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.
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).
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.
Confirmation Retreat revisited
Back at my home parish, the 8th grade Confirmation kids (some were my CCD kids from last year) had an evening of reflection as a follow-up to their 2-day Confirmation Retreat last month [my previous blog post about it]. The schedule was pretty simple. After 6pm Mass (which I served at), pizza on the deck, a great skit (see pictures) about Jesus bridging the gap in the face of temptations, a personal witness talk by a teen, small group debrief (“What’s happened since the Retreat?”), and some large group reflections (that I couldn’t stay for) to close. The kids definitely wanted to be there. A great sign of their Confirmation journey.
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
soldier charity + Catholic teacher + A River Runs Through It
MASS – (Fr Alvarez) — today is the feast day of St Jerome Emiliani. He was a soldier who left the military life to pursue great acts of charity, especially in caring for the sick in hospitals, the poor and children in orphanages. — his life resonates with me, especially with my past interest in the military (in which health concerns removed)
FIELD TRIP — for our Ministerial Practicum class, in the afternoon, we went to a local Catholic school to observe the teaching styles and techniques in order to prepare our own lesson plans. I was in a 7th grade English class at Immaculate Conception Catholic School and, embarassingly, couldn’t answer some of the questions my self. — when do you use who or whom?
MOVIE NIGHT — after dinner, the Humanities Department sponsored a movie night featuring A River Runs Through It with great discussion afterwards. — I didn’t get that deep into the movie, but after discussion, I have a greater appreciation for its subtle lessons and observation on life’s journey.
biggest Catholic secret + Modern Day Moses (song)
In Contemporary Philosophy class, our latest discussions have always come back to the treatment of the poor and ignored people in society. Karl Marx‘s Communist Manifesto seems to over-emphasize the poor in his philosophy while Adam Smith‘s The Wealth of Nations seems to minimize them. Fr Santos constantly compared & contrasted Communism with Captitalism with Catholic Social Teaching. He also reminded us of the Catholic Church’s greatest kept secret, the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church that highlights the social teachings of the Church. It’s a great read and good for spiritual reading. [text available on Vatican website here]
As I was seaching YouTube, I also found a video for a song that fits my reflections today. It’s another song by Kendall Payne (one of my favorite Christian vocalist). It’s not that well known, but is probably my favorite of hers to date. It’s off her first album Jordan’s Sister, called “Modern Day Moses.” Here’s the lyrics:
a modern day Moses, waking the streets
with shouts of glory, blistered feet
he’s met the maker, he’s met the reason he’s alive
and he’s on fire inside
a modern day mother, living in the slums
feeding the hungry, making sure the race gets run,
always asking if we fought with steady feet
she fights on her knees
let my people go (4x)
a modern day Martin in a world of civil words exchange
but dreaming bigger, thinks maybe he could make a change
he’s heard the stories, he wants some of his own
and he’s not alone. (no, no, no ...)
[chorus]
(bridge)
the time is not the moments here,
walk in faith or stand in fear
change the course of history,
did you ever think, no one ever though
— who would have believed?
a modern day Me, what have i become, what can i be?
if there is greatness out there to be achieved
i want to be more than someone who just passes through this life
i want to stand up for what is right
[chorus]
The YouTube video (above), featuring Kendall Payne’s song Modern Day Moses, is just a collage of scenes from 7th Heaven of people that the Camden family has helped over the years. I’ve never been a big 7th Heaven fan, but charity is a great running theme for this post, so it’s ok here! 🙂
summer migrant ministry in VA
A speaker from the Office of Migrant Ministry in Richmond, Virginia came to the seminary today to invite us for a summer pastoral ministry position in Virginia. Here are some details from their flyer …
Office of Migrant Ministry works with local parishes to extend the church’s pastoral presence to migrant farm workers and their families particularly on the Eastern Shore and in Southside Virginia. The office networks with local agencies to meet the social service needs of migrant farm workers and advocates for social policies to protect and promote their rights. Phone: (757) 787-7862. PO Box 584, Accomac, VA 23301. Coordinator: Mr. James R. Albright
SUMMER PASTORAL MINISTRY position available: You can serve through Pastoral Outreach amongst farm workers and their families in rural Virginia. An opportunity to be the “welcoming” presence of the local Catholic Church and to be the bridge that connects the migrant farm workers and the local community. Work with parish volunteers to help provide access to liturgies, sacraments and needed social services and advocacy.
PRE-REQUISITES:
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Be a practicing Catholic, possessing knowledge, understanding and positive regard for the Faith
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Be a Spanish speaker
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Possess a valid driver’s license & good driving record
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Have interpersonal, organizational and good communication skills
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Be self-motivated and successful at college level responsibilities
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Be able to work as a team and work with volunteers
TIME COMMITMENT: from 9 to 12 weeks (depending on one’s availability & ministry needs) beginning after mid-May and running through mid-August. A significant amount of time will be spent visiting people at their homes in the evening. One is expected to minister at least five days (about 20 hours) and six evenings (about 18 hours) per week.
FINANCIAL & SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS: the following will be provided: (may vary — call for details)
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vehicle & travel expenses for ministry related travel
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local housing and parish office support
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a weekly stipend (~$300)
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airfare to Virginia
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(not provided) workers are expected to buy & prepare their own food
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(not provided) workers must maintain their own medical insurance for medical needs not related to employment
— I would probably be interested if my Spanish was better
FF5 + Replace Me (song)
While drivin’ around today in my mobile stereo, I kept replaying a song by the Christian rapcore group Family Force 5 called “Replace Me.” I kept singing/screaming the chorus that echoed what seminary formation feels like, so far … to be formed into what God wants … “crush me, tear me, break me, mold me, make me what You want me to be.” — Here’s the lyrics:
My Batteries died sometime ago (wuh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh)
I gotta heart-shaped box where they must go (wuh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh)
Corrosion’s building everyday
My flesh is leading me astray that’s why I started to decay and I will slowly rot away but I can’t feel that anyway
This heart it wants to beat, These lungs they want to breathe
These eyes they want to see, Gotta mouth that wants to sing …
Desperation, Needing You, Every last breath, I scream for You
Shatter me into a million pieces … Make me new
Crush me, tear me, break me, mold me, Make me what You want me to be
I am Yours for You to use, so take and replace me with You
Needing more than just a jump start to get me through
My disconnection is now the issue…..
(rap) I miss my First Love bad and its driving me mad
Just like a mixed up crazy person out of his head
Its been a long long time I’ve been on the decline
I do an a-bout face so I can be replaced, 180
This heart it wants to beat, These lungs they want to breathe
These eyes they wants to see, Gotta mouth that wants to sing
(des, des, des) [chorus]
One for the body, Two for the soul,
Three to get ready, Now go go go
Replace me with You!!!
(replace me with You!)
Desperation, Needing You, Every last breath, I scream…
[chorus]
— I also added the song (on YouTube) above, but BE WARNED … it’s pretty hardcore for all you John Michael Talbot fans 🙂
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)
St Brendan chapel + SJV chapel
After a long evening walk with some seminarian brothers, we stopped at St Brendan’s Catholic Church adoration chapel since it’s next door to the seminary grounds. Actually, last September 2007, this adoration chapel was the site of an alleged sillouette of the Holy Family on a white tapistry. The sillouette was cast by a shadow from a candle. The alleged event lasted a few day and even made it in the local Miami Herald. — this is my first time in the beautiful chapel myself.
I also took a picture a few days ago of one of our seminary adoration chapels on campus here at St John Vianney College Seminary. It’s located upstairs at the end of the hall of the seminary dormitory. — a great place to spend time with the Lord
the NAC seminary in Rome
Tonight, after dinner, we had a presentation about The Pontifical North American College seminary in Rome. A priest (formation leader) from Rome showed a great video and answered questions about “the NAC.” When Bishops in the US see potential charism in mature seminarians & priests, they occasionally send them to continue their formation in Rome, usually studying in specific programs that Bishops see a need for in their diocese.
As a new Pre-Theology seminarian here in little old St John Vianney College minor seminary in Miami, Florida, it was all new to me and very interesting. For the first 2 years, you don’t leave Rome. Many of the classes are in Italian. It sounds like a great opportunity and gift to be chosen, but is a big change and quite intimidating. That’s probably why they select men who are mature and fairly sure of their priestly vocation for such a big step. Their website is @ pnac.org.
Coincidently, a few days ago, I found a blog of Ted Martin, a seminarian of Kalamazoo, Michigan that is currently in his first year of theological studies at the Gregorian University living at the NAC in Rome. He’s got some great pictures of his experience in the Vatican. His blog is @ theodoremartin.blogspot.com — I’ll definitely check it out every now and then.
Chinese New Year food night — Sr Ann May
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — tonight was Chinese Food Night, especially since the Chinese New Year in of Feb 7th. Lots of great food and lots of work. We were entertained by a video of Chinese dancing and singing and after dinner, 2 of our seminary student sisters (Daughters of St Paul) performed a traditional Chinese dance. The sad part of the evening, however, was the announcement that Sr Ann May is being transfered to Philadelphia after our mid-semester break in 2 weeks. — we’ll definitely miss her and keep praying for her 😦
touchdown + Superbowl party
TOUCH FOOTBALL — this afternoon, we played some 6-on-6 touch football in the spirit of Superbowl Sunday. Not to brag, but the game ended with our victory 5-1 with my final touchdown. — fun, but I’ll definitely feel it tomorrow
SUPERBOWL PARTY — great BBQ ribs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, half-time wings, lots of deserts and a great game on the big screen & big sound. — nice!
new desk chair
Finally broke down and bought a new desk chair from Staples for my room. The artsy chair that comes with our comfortable housing was very uncomfortable for my back, but I still put it to good use.
cute videos + Psalm 23 girl + Mom overture
FUN VIDEOS — I found some cute & funny christian videos from GodTube & YouTube that I have to post.
(video) PSALM 23 GIRL — reciting Psalm 23 as only a child can tell it … adorable!
(video) MOM OVERTURE — “The Mom” song, sung to the William Tell Overture, by Anita Renfroe at a “Women of Faith” Conference. What a mom says in 24 hours, condensed into 3 minutes! Hilarious and talented! Lyrics for “The Mom Song” are on its YouTube page.
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”) 🙂
prayer + Kendall Payne
A great song by Kendall Payne (one of my favorite Christian vocalist) that focuses on what real prayer is all about, appropriately titled “Pray” from her latest album, “Grown.” Light guitar, soft vocals, profound meaning, worth posting:
I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends,
While the road we walk is difficult indeed.
I couldn’t not ask for more than what you’ve already been,
Only that you would say these prayers for me.
May your heart break enough that compassion enters in,
May your strength all be spent upon the weak.
All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head,
May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet.
May you find every step to be harder than the last,
So your character grows greater each stride.
May your company be of humble insignificance,
May your weakness be your only source of pride.
What you dooo unto others,
May it all be done to you.
May you meeeet the One who made us,
And see Him smile when life is through.
May your bleeessings be many,
But not what … you hoped they’d be.
And when you looook upon the broken,
May mercy show you what you could not see.
May you never be sure of any plans you desire,
But you’d learn to trust the plan He has for you.
May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire,
May you fight with all your life for what is true.
I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends,
But what I wish is more than I could ever speak.
As the way wanders on I’ll long to see you once again,
Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?
Oh, that you would praaay for me.
She tell the story of a man asking Mother Teresa to pray for him. Check it out …
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
Pre-Theology fajitas
DINNER — tonight was our first time hosting dinner for all the Pre-Theology seminarians (13 of us) with the Rectory (Fr Michael) and Vice-Rectory (Fr Alvarez). We had appetizers with wine, cheese, crackers, etc and cooked fajitas for dinner with flan for desert. — great night
Luke + Acts + Filipino food
NEW TESTAMENT – (Fr Michael) — Gospel of Luke & the Acts of the Apostles. Compared parables of the synoptic Gospel books.
CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — today was Filipino Food Night. Their food culture is a mix of Asian, Spanish & America. — Delicious everything … egg rolls & salsa were addictive!
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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