our prayer.
Posted by Sister Florence Vales OSC
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Mary sings- My Soul Magnifies the Lord - As we hurry toward the Coming of Emmauel Let us Sing with Mary.
![The Dangerous, Revolutionary, Subversive Mother of God
Today's Gospel: Luke 1:46-56
We've heard Mary's "Magnificat" so often that I think we may have forgotten its subversive, revolutionary, dangerous power. Her song of praise ("Magnificat" is the first word of the lines in Latin: "My soul magnifies the Lord...") is stunning in its implications.
Consider for a moment these lines:
"[God] has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent away empty."
Got that? The proud, or in another translation of the Greek, the "arrogant in their attitudes of themselves" are scattered, as if they were enemies on the run. Those who feel superior to everyone, those who dominate, those who oppress, are in for a big surprise.
More, says Mary: the mighty are "cast down," or "pulled down" from their thrones, an almost physical tearing away of power by God. And those who are humble are exalted.
And then the most shocking turnabout of all: the hungry, the poor, the beggars, the marginalized, are filled. And not just filled--but filled with "good things" (Greek: agathon) While the rich ones God sends away empty (kenous).
Social justice? Preferential option for the poor? Income redistribution? Yes, yes and yes. And much more than that. An utter reversal of social expectations, a dramatic reordering of society, an ushering in of a new worldview, which comes about with what Luke calls the "rise and fall of many" in his Gospel. This is God's vision, and for those who are tempted to think that the current status quo--where the wealthy oppress the poor, where so many go hungry, and where millions are homeless--is what God desires, think again. If you doubt this vision of the reign of God, don't listen to me: Listen to Mary.
We tend to think of Mary as a docile woman. And indeed she was docile to God, but had the courage to ask a question of the Angel Gabriel and to assent to God's request without needing to ask any men in her life--her father or her betrothed. This is an independent and strong woman who speaks of God's complete reversal of what we have come to think of as "normal."
And if you think Mary's vision for the world is subversive, wait till you meet her son.](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_v2uEOkQ-BpuVcO1BZ0SB2_P95kWWzaBQaCXwTF2u0H-_97FieWptN_Mv32O8e5sgZCC5G7leElseRg8qNbwhD2kkbrZABU9WG6D58bckvXHxWPd8ET2jNF5uyFMba36Q0XA6UCbOVOloTrFxT8qrLKD966J-rKzVPf58yctsS9og=s0-d)
Posted by Sister Florence Vales
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Our Lady of Guadalupe- December 12
Monday, December 10, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Altar of Immaculate Conceptionpainting by Bianchi, 1740
mosaic, 1744-47
mosaic, 1744-47
At St. Peter's Basilica
The Immaculate Conception from Catholic Answers
It’s important to understand what the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is and what it is not. Some people think the term refers to Christ’s conception in Mary’s womb without the intervention of a human father; but that is the Virgin Birth. Others think the Immaculate Conception means Mary was conceived "by the power of the Holy Spirit," in the way Jesus was, but that, too, is incorrect. The Immaculate Conception means that Mary, whose conception was brought about the normal way, was conceived without original sin or its stain—that’s what "immaculate" means: without stain. The essence of original sin consists in the deprivation of sanctifying grace, and its stain is a corrupt nature. Mary was preserved from these defects by God’s grace; from the first instant of her existence she was in the state of sanctifying grace and was free from the corrupt nature original sin brings.
When discussing the Immaculate Conception, an implicit reference may be found in the angel’s greeting to Mary. The angel Gabriel said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28). The phrase "full of grace" is a translation of the Greek word kecharitomene. It therefore expresses a characteristic quality of Mary.
The traditional translation, "full of grace," is better than the one found in many recent versions of the New Testament, which give something along the lines of "highly favored daughter." Mary was indeed a highly favored daughter of God, but the Greek implies more than that (and it never mentions the word for "daughter"). The grace given to Mary is at once permanent and of a unique kind.Kecharitomene is a perfect passive participle of charitoo, meaning "to fill or endow with grace." Since this term is in the perfect tense, it indicates that Mary was graced in the past but with continuing effects in the present. So, the grace Mary enjoyed was not a result of the angel’s visit. In fact, Catholics hold, it extended over the whole of her life, from conception onward. She was in a state of sanctifying grace from the first moment of her existence.
And what is the lesson Mary and the Church teaches us from this Feast.
As Mary surrendered to all in her life so we need to do the same and this comes through prayer, the great means of grace, the sacraments but especially the Eucharist; a love of suffering through accepting what comes our way. This is not easy and seems very ordinary but it is the path of Holiness. Posted by Sister Florence Vales OSC
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Advent 2012- We gather around our Advent Wreath to begin the Celebration of Advent
Sister Miriam, our Abbess, sprinkles holy Water on our Advent Wreath.
The Advent wreath lights up the beginning of this Holy Season. May we also have light to our eyes and peace in our hearts to begin again our preparation for Christmas. Advent is a time to go back to the desert spots in our hearts where we find we are empty and of need of the right kind of fulfillment in our lives. Christ calls us out of this darkness to walk with each other in the light of His coming every day in the present NOW.
Posted by Sister Florence Vales OSC
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Year of Faith
Year of Faith: Oct. 11, 2012-Nov. 24, 2013
"…They called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith..."(Acts 14:27).
In the Acts of the Apostles, we learn that God has opened the door of faith for the early Church.But did you know that God has opened the door of faith for each one of us and he invites us to step through the threshold into a deeper relationship with him.The upcoming Year of Faith is an opportunity for every Catholic to turn towards Jesus Christ, encounter him in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and rediscover the Faith and Church.With his Apostolic Letter of October 11, 2011, Porta Fidei. . . , Pope Benedict XVI declared that a "Year of Faith" will begin on October 11, 2012 and conclude on November 24, 2013. October 11, 2012, the first day of the Year of Faith, is the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. . . (Vatican II) and also the twentieth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. During the Year of Faith, Catholics are asked to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith.
"The 'door of faith' (Acts14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church."
-Pope Benedict XVI, Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei for the Indiction of the Year of Faith.The upcoming Year of Faith is a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world” (Porta Fidei 6). In other words, the Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him. The “door of faith” is opened at one’s baptism, but during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and his Church.
Posted by Sister Florence Vales OSC
Friday, November 9, 2012
Feast of the Dedication of The Basilica of St. John Laternan
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Although many of the major events in Saint Francis’ life are commemorated in Assisi, where we are headed on Monday, we did come across some wonderful tributes to Franciscanism today.
First, we visited Saint John Lateran or San Giovanni in Laterano, the Cathedral of Rome. This is where Saint Francis asked Pope Innocent III for approval to live the gospel life. To Francis, this meant to literally live as Jesus did. The Pope was unsure at first since what Francis asked for was so different. However, he had a dream of a man holding up the Church and he interpreted that man to be Francis. Thus, Francis received oral approval from the Pope. Lateran is also where Francis participated in a pastoral council in 1215 that focused on calling a crusade (which he was against) and a renewal of the Church (in which he played a big role.)
In the front of Saint John Lateran, there is a statue of Francis with his arms in the air. We unfortunately didn’t have time to see for ourselves, but Siena President Fr. Kevin Mullen says that if you walk about a quarter mile past the statue and turn around, it looks as if Saint Francis is literally holding up Saint John Lateran Cathedral.
Posted by sister Florence Vales OSC |
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