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Week 2 @ SSPX Traditional Latin Mass
Week 2 at traditional Latin Mass at Our Lady of Victory, SSPX parish in Davie. Their announcements mentioned that here & their Miami sister parish are growing. Throat blessing after Mass as well. St. Blaise, pray for us. A rooster called out my arriving lateness & double-parking job.
My 1st SSPX Latin Mass, with Candlelight service
My first time at an SSPX 7:30am Mass @ Our Lady of Victory Catholic Chapel. Traditional Latin Mass with a Candlelight service to celebrate the Presentation of Jesus & Purification of Mary in the Temple. Mass began with blessing of candles & procession AROUND THE BLOCK near Griffin Road & Davie Rd Exit. Very reverent procession and Mass. Appropriate homily and no jokes. Just Jesus, salvation history, grace and Mary. Feel very blessed. (and Denny’s after 🙂
Pastor Fr. Fernando Orejuela (A.I.C.) evicts Society of St. Vincent de Paul from St. Boniface Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines, FL
I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it first hand, but the new pastor of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines, FL is making some major changes at his parish. His preoccupation with all the Spanish ministries has left the ignored English-only speaking parishoners (many lifelong and elderly members) to leave their “neighborhood” parish and pilgrimage to other churches.
It’s a different parish than even a few years ago. There has always been a great need for Spanish ministries in the parish neighborhood, but now they make phonecalls to parishoners for donations to buy personal translating devices so English speakers can understand what is being said. I could understand if the parish is a “mission parish” like San Isidro Mission in Pampano Beach, but marginalizing the English speakers is a poor pastoral example.    Â
In the past few days, the pastor wrote a letter to one of their longest working ministries, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Archdiocese of Miami council link), to vacate the premises by the end of the month (10 days away). They need to shut down their parish food pantry to make room for a bigger chapel. Not even meeting with the ministry volunteers, but writing a letter while the ministry head was sick in the hospital, only to return home to an eviction letter from their pastor for a ministry they volunteer their time on a daily basis.
Why would they turn away an independent organization that provides for the needs of the needy (with food, clothing, money, support, prayer, etc.)? Many depend on selfless groups like St. Vincent de Paul for essentials. I hope and pray the parish can continue to meet the needs of the suffering of the parish, while redecorating the rectory with expensive new furniture.Â
I don’t know much about who this new pastor is, but I hope his changes are just a case of poor communication and mistaken perception of his vision and direction for the parish.Â
Pastor Fr. Fernando Orejuela, A.I.C. is a religious priest from the order of La Sociedad de la Inmaculada Concepcion (Society of the Immaculate Conception) from Colombia. He has an active following on YouTube and through Spanish radio/tv shows. The charism of his religious order is:
El Carisma de nuestra Sociedad de la Inmaculada ConcepciĂłn es: “Aceptar, vivir y proclamar el SeñorĂo de Jesucristo, a imitaciĂłn de la SantĂsima Virgen MarĂa en la Iglesia y en el mundo, en orden a la CristofinalizaciĂłn” (Cf. Ef. 1,10)
which I Google translated into:Â “The charism of the Society of the Immaculate Conception is: “Accept, live and proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ, in imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Church and in the world, in order to renew in Christ everything that exists through him in heaven and on earth” (cf. Eph 1. 10)
young adult retreat @ St Vincent DePaul Seminary
First time ever, the seminarians at St Vincent DePaul Regional Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL led a retreat open for young adult of the Palm Beach Diocese. I heard about it through my friends on FaceBook. It was a Spirit-filled retreat … simple schedule … 3 seminarian testimonies … deep small group discussion … Benediction & Adoration … and lots of social time.
Even though I couldn’t stay for the whole retreat, I’m grateful to have been invited and grateful to see by brother seminarians at their finest at “home.”
Hopefully, with their great turnout, they can do more events to not only reach out to the community, but keep vocations on everyone’s minds and prayers!
See the Florida Catholic article that promoted the events.
Here’s some pictures I took of their beautiful chapel on campus:
St Max LIFE TEEN
Went to Mass at St Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines, FL for their evening LIFE TEEN Mass.
Here is a picture of the teens gathered in front of the alter during consecration. I know the picture is dark. During consecration, all the lights are dimmed except the lights over the alter.
Lively homilies and lively music. — Too much drums … my ears are still ringing.
Dedication of Mary mosaic @ SJVCS
Today, at St John Vianney College Seminary, was the highly anticipated dedication of the new mosaic of Mary, the New Eve and Star of the Sea in the one of the chapel gardens around St Raphael Chapel. Orlando Bishop Wenski celebrated Mass and the blessing and dedication of the new mosaic. Artist (and seminarian) Peter Dionne (SJVCS class of 2008) was present along with friend, family and supporters of SJVCS.
Also see picture of mosaic conception through completion and prayer of consecration to Mary.
[these pictures taken by Cliff Whitty, a SJVCS seminarian]
special effects left 4 God
EASTER VIGIL @ Cathedral 8pm — a beautiful and event-filled Mass with lots of pictures (’cause it’s the last time I’ll be serving at it).
 
 
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Sometime during the second reading, the power went out and we had to adjust rather quickly. It was decided to cut out the “bells” (my job) during the singing of the Gloria because it may drown out the singing if the microphones and organ have no power. Aside, Javier predicted the power would come back when I ran the bells. I laughed it off until the power actually DID come back during the singing of the Gloria … so … the lights would have come back during the ringing of the bells! … A wise seminarian reflected on the event after Mass and concluded it was a sign to remind us that “God is in charge of the special effects.” — Amen!  🙂
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Beautiful Mass. The Lord has Risen, Halleluia!
[Note: the last picture fulfills Ryan’s prophecy: “Don’t let Chris take your picture, or it will end up on his blog.” — to complete an evening of fulfilled prophecies … 🙂 ]
last minor serving
CATHEDRAL — Since I’m graduating from St John Vianney College Seminary (minor) in Miami, FLÂ and (God-willing) moving onto major seminary of St Vincent DePaul Regional Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL … I wanted to take a lot of pictures while serving my last “minor” Cathedral Mass on the Easter Vigil.Â
Here is us seminarians getting vested in our cassock & surplice before Mass.
 
As “cross“, my first serving duty was to hold the tray for the Easter Candle blessing. The items included nails, a knife, tongs for the charcoal fire, and a personalized candle for Archbishop Favalora (that Hector had something to do with).
best brownie @ AMHS
The last couple of day, I was with a couple seminarian brother doing vocation testimonies about our journey to the seminary at Archbishop McCarthy High School (AMHS). I’ll do another post about the actual talks, but wanted to post some pictures on the beautiful campus that I took walking around, most especially their new cafeteria.
Their chapel, in the center of the campus, has morning Mass everyday with Fr Chris Bartos @ 7:20am. The chapel is absolutely beautiful [I posted more pictures of it during the summer when I was working with the summer school “Work Study Program”].
Their cafeteria was just finished and opened back in September and has an amazing selection of “5 star” food [with some “5 star” prices … according to some kids], but is definitely a experience. Subs, wraps, pizza, chicken, salads, desserts and lots more that I forgot. Personally, I had their pizza one day and a turkey wrap the next … both delicious. But what I will never forget … is the softest, moistest, chocolateyness, most delicious BROWNIE EVER!!
P.S. Sorry Nick … for catching you in all the pictures 🙂
Our Lady of Lebanon Church + Maronite Rite, Miami
Today we had Mass at Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church in Miami, of the Maronite Rite. The liturgy was structured a bit differently. My favorite part is the prayer of consecration said in the original Aramaic (that Jesus spoke) and Communion is distributed under both species, the Body dipped into the Blood and given on the tongue.
After Mass, we were warmly welcomed by the parishoners in their hall with lots to eat. As visiting was a Rector of a seminary in Lebanon. Since priest of the Maronite Rite can be married, we discussed some of the pros and cons with married vs celibate priests and dating in the seminary … among other things.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mass @ St Agnes
Tonight we were invited to the evening Youth Mass at St Agnes Catholic Church in Key Biscayne, FL nearby. A beautiful parish with a loving faith community. We lectored, ushered the collection and spoke to several parishoners after Mass. — afterward, Doral Ale House : )
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Prayer for Our New Church
Come Lord, lead our parish on the journey we have begun. Send forth Your Spirit to guide our choices and decisions. Remind us that we are the Church, not bricks and stones, but a community united in faith. May Jesus be our cornerstone, and may our love for You be reflected in all we say and do. We ask this through Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You forever and ever. Amen.
DOTS:Â St Katherine Drexel Mass … car alignment … Hometown Buffet
Notre Dame Haitian Mission
Tonight was another stop of a 2 week pilgrimage in the Archdiocese of Miami of a monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II to encourage vocations, especially in this Golden Jubilee year.  Today at 7:30pm, I joined a few haitian seminarians and our Vocation Director Fr Manny Alvarez at Notre Dame Haitian Mission parish for an evening of praise and worship with benediction & adoration before the visiting vocation monstrance. It was very Spirit-filled 3 hours with the vocation testimony of Fr Alvarez and anointings with sacred chrism. — an awesome night (with lots of holy water)
 
 
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic giftshop in Hollywood, FL
I went to 6pm Mass at my parish of St Bernadette Catholic Church in Hollywood, FL. While I was there, I browsed around our giftshop called “Our Lady of Lourdes Giftshop.” It keeps getting better and better. Here are some pictures, but they don’t do it justice. They’re open after all Masses (Sat 4pm, Sunday 7:30am, 9am, 10:45am, 6pm) and located at 7450 Stirling Road in Hollywood, FL 33024. — if you go, tell Michelle you saw it here!
 
 
 
 
Little Flower Catholic Church in Hollywood, FL
About 1 Sunday each month, all of us seminarians here at St John Vianney College Seminary visit a different parish of the Archdiocese of Miami. Our Rector started the tradition last year and I thinks it’s a great idea. It exposes us to different parish life as well as makes us visible to the community as a living vocation poster.
 
 
Today, we all drove up to my ‘hood to Little Flower Parish in Hollywood, FL. (My parish of St Bernadette is also in Hollywood.) The pastor Fr O’Dwyer was one of the priest how interviewed me during my seminarian application last year. The parish was very inviting and provided great food after Mass with lots of conversation with parishoners. I even found a family to practice my Polish with. — Definitely, a great tradition I hope we continue.Â
 
 
 
CCD @ St Catherine of Siena
Since we’ll be assigned “apostalic work” next year, we’re observing other fellow seminarians in different current assignments for the last few Mondays of the semester. Today, I observed an 8th grade CCD Confirmation class at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Miami, not too far from the seminary.
We were greeted by Pastor Fr Sosa and served an awesome dinner. (Patricio’s Monday meatloaf will have to wait.) His dog was also very friendly. — the class went great!
A week before Easter, the parish church building was set on fire by a couple local teenagers. About one million dollars in damage. While repairs are being done, Mass is done outside under the overhang area of the church entrance. — We’ll definitely keep them all in our prayers.
 
 
 
 
Miami vocation monstrance pilgrimage begins
Today begins a 2 week pilgrimage in the Archdiocese of Miami of a monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II to encourage vocations, especially in this Golden Jubilee year.  It starts today at the Cathedral and travels to a different parish each day, ending on Sunday April 20 here at St John Vianney College Seminary. (flyer with all location here — pdf Acrobat file)
Today at 4pm, we were at St Mary’s Cathedral for Vespers (Night Prayer) with benediction & adoration with the visiting vocation monstrance. A great sermon by Archbishop Favalora with a memorable exit (wave).
carnival clean-up
I helped with clean-up efforts to “take down” my parish carnival booths at St Bernadette Catholic Church in Hollywood, FL. With only about a dozen people, it took all day and there’s still more to do. The occassional rain didn’t help either. Anyway, great work … I’ll feel it all week … came home a lobster. — It’s nice to be working with the same workers that I did back in 8th grade (for service hours), but that was 15 years ago … where’s some fresh blood.
 
 
Parish Carnival
On my first real day of mid-term break, I spent some time at my parish of St Bernadette Catholic Church in Hollywood, FL. This weekend we’re having our annual Mardi-Gras themed Carnival (our biggest fundraiser). These pictures were actually taken Sunday night (when it rained), but most of the weekend had good weather and a good turn out.
 
 
Pope + Lourdes + grotto = plenary indulgence
Since my home parish of St Bernadette Catholic Church has a grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, visiting and praying at the grotto between Feb 2-11, 2008 qualifies for a special Papal plenary indulgence to encourage renewed holiness, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the appearance of Mary to St Bernadette Soubirous near Lourdes, France.Â
An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment (in this world and in purgatory) due for sins committed. A plenary indulgence is the remission of all punishment. This is a tremendous gift from the Pope. To receive the indulgence, one should say the Our Father, Apostle’s Creed and the Hail Mary at the grotto along with a prayer for our Pope’s intentions and go to confession before Easter Sunday.
For more info & details, see article at Catholic News Service (CNS).
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Thank you Jesus for your mercy and the Holy Catholic Church you have left us … with the treasury of your merits. May Our Lady continue to lead us to her Son, Jesus! Amen.
SJVCS Seminary Life Album
July '09 -- hospital chaplains @ IPF
Easter '09 -- Miami SJVCS friends
the Son always finds a break in let the clouds
Feb '09 -- school vocation talks @ AMHS
Feb '09 -- cold breakfast with brothers (Matias, Fenly & Randy), now at SVDP and Imad (at SJVCS)
Superbowl '09 -- eating great @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- Worklist Coordinators?
St Raphael Chapel mural @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- retreats @ SJVCS
"It's not easy being green"
Catholic Kermit 
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