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New Miami Archbishop Wenski!
Today was announced that Miami Archbishop Favalora is retiring and the new bishop will be Orlando Bishop Thomas Wenski starting on June 1, 2010. WOW! I’ve been praying for Bishop Wenski for years, with hopes that he would return back to his “home” diocese of Miami. He was an auxiliary bishop here for years before becoming bishop of Orlando in 2004. I don’t think they could have found a better candidate. He has always been a strong advocate for the Haitian community. He’s fluent in Creole, Spanish, English and (of couse) Polish (my background as well). He will be welcomed with open arms by everyone, I’m sure!
I suspect we will see some changes with new Miami Archbishop Wenski, but not right away. From discussion from my fellow seminarian friends from Orlando, I get the impression that Bishop Wenski is a very dynamic bishop that challenges and demands a lot from his priests. Our diocese has challenges, just as all do, so I hope the transition is well received and fruitful without the need to totally “new wine skins.”
“When I was in Orlando, I used to tell the priests that I would not ask them to work harder than I did. To the priests of Miami, I say the same. And priests do work hard – and our people do appreciate that; and, they have every right to expect that: not that we burn ourselves out but that we burn ourselves up with love for them and for the Lord.” — Archbishop Designate Thomas Wenski
Thank you Archbishop Favalora for your loving Fatherhood to us all and welcome home Archbishop Wenski!
God bless & stay holy!
Today’s statement from Miami Archbishop John C. Favalora
Today’s statement from new Miami Archbishop Designate Thomas Wenski
Archbishop Designate Thomas Wenski history (Curriculum Vitae)
Coat of arms for Orlando Bishop Wenski
In this season of Confirmations, here is a great homily by Bishop Wenski at a Confirmation Mass.
Virtus training re-cert.
Tonight I was at Pace High School for re-certification training of my Virtus Facilitator status. I was trained back in 2003 when the Virtus (Protecting God’s Children) Program was begun here in the Archdiocese of Miami. There have been some changes since and I haven’t facilitated a class in years. This training session is tonight and all day tomorrow.
Miami Auxiliary Bishop Noonan was present and gave a great introduction about the programs history, importance and full support. The main training was led by Dr Paul Ashton.
Miami Catechetical Morning 2009
Today was the annual Archdiocese of Miami Catechetical Morning 2009 at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, sponsored by the Office of Religious Education. It drew about 400 catechists from all over the diocese to celebrate our essential ministry as catechist of the Catholic faith.
The morning began with morning prayer and some words of thanks and encouragement from Archbishop Favalora.
The keynote speaker was also encouraging as well as enteraining. Sister Carol Cimino, a Sister of St. Joseph of Rochester and consultant for the William H. Sadlier publishing company. Her talk was titled, “I Know Who You Are and I Saw What You Did.”
At lunchtime, we could browse the various displays of resources from various Catholic companies. Respect Life was well represented as well with lots of resources for all ages. I especially like the poster of “The Facts of Life” and the hand-held figurines of a 3 month old in the womb.
Lunch was tasty and affordable for those that chose to stay on campus. A footlong hotdog or ham n turkey sandwich with chips or “cookie” and drink for about $5-6. During lunch, I also had a close encounter with a butterfly.
After lunch, the second speaker was Sue DeFerrari, retreat director of the Morningstar Renewal Center retreat house in Miami.
There’s a good article on the Florida Catholic website about the event as well.
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).
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! 🙂
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 … 🙂 ]
Miami Jubilee Vespers + Primum Regnum Dei
Tonight, at 4:30pm, the Miami Seminarians were at St Mary’s Cathedral in Little Haiti for Vespers (evening prayer) and a special recognition awards service started by Bishop Carroll called Primum Regnum Dei.
Miami Priest Convocation
Today is the last day of the Miami Archdiocesen Priest Convocation (every 2 years) held at the Hyatt Regency in Weston, FL. The theme coincided with Pope Benedict’s emphasis on the Writing of St Paul this year.
I served morning Mass & prayer with 3 brother seminarians. It was a great experience to see so many priests together in fellowship. The most powerful moment was the prayer of concecration said by the whole room as we celebrated the Lord’s Supper. I wish I could have taken a picture. — I’m blessed to have been chosen to be present and serve.
compline + Our Lady of Guadalupe
In this Jubilee Year of the Archdiocese of Miami, there are 2 paintings of Our Lady of Guadalupe traveling throughout the diocese spend a week in each. This week, St John Vianney College Seminary has one.
As a group, the Pre-Theology seminarians had our regular Thursday night Compline (Night Prayer) before Our Lady. We also did a rosary with the Luminous Mysteries (as the lights of the Chapel got brighter). — brotherhood in prayer before Our Lady … 🙂
Serra Club + alter server Mass
MASS – (Fr Manny Alvarez) — today, I was lector for a special morning Mass honoring the best alter servers in the Archdiocese of Miami by the Serra Club (a great supporter of vocations).
Deacon ordination @ SVdP
Today, we drove up to St Vincent DePaul Major Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL (about an hour+) for the ordination of several Transitional Deacons (Priests next year, God willing) in a beautiful Mass with Orlando Bishop Wenski. They also hosted us for lunch and fellowship.
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)
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.
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).
vocations posters
Found a blog post about efforts to promote vocations using “vocation posters” by Catholic Sensibility. He references an article in the Kansas City Star. The Church has been getting more creative with its efforts … creative posters … blogs … vocation websites (check out Cincinnati’s Vocation website!), but it must foster an “environment of discernment” on the parish level … that’s more affective than any poster.
By the way, we took a group picture with all Miami seminarians back in December for a new “vocation poster,” but haven’t seen or heard about it yet.
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)
rapping priest, Fr Stan Fortuna
Here in South Florida, down the street from my home parish, was a concert featuring Fr Stan Fortuna C.F.R., the “rapping priest.” The evening concert was today @ St. Boniface Catholic Church (8330 Johnson Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024) from 8pm until 11pm. Tickets were $10.00 per ticket. — I didn’t get a chance to go, but I’m sure he was great … I’ve seen him a couple of times already … blessing all he encounters.
Here are some You Tube video with him, if you don’t know him. Lost of video on You Tube … just search “Fr Stan Fortuna.” They don’t really do him justice … you need to see him live.
Faith Fest in South Florida
FAITH FEST 2008 — the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami had a celebration of faith, music and community @ St Thomas University (in Miami Gardens) from 6pm til 12 Midnight. It usually focused on young adults, but everyone was welcome and present. Musically, it featured MATT MAHER & TOM BOOTH with Chris Wills from Radio Peace as MC. The evening closed with Mass and Candlelight Eucharistic Procession with Bishop Felipe J Estevez. Individual tickets were $10 and group discounts were available. Official website @ http://www.freewebs.com/southfloridafaithfest/ — hopefully the beginning of more
Lent + ashes + fast + abstinence
MASS – (Fr Michael) — today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the 40 days of the Lenten season. The homily challenged us to, not only give from our convenience or surplus, but to “give from our want.”
(ARCH of MIAMI) LENTEN REGULATIONS 2008 — The holy season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 6.
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Both Ash Wednesday & Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat for all who are fourteen (14) years and older.
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They are also days of fast (one full meal and two small meals, with nothing eaten between the meals) for adults from twenty-one (21) to fifty-nine (59) years of age.
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All Fridays of Lent are days of abstience from meat for those fourteen (14) years and older.
I found a comedian talking about Lent & Ash Wednesday. — funny
In the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 10:9-16), St. Peter has a vision in which God reveals that Christians can eat any food. So, when we abstain, it’s not because the food is impure; we’re voluntarily giving up something good, for our spiritual benefit.
More info on Lenten fasting & abstinance on EWTN & About.com (fast & abstinence)
Communion & Liberation
COMMUNION & LIBERATION — this morning was a special presentation in St Raphael Chapel here at St John Vianney College Seminary. We had a keynote speaker, Christopher Bacich, leader of Communion and Liberation in the USA, introducing the latest book by founder Luigi Giussani called “Is It Possible to Live this Way?” The lay ecclesial movement, “CL” for short, is worldwide with an active presence here is South Florida. There are regular meetings nearby the seminary, that do small group spiritual readings (from Luigi Giussani’s books) and discuss their faith experiences together. Besides priests (like Fr Chris Marino, spiritual director here & pastor of Visitation Parish) and religious who belong to the movement, the movement has consecrated lay men and women who are committed to lifelong celibacy, known as the Memores Domini, who keep things going (one man lives down the street from the seminary).
The regular group meetings are called School of Community. [from flyers they handed out:] In it, participants learn to perceive the sense of the Mystery, upon which our life depends, and to live the Catholic faith through a companionship within everyday life. Community life is built through the School of Community, a weekly meeting open to everyone (no membership is needed) and held in places such as high schools, universities, parishes or workplaces with study and discussion about a text. The text (the same for all communities around the world) communicates the experiences of Father Giussani’s charism in a systematic form that helps us understand our lives and life of the Church and of the world. In South Florida, here are the current locations for meetings:
For High School students:
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Columbus High School (3000 SW 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33165), Classroom D16, Friday at 4:30pm. Contact Paolo Cazzoletti (paoloc90@hotmail.com).
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St Thomas Aquinas High School (2801 SW 12th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312). Contact Tommy (tmaranges@hotmail.com) or Simone (simone_brusa@hotmail.com).
For College Students & Professors:
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Miami locations to be announced, Friday at 7pm. Contact Luis A. Rivero (pater33@gmail.com).
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Ave Maria University. Contact Brendon Ford (Brendon.Ford@avemaria.edu) or Naomi Amsbery (naomi.ambsberry@avemaria.edu)
For Adults:
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Visitation Parish (19100 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33169) in activity room, Tuesday at 7:30pm. Contact Elena Nunez (evnunez@bellsouth.net).
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NEW School of Community beginning in South West Miami. Location and time to be determined. Contact Eduardo & Martina Stadelmann (martina.stadelmann@gmx.net or 305-495-7597).
More info about Communion and Liberation on Wikipedia, CL USA website and CL international website. Apparently, Pope Benedict XVI has been a supporter of this movement back when he was Cardinal Ratzinger and has his own weekly meetings on Saturdays at the Vatican.
The event ended with a beautiful bi-lingual Mass with Archbishop Favalora, another great supporter of the CL movement, especially here in South Florida. — a great presentation by Fr Chris Marino and guest speaker Christopher Bacich (“Einstein of love”) 🙂
David Tracy + spirituality + philosophy + theology
GUEST SPEAKER — this afternoon, we drove 1+ hour north to St Vincent de Paul Regional Major Seminary in Boyton Beach, Florida for a conference on “Philosophy, Theology and Spirituality” by guest speaker David Tracy. Despite being one of the most respected theologians from the United States, his 2 talks and Q&A sessions were very understandable. The first was on “Philosophy & Spirituality” and the other on “Theology & Spirituality.” I found some more weblinks about him HERE.
I also jotted down some personal notes, but only in a way that I would recognize: Stoics’ exercises of attentiveness … music, writing a paper, learning a language becomes a spiritual experience … we’re challenged by going out of ourselves … all religions say the “ego” is not the solution (probably the problem) … how what I’m thinking affects the way I live … spirituality without philosophy is dead
Walk for Life + shooting
WALK FOR LIFE — this morning, we had a full Chapel for Mass with Auxiliary Bishop Noonan since today was the “Walk for Life” here at St John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, FL. The walking route was basically from the Main Chapel to the front gate around the Reflection Pond (the view from the gate can be seen in my blog header picture at the top looking toward the Main Chapel). Lots of participant, especially kids from local schools. — Great day to support life
DOTS — PsYcHoTiC — “sit” — Second Life — home
CLOSE CALL — on my cellphone, I received a picture of a shooting range target with the text, “Check me out. First time at shooting range!” It wasn’t signed (like most friends do), so I started wondering who would wish me harm, especially since they did pretty good for their first time. After finally tracking the phone source, I was relieved to find it was my sister [or maybe I should be more concerned :)] — close call, my own “Pro-Life” experience!
Family Day + StB
MIAMI FAMILY DAY — today, Archbishop Favalora hosts all the Miami seminarian & their families for a Mass & luncheon. We started the morning with a seminarian group picture in our black suits (for a vocation poster) at ~9:45am. I served as “cross bearer” for the 11am Mass —by the grace of God, I didn’t fall over with that heavy 2-piece cross. The Archbishop have a great sermon including family support and after Mass gave all the servers a “ring blessing.” After Mass, we had a great lunch.
HOME PARISH — later in the afternoon, at my home parish St Bernadette (in Hollywood, FL), I joined the RCIT class for their Christmas party and served with incense with Mgsr Strano.
MOVIE — The Nanny Diaries with Wendy’s & canolli.
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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