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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 🙂
Walk for Life @ SJVC seminary
Today is the annual “Walk for Life” done throughout the US with multiple locations around the Archdiocese of Miami. Our seminary was one of the locations. The day began with Mass with Miami Auxiliary Bishop Noonan with a full Chapel.
don’t be a loser … commit
MASS – (Fr Santos) — Gospel about the beheading of John the Baptist.
There are 3 kinds of people in this world: (1) Runners avoid their problems, (2) Watchers sit on the fence; both avoid pain, hurt and becoming vulnerable when dealing with difficulties of life. They lose out on triumph, victory and joy that (3) Those that Commit have as their reward.
more basketball
SPORTS NIGHT (take 2) — again, Sports Night was delayed … so no volleyball … I “played” basketball again … my calves are rock hard.
coco morning
It’s cold today … even at breakfast! Hot chocolate for sure!
basketball + clean shoes
SPORTS NIGHT — since Sports Night was delayed (HS practice) until 9:30pm, not enough guys for volleyball. The basketball players needed 1 more to make even teams, so I “played” (there must be a better word for what I did).
Beforehand, I finally cleaned those dirty white shoes.
spiritual awareness + God alone suffices
MASS – (Fr Vallee) — No prophet is accepted in his home … Fr Omar laugh … Spirituality is about awareness … stay awake!
HOLY HOUR – (Fr Michael) — “God alone suffices”
So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen. — 1Peter 5:6-11
Haitian food night
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — tonight was Haitian food nite. Great food, especially the pumpkin “freedom” soup!
diet: “More Priests Less #s” week #4
The new diet plan here at the seminary, “More Priest, Less Pounds,” (by Fr Jose Alvarez) is still in effect Week #4. Some guys are getting results. There are a lot more guys working out at our gym (and some local gyms). — I’m starting to feel fat just being around all these health-nuts!
Superbowl Party @ SJVC seminary
SOCIAL — The Sophomore class was in charge of any AWESOME Superbowl Party. Great game. Great fellowship. AWESOME FOOD (so much, I couldn’t take pictures of all if it … missed the chocolate bread pudding & ice cream).
At half-time, they brought out the killer casadias and chicken wings. — “More Priests Less Pounds” diet is suspended tonight … in memory of all this food!
flag football @ SJVCS
SPORTS — before tonight’s Superbowl game, we played some flag-football. — only minor injuries … wrists … knees … pride … etc.
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.
Metro Zoo + Coffee House
RECTOR’s SOCIAL TRIP — This month’s excursion was to Metro Zoo. — A little too cold for me today.
SUPERBOWL SET-UP — lots of cooking happening the last couple days in preparation for tomorrow’s FEAST! — TV setup.
COFFEE HOUSE — Evening @ the Pauline Book Store. Full house until 11pm +.
China Buffet II
nite volleyball
SPORTS — after our Rector’s Conference, there was outdoor volleyball. — Great time.
home for Sunshine?
Tonight, walking thru the neighborhood, a brother seminarian (big B) and I stopped to talk to a neighbor and had a great conversation about the Gospel of John, Samaritans, and resurrection. We also grew quite attached to her dog, Sunshine. She’s a 1 year old mix of Beagle and Pug (a “Puggle“) who needs a home, since the owner can’t take care of her anymore. We’d love to take her, but I figured the complications with that arrangement at the seminary are more headache than it’s worth.
After getting home, I tried brainstorm why we couldn’t have a dog? It could bite someone. It’s probably an insurance liability. Take care of a dog may just add another distraction from formation. Don’t know?
It does bring the sacrifices of community life in better focus. Consideration for the others immediately around us. We sacrifice one want for another need. As ministers, we are called to empower others to care for those around us (even pets) instead of trying to “save” others under our own strength. Give the Spirit the room it needs to work in others … but help get it the spark started. 🙂
La Strada @ classic movie night
CLASSIC MOVIE NIGHT — tonight, we had a showing of the 1953 classic Fellini B&W film La Strada with discussion afterwards. I thought the film was way to simple, predictable, slow and boring. But afterwards, we had an open discussion with Dr Solis, Fr Vallee & Fr Alvarez about the symbolism and meaning behind its “simpleness.” I definitely have a greater respect for fim study after that … I didn’t see any symbols until they were pointed out … I’m too simple-folk. Glad I went!
Bishop Noonan @ Confirmation prep
CCD — Since I’m a catechist for 10th grade Confirmation preparation (@ St Timothy’s), I went to the Confirmation prayer service led by Bishop Noonan. Kids, parents and sponsors prayed together with a very meaningful reflection by Bishop Noonan on Baptism, parents, purpose of marriage, our growth in faith, our call to service, our lives of prayer, and our response in Confirmation. — Awesome … I’m glad I went!
Argentinian food night
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — tonight was Argentinian food nite. Steak, blood sausage, great dessert!
Obama inauguration
We got out of class early in order to watch the historical presidental inauguration of President Obama as our 44th Commander in Chief. Last night’s holy hour was offered up for the country and its near-future during these difficult times of war and economic instability. March for Life is this Thursday … it’ll be interesting to see what President Obama says then … we continue to pray for the Holy Spirit’s divine hand.
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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