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graduate graces
NIGHT PRAYER — our seminary rector asked each class to have their own Night Prayer this week with group reflection on the graces that we’ve been blessed with. Tonight was the graduating class (Seniors + Pre-Theology year 2) in the McCarthy House Chapel. It wasn’t only great to express thanksgiving for graces I’ve noticed (especially in my 2nd year of formation), but to hear the graces that others have noticed helps me to recognize other graces that I’ve also received, but unable to “name” or appreciate. It was yet another grace-filled event in seminary.
Thank you, God bless you, and be holy!
DOTS — “Evangelicals” club @ World Religion class … graces of sacraments @ Pre-Theology seminary … gato y abuela @ dinner … freshly baked cookies afternoon + evening
Adoration + “my life prayer”
HOLY HOUR – (Fr Michael) — for my communal Holy Hour (adoration of Blessed Sacrament), I usually start personal pray with the “Litany of the Blessed Sacrament.” Afterwards, I felt drawn to find another prayer in my “St Joseph People’s Prayer Book” that was more personal. I found …
[#366] Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
My Jesus,
I thank You for having bestowed on me so many graces:
for having created me,
redeemed me by Your Blood,
made me a Christian by the Sacrament of Baptism,
and borne with me for so long
when I was under Your displeasure.
How unhappy should I be
if I had died in the state of mortal sin!
I should now be lost forever, O my God,
and I could no longer love You.
I thank You
for having pardoned me in Your mercy,
as I confidently hope.
I thank You especially
for having remained with us in the Blessed Sacrament,
for giving Yourself so often to me in Holy Communion,
becoming my food,
and for admitting me now into Your presence.
I thank You for all these favors,
and I hope one day to thank You more perfectly for them in heaven,
and to celebrate without ceasing Your ineffable mercy for all eternity.
AMEN.
I like the prayer, but like with most written prayers, I want to change some words or add my own. I think I’m going to keep revising this prayer to slowly create a unique “My Life Prayer” that can help me come before the Blessed Sacrament in my own Holy Hours. I’ll try to post as I do. God bless & be holy!
CCD: Christian music
APOSTALIC WORK — Today in 10th grade CCD class, we tried to review some things we’ve discuss so far by adding some discussion on application. We used some mainstream Christian songs and studied their lyrics to bring a Christian perspective to practical life issues. Here are the songs we used …
Life, sin, shame, forgiveness … “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot
Heaven … “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe
Effectiveness of prayer … “This is a Call” by Thousand Foot Krutch
Dating relationships … “Gone” by TobyMac
Parable of the Lost Sheep (Mt 18:10-14) … “Leaving 99” by Audio Adrenaline
CCD + BAPTiSM + 5 finger prayer
Tonight’s CCD class (religious education) was on “Prayer.” We used a PowerPoint slide show I made a couple years ago to profile the different types of prayer. I used an acronym I made up using BAPTiSM:
B A P T i S M =
B = Blessing (to invoke God’s power for a person, place or activity)
A = Adoration (the “created” before the Creator)
P = Praise (glorify God)
T = Thanksgiving (gratitude)
i = Intercession (I ask God for OTHERS) + Petition (I ask God for ME)
S = “Sorry” (ask for forgiveness)
M = Meditation (tuning into God)
When discussing Intercession, I suggested using the “5 Finger Prayer” that I personally like using:
5 FINGER PRAYER =
Thumb – Pray for those nearest you such as your family, parents, siblings, spouse, children, friends and co-workers.
Pointing Finger – Pray for those who instruct, heal and minister such as teachers, health care professionals, pastors and church workers.
Middle/Highest Finger – Pray for leaders in business, police and fire departments, military personnel, and local, state and federal government including the judiciary.
Fourth/Weakest Finger – Pray for those sick and in need, locally, nationally and internationally including the persecuted church and those who have suffered natural and man-made disasters.
Fifth/Smallest Finger – Pray for your needs.
puzzling life + guardian angels
MASS – (Fr Alvarez) — Life is like a puzzle. When we’re young, it has big pieces and the picture is easy to put together. As we get older, however, the pieces get smaller, more numerous and the picture gets more complicated. We can only get so far on our own. We start struggling through confusing pieces, forcing pieces, missing pieces and trying to do too many puzzle at the same time. Eventually [hopefully], we acknowledge our need for help to see the bigger picture of our individual lives that God has planned for us.
Discovering God’s Will for our lives is what each of us should strive for daily. That’s better said than done however. When we have an “extra challenging” calling to a possible vocation, therefore, the busyness of our lives demands a extra-ordinary move to “remove yourself” to more intense “discernment” process like the seminary here. Am I called the the priesthood? the religious life? permanent diaconate? married life? single life? Even in the seminary, however, there come distractions that keep you from exploring the question honestly with yourself. I guess that’s why we have Spiritual Directors to help clarify your personal puzzle while the Seminary Formation Team help your puzzle grow into its fullest potential, assuming everyone involved is looking at the right picture. Discernment and formation may sound simple and easy, but I don’t think either word should be used if the puzzle is truly taken seriously … serious enough to stop calling it a puzzle … and embrace it as “MY LIFE” that God drew just for me … with images I don’t want to see … that the Lord reveals as I become open to accept … and ultimately live for His glory … knowing it brings joy … while short-sightedly focusing on the fuzzy gaps that fear clouds in doubt. [this last line took an hour to write]
Today’s feast day for “Guardian Angels” reminds me of yet another voice I have access to but don’t give an ear to often enough. Here is the Guardian Angel Prayer:
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side,
To light and guard, Rule and guide.
Amen.
“From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their (the angels) watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united to God.” — from the Catechism of the Catholic Church; 336.
DOTS — Rector’s Conference on “Obedience” — VP debate in HD
CCD + free will + Bruce Almighty + prayer
Today in 10th grade CCD we did “free will” and prayer using clips from Bruce Almighty. We had a great debate of “free will” verses God’s “all-knowing” nature. Also discussed angels, being that today is the feast of the Archangels. It was a great day!
Here are most of the clips on “Free Will” from Bruce Almighty:
Another clip from Bruce Almighty:
Divine Mercy Sunday
MASS – (Fr Rios) — homeless couselor … as seminarians, we shouldn’t get too “sophisticated” in our spiritual lives (by forgetting traditions & devotions) … Sacred Heart of Jesus … honesty in spiritual direction helps you and the Church.
Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. I found some great YouTube videos that trump anything I could write about Divine Mercy & Sr Faustina (POLISH nun).
http://thedivinemercy.org/
http://www.marian.org/divinemercy/
http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy
http://www.our.homewithgod.com/divinemercy
Below are some YouTube links with the prayer of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with lot so pictures to reflect on. Same prayer, but different compilations. Lots more available … these are my favorites.
Background on Sr Faustina & Divine Mercy
Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song (version #2)
Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song (version #1)
Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song (long version)
Chaplet of Divine Mercy (part 1 of 2)
Chaplet of Divine Mercy (part 2 of 2)
Chaplet of Divine Mercy (3pm daily prayer)
Prayer for the Grace of Letting Go
At Mass today, Fr Santos reflected on a great prayer:
Loving God, I give you thanks for having called me to this great and wonderful adventure called seminary life.
While my heart is filled with joy and my spirit with great excitement, I am slowly discovering that this path I have chosen asks that I give up many things which have already become part of my life.
And let me be honest with you, I’m not finding it easy at all.
It is not always easy to let go of what I’ve gotten used to, Lord.
It’s difficult to let go of late night outings with my friends instead of studying.
It’s difficult to let go of mornings when I can stay in bed instead of going to prayer.
It’s difficult to let go of the good food I enjoy at home.
It’s difficult to let go of the freedom to go wherever and do whatever I please.
It’s difficult to let go of my friends, especially that girl whom I like so much.
It’s difficult to let go of those moments when I choose to be by myself instead of having to deal with others in community.
It’s difficult to let go of my biases, prejudices, and ideas that give me comfort and security.
It’s difficult to let go of many more things, old habits really die hard.
This new life scares me at times too.
How do I know all this letting-go will bear fruit?
How do I know that giving up all these things will result in my becoming happy with the path I have chosen?
How do I know that letting go of my former ambitions and dreams will really allow me to give my life entirely to you?
How do I know that all this sacrifice will make a good priest out of me?
How do I know that I will not fall later on and cause pain and sorrow to your church?
How do I know that this is your will for me and not something I merely imagine?
Speak, Lord, your servant listens.
Let me put my trust completely in you.
Allow me to see that though the initial stage of my journey
may be dark, difficult, and uncertain,
your presence is more that enough to calm my fears,
to lighten my burden, and to give me the strength and courage
to stick to this path that I have chosen,
in the firm conviction that you who have called me asked me
to let go of many things that have given comfort and security to my life
will give me in their stead, the greatest consolation there can be:
the knowledge that wherever I go, whatever happens, whomever I become,
you will always be there to love, guide, and protect me.
— Amen.
prayer Litany of the Blessed Sacrament
Today, at Holy Hour (before the Blessed Sacrament with benediction & adoration), I was praying the Litany of the Blessed Sacrament and meditated on some descriptions of the Blessed Sacrament that stood out (and haven’t heard much of). [full litany at catholicdoors.com]
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Corn of the elect,
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Wine whose fruits are virgins,
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Memorial of the wonders of God,
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Super-substantial Bread,
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Heavenly Antidote against the poison of sin,
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Medicine of immortality,
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Bread made flesh by the omnipotence of the Word,
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Sacrament of piety,
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Priest and Victim,
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Spiritual Sweetness tasted in its proper source,
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Pledge of future glory
Also, a petition in the litany … “That You would preserve and increase our faith, reverence, and devotion toward this admirable Sacrament” … we beseech You, hear us.
Virgin of hope
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Rector posted the following on his bulletin board. The prayer below was offered by Pope John Paul II at the conclusion of the rosary, during his final pilgrimage to Lourdes in August, 2004:
Hail Mary, poor and humble Woman,
Blessed by the Most High!
Virgin of hope, dawn of a new era,
We join in your song of praise,
to celebrate the Lord’s mercy,
to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom
and the full liberation of humanity.
Hail Mary, lowly handmaid of the Lord,
Glorious Mother of Christ!
Faithful Virgin, holy dwelling-place of the Word,
Teach us to persevere in listening to the Word,
and to be docile to the voice of the Spirit,
attentive to his promptings in the depths of our conscience
and to his manifestations in the events of history.
Hail Mary, Woman of sorrows,
Mother of the living!
Virgin spouse beneath the Cross, the new Eve,
Be our guide along the paths of the world.
Teach us to experience and to spread the love of Christ,
to stand with you before the innumerable crosses
on which your Son is still crucified.
Hail Mary, woman of faith,
First of the disciples!
Virgin Mother of the Church, help us always
to account for the hope that is in us,
with trust in human goodness and the Father’s love.
Teach us to build up the world beginning from within:
in the depths of silence and prayer,
in the joy of fraternal love,
in the unique fruitfulness of the Cross.
Holy Mary, Mother of believers,
Our Lady of Lourdes,
pray for us.
Amen.
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 …
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.”
whitewater trip tomorrow
Tomorrow night I leave on a road trip with 3 friends for 2 days of whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River (from the movie “Deliverance“) in Georgia. Since I’ve only done it once (back in 2002) and I haven’t rafted in over 2 years, I’m ready for a hurtin’. Just look at the pictures from last time (I’m the one falling out, of course). I hope the seminary is wheelchair accessible. I’ll be back Monday night.
(possibly final) Note: — if things go “well” (& I see Jesus), I’ll be waiting for everyone (you know who you are) in heaven (or I’ll hold a place in line in purgatory for ya) so “I’m sorry” (if I should be) and “be holy” (so I’m not waiting for eternity for ya) … love … Catholic Kermit!
military prayers
In the July edition of the Knights of Columbus monthy Columbia magazine, I found a 64-page Catholic prayer booklet called, “Armed with the Faith: A Catholic Handbook for Military Personnel.” It features traditional prayers, devotions, hymns, catechism and more. The military version is a 5×7-inch waterproof and tearproof booklet. The civilian version is on paper and can be downloaded here in Acrobat pdf format (333 KB). It’s available directly from the Knights. I also found it available for only $1 at an online Catholic store called GodSpace.biz. I might just have to get these for our Confirmation kids next year. — but I want one first!
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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