Archive
“book” + clay ashtray – “J”
MASS – (Fr Michael) — the main Chapel was FULL today for the “Father & Son” retreat for Columbus High School nearby. I was serving with “Book,” which means a lot to do, but I did alright. The homily was, not surprisingly, about the relationship between Father and Son (with a “clay ashtray“).
NIGHT PRAYER — baseball hats – lost a seminarian today [J]
cross – MVP – goals
MASS – (Fr Santos) — today I was alter serving Mass with the “Cross,” which means I carry the cross, assist with alter preparations and assist with “washing of the hands.” [Note to self: on exit, run before every leaves without me.]
SOCCER — After “Spiritual Direction,” I went out to watch the second soccer game and was crowned “Soccer MVP” for “ball-boy” running all over the back parking lot for soccer balls. I couldn’t stay for the end of the game since “Archdiocese of Miami” brothers had a meeting.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES — today was the deadline for turning in “Personal Goals & Objectives” for this year. We need to set a general “goal” and at least 1 “objective” for each to improve in each of the 4 areas: Spiritual (improve prayer life), Human (be more communal), Academic (improve my Spanish), and Pastoral (assist my brothers more)
Bishop Estevez – name graces – volleyball fix
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — started John Locke’s “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.” Empiricism vs rationalism.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — continued Plato’s Phaedo with “knowledge as recollection” and “the indestructibility of the soul.”
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — finished the Greek handout for our test on Friday.
WORKLIST — in “Sacristy,” I had bathrooms, so I finished pretty quick with time enough to help mop. The tapistry of St Lawrence (hurricane damaged) was also being put up, so I took some pictures up close.
HOLY HOUR — with a small delegation of visitors from a Cuban priest and religious conference in Miami, we were blessed to have Bishop Estevez presiding over Benediction & Vespers. He mentioned some words of wisdom from a formator in seminary that stood out for him. He said we should NAME the graces we receive throughout the day in order to trace our journey with the Lord. — that’s a great idea … like “Connect-the-dots” of grace … I should do that, but I probably won’t stick to it
VOLLEYBALL TONIGHT — I finally got my fix tonight from 9-10pm in the gym. I hope we can have it more regularly (weekly at least).
CONNECT-the-DOTS — (since holy hour🙂 rain … benediction … air conditioning … Bishop’s blessing … good food … table fellowship … quiet study … volleyball … health & safety … refreshing shower … did I mention volleyball? 🙂
Matrix acolyte + Vietnamese food + choir tryouts
MASS – (Fr Joseph) — the homily story was the “2 brothers’ grain exchange,” but more importantly (to me), today was my first time serving as Acolyte. I haven’t been an alter server at Mass since 6th grade 20 years ago … so I was nervous. Since I didn’t have a cassock & surplice, one of my seminarian brother gave me an extra cassock (black robe) he had and I borrowed a surplice (white top) from another brother.
Here’s what I can remember (that I haven’t repressed): everything went well, until I presented Fr Joseph with the water & wine … I forgot to take the tops off! … and had to fumble around on the alter to get them open (--I don’t know how my heart restarted). If that’s not enough … after the Eucharistic prayer, when I tried (important distinction) to get up from kneeling, I forgot to pull up my cassock, slipped (repeatedly) and fell back like Neo dodging bullets in the Matrix. I thought everyone saw me, but later found out few noticed. —learning the hard way.
OLD TESTAMENT – (Fr Michael) — our first test was 36 multiple choice questions. I know I missed the 3 about names of specific Vatican documents (– didn’t see those coming). Then we covered various Biblical translations and the history of our Canonical books of Scripture.
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — Today was “Vietnamese Food Night” — with some Vietnamese carrot cake for dessert?
CHOIR TRYOUT — all new guys were required to tryout for “Escoela,” the choir that practices on Wednesday nights and sings at Sunday Mass and special events. —la-la-lA-LA-LA [I didn’t make it — found out Wed morning — ok by me]
TV — watched the season opener of “The Unit“
John De Rosen – polish artist
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — at the end of class, we went to the St Raphael Chapel to view the outdoor mosaic mural by John De Rosen, a polish artist. His most famous works are at Grace Cathedral (with 8 murals) and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC (with 12 murals).
Our mosaic is themed after the Second Vatican Council in the spirit of ecumenism with Peter (the first pope), surrounded by the 4 churches and includes the bishop coat of arms for Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI, and Archbishop Coleman Carroll (who built St John Vinney College Seminary here in Miami, FL, USA). — beautiful!
In froht of the mosaic are three porcelains by Rafael Consuegra that represent the 3 Archangels Gabriel, Michael and Raphael here @ St John Vianney College Seminary, Miami, FL
TV — watched the season opener of “Heroes.”
silent retreat – fall in love
Today finished our 24 hour “Day of Reflection” with a Vigil Mass at 4:30pm. It was a “silent retreat” that helped us to “retreat” from our busy-ness and be “silent” to listen to what the Lord has to say. Of all the 4 conferences, the line that stood out for me was a quote from the late Jesuit Superior General Fr Pedro Arrupe:
Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love and it will decide everything.
We must fall in love with Jesus Christ first … and that will decide everything else.
Last night’s rain storm filled our “Reflection Pond” enough for a beautiful picture of the entrance grounds. I also spent some time reflecting in some beautiful outdoor areas around the main St Raphael Chapel. (the pictures don’t do them justice)
Buddah + Big Dog + sacristy
MASS – (Fr Vallee) — Today’s Gospel shows how critics saw John the Baptist as crazy and Jesus as a “glutton and a drunkard.” You can’t please everyone all the time. It’s what God thinks of you that matters … not anyone else. Some key phrases … “It’s easier to wear slippers than to carpet the whole world.” & “If you meet Buddah in the road, kill him.”
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — continued Descartes. I think [of other] therefore I am.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — watched a story video on Socrates. Finished “Crito”
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — pgs 17-23. “Forms.” Icons (windows) vs Idols (the end).
WORKLIST & HOLY HOUR — for worklist, I cleaned the sanctuary & mopped the sacristy & some pews in the Chapel. For Holy Hour, Fr Alvarez told a story of “the Big Dog.” (Chris-notes🙂 Big dog was in control of everything except his wagging tail — tried to catch it & control it — little dog gave advice from experience — if you stay focused forward, everything else will follow. — so it is if we focus on Christ.
bronze serpent – Greek – Apology – elections
MASS – (Fr Michael) — Today’s readings echoed the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with the “Bronze Serpent” and popular John 3.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — took the Quiz on the Greek alphabet. Then continued Decartes’ 2nd Meditation. The “self” that doubts is itself beyond doubt. Also need to watch “The Thirteenth Floor” for Monday.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — started Plato’s “The Apology.” — more on those “wiseguys”
ELECTIONS – Today we had our first Student Government meeting with elections of each classes’ Dean and Vice-Dean representative. We also had some open forum time to discuss current issues.
Robert DeNiro – be bread – Tootsie Pop
MASS – (Fr Alvarez) — when preparing for a big movie role, Robert DeNiro would immerse himself into the character for months. As we immerse ourselves into seminary life, we are called to “change” as we grow. Blessed are we if we are open to conversion — open to change. — Amen.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — continued Decartes’ Meditations.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — finished Euthyphro.
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — continued Greek handout pg 6-9.
WORKLIST & HOLY HOUR — today, in “Sacristy” worklist, I cleaned windows. During holy hour, we reflected on a spanish phrase, “un pedazo de pan” — it means something about “being bread” — a phrase that means you’re down to earth and “meet people where they’re at.” It as a great reflection on Jesus and how 
priests (and all Christians) are called to minister.
DINNER — I’m serving this week at a table that likes to make “mixed drinks” (various soda combinations). Today was a drink that tasted just like a Tootsie Pop. It’s Sunkist mixed with chocolate syrup. — it’s good, but more as a stand-alone drink, not with beef. 🙂
Mother Teresa + Sophists
MASS – (Fr Vallee) — at the 10 year anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Fr Vallee noted how newly release letters reveal she experienced long periods of “darkness” when she couldn’t feel God. She would even refer to Jesus as “the absent one” at times. Lately, the media is questioning her canonization with such “revelation,” not realizing all go through such times in the spiritual lives. Even St Augustine, St Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross would echo such experiences. We, just as Mother Teresa, are called to continue through times of spiritual desolation with patience and faithfulness, knowing consolation will come. — even in seminary, I’m anticipating highs and lows.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we covered the resurgence of math and rise of modern science. Notable line: “Psychology is the questionable child of philosophy.”
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we covered the Sophists. — The politics of today has only perfected the art of rhetoric from the Greeks.
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — we continued with some slides of paintings and began reading his 40+ page handout on the Ancient Philosophy period. — The power went out during class and lasted through worklist.
WED WORKLIST — Some of our worklist jobs were changed, but I remained in “Sacristy,” where I dusted pews, organized songbooks and collected some garbage. It was hot (no A/C) but fruitful.
WED HOLY HOUR — We had benediction and silent prayer time, where I used my new St Joseph’s Prayerbook (that I just realized I left in the cafeteria) and found some great prayers “Before the Blessed Sacrament.”
pre-Socratics – Luther – service – Shrine
Monday started out-of-whack without morning Mass (because we’re going to the Shrine tonight). — lots of Laboring done today.
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we continued from the Rhineland Mysticism (late Mid-Ages) through Martin Luther (1483-1546). As I start digesting some of this stuff, my thoughts and slow “question-generator” are interupted by others’ quick comments & questions. I know I’m slow with the processing, but at least Wednesday will be a “question-day.” I need to remember to look-up Meister Eckhart and his doctrines. We got back our True/False Quiz from Friday. 10 out of 15 is not good — but some of those were tricky.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we covered 8 pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales of Miletus, Anaximenez, Anaximander, Heraclitus, Pythagoras, Parmenides, Zeno, & The Atomists (Democritus & Leucippus). We got back out Quiz from Friday. 10 out of 10 — I need to enjoy it while I can … they WILL get harder.
ARTS & IDEAS – no Fr Vallee today, still on Labor Day vaction — must be nice.
MINISTERIAL METHODS – (Fr Michael) — we reviewed the definition of “ministry” and discussed the broader call the “service” that all ministers should have. We were given Colossians 3:12-23 to meditate on throughout is week with Lectio Divina. — what is holding me back from having a true heart of service?
LECTURE AUDIOS – I recorded today’s 3 lectures on my mini digital audio recorder. It took a while to figure out how to convert the big WAV format to MP3, but I finally found a way to normalize & convert to MP3 @ 24kps. I also put copies in a Lecture folder on my Shared Docs in case someone else from class wants a copy.
8pm MASS @ Shrine of Our Lady of Charity – we carpooled for a Mass ending the Novena to Our Lady of Charity. A beautiful spanish Mass in a beautiful shrine. We each received a Papal blessing & picture of Pope Benedict XVI. Trying to understand the spanish homily only reminded me to finish studying for an eleven chapter Spanish test in the morning.
stained glass & blue mop
MODERN PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we continued with Judeo-Christian thought.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY – (Fr Santos) — we continued with Greek thought.
ARTS & IDEAS – (Fr Vallee) — we discussed the stained glass in our Chapel & Cafeteria (I need to take some pictures) as well as slides of various art; including Monet’s Waterlilies, Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Rembrandt‘s Prodigal Son Returns, & DaVinci’s Last Supper.
WORKLIST & HOLY HOUR — today, I was assigned “Sacristy” and mopped the floors again. Lesson learned: Don’t pick the “blue mop,” because the strands loop around and get stuck on anything protruding from the floor under the pews (like edges, screws, etc.). — Even though it’s pretty hot inside the Chapel around 2pm, there’s an extra feeling of satisfaction to cleaning the Lord’s house.
black suit jacket
Since we need to wear our black suits tomorrow for Mass (with Archbishop Favalora), I tried on my suit and realized my jacket is actually a dark grey, not black. So I drove around town to get a “black” jacket to complete my “formal” wear.
Gesu – Bayside – The Invasion
In order to give the returning men room to get settled, the new men took a social trip to downtown Miami via Metro-Rail.
GESU CHURCH — our first stop was 12:05pm Mass at Gesu Church in downtown Miami, the oldest church in the Miami area, established by the Jesuits. It’s a beautiful church and the Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael & Fr Alvarez & (the pastor) Fr Alvarez.
BAYSIDE — afterwards, we walked to Bayside, had lunch and shopped for most of the afternoon. We met at the “big tree,” saw the “One Man Band,” and walked by the “Torch of Friendship” that JFK had made with all the Latin American countries (except Cuba was missing?). — it was hot
EVENING — since the returning men were starting their Day of Recollection retreat tonight, we were kindly asked to “leave the seminary” and not to come back before 11pm — nobody argued with that. Most of us went to the Dolphin Mall to see a movie. Since most of the movies we were interested in were sold out or at late times, I recommended (probably for the last time) “The Invasion,” an aweful movie choice. I don’t expect anyone to take my suggestions after that one. We still had a good time afterwards.
returning students – book sale
ACADEMIC SESSIONS – (Dr Morgan) — today, we had 3 morning session: (1) Humanities review, (2) Documentation guidelines (for writing papers), and (3) intro to the Theology program.
RETURNING STUDENTS — we welcomed the returning seminarians back this afternoon. I have a roommate (a senior) until they move the Pre-Theology guys (me included) out to nearby off-site housing in October. In the evening, we did some fun icebreaker activities to get to know everyone, like the “Sound Partner” game.
BOOK SALE — the book sale is (technically) tomorrow morning, but with large number of guys, some of us got a chance to get our books today. I took a picture of my book for this semester, and there are still some on order.
FIU ropes course
Today, we all spent the day at the FIU Ropes Course to build teamwork. I would have tried some of the harder ropes activities, but I’m still sore from yesterday’s volleyball. — It was a great way to affirm our brotherhood.
I’m here without wireless
I’m finally at the seminary, but they haven’t given us access to wireless internet in our rooms yet, so I’m on the library computer. I have some pictures of my new “crib” and some posts I’ve been writing on my computer, and I’ll try to upload (and backdate them) when I get settled in.
Later.
[update: Sept 10, 2007] I’m slowly adding posts from the first 2 weeks of orientation, New Student Experience, as I have some free time. I’ll backdate them so they stay in order.
“the worst temptation”
Before going to be, I read and meditated on the “Catholic One Year Bible” Passage of the day, which is Proverbs 21:2 … “We can justify our every deed but God looks at our motives.”
From a sermon years ago, I remember it said, “the worst temptation in the world is to do the right thing for the wrong reasons.” I’ve always identified with it and believe it to be true, but when I share the thought, it usually fall on deaf ears with, “that doesn’t make any sense.” I’m not very good at illustrating the statement, but I think this 2-week “New Student Experience” will help us newbies focus on the real “personal” discernment journey we are beginning toward the priesthood. Aside from the fellowship, the quiet times help us to focus on the voice that calls our hearts without the distractions of the everyday.
Our true “motives” should either bring more “joy” (as Fr. Michael said, “rest in the comfort of knowing the Lord is happy you’re responding to his call”) or greater frustration, if our reasons for wanting the priesthood are selfish. — I like it here … I feel at home … as the joy grows, I don’t feel worthy (like I’ve stolen someone else’s place).
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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