"It is Time"

      Greetings!

    I have just rewatched the three films of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy by Peter Jackson.  They are based on the epic adventure of that title by the author J.R.R.Tolkien.  Watching them in their extended versions was an epic adventure in itself, for each film runs over three and a half hours.  But as a Tolkien fan, well worth it.

    The outstanding tale is the task of destroying the One Ring of Power forged by the dark lord, Sauron, which seeks to give Sauron dominion over all of the realms of Middle earth.  A fellowship is established to accomplish this, the Ring is entrusted to the hobbit Frodo Baggins, who because of his innocence resists its destructive power.  Frodo succeeds, the Ring is destroyed, the rightful king is restored, and life continues - very short version.

    The story is told as the hobbits Bilbo & Frodo record their adventures.  Frodo finishes his part of "The Hobbits Tale" by Bilbo Baggins and "The Lord of the Rings" by Frodo Baggins and tells his friend and loyal companion, Sam, that there are a few pages left ... for him to tell the continued tale.

    When a time of departure takes place and Gandolf and the elves and Bilbo are about to set off into the sunset, Gandolf says to Frodo: "It is time, Frodo".  The other companions are distressed that Frodo is leaving, but he tells them it is time for him to move on, with deep sadness but real peace in his heart.  And life for the others continues.

    

    I began "Journey Thoughts" on March 11, 2011, the beginning of Lent.  My purpose was to share my journey through the gift of priesthood.  It has been nearly ten years, with 1,169 posts and recording over 169,507 pageviews.   In 2011 I posted 264 times, but this year there were only 24.  There are reasons and even some valid excuses for the change in activity, but as I have been reflecting of late, the phrase of Gandolf echoes in my mind - "It is time."  My journey has not ended, but in retirement (over three years now) it has taken a different momentum.  This year of the pandemic has changed many things about our lives and we are seeing things we have counted on coming to an end.  It is time for me to close the book on this endeavor ... with reluctance, deep regret, and sorrow.

    I have truly been blessed in these nine plus years and in my reflections shared on these pages.  Some of my High School classmates who have kept in touch have commented that one of our English profs, Father Bryant Halloran, O.S.B., would be very proud of this accomplishment.

    I am very grateful for all of those who have made my priesthood so far a wonderful experience of grace and favor  from the Lord.  For those responsible for the 169,000+ pageviews, thank you for your interest and patience.  May the Lord continue to watch over us, bring us safely out of this pandemic, and enrich our lives with his peace and joy.

    All endings should pave the way for new beginnings.  As Christmas and 2020 come to a close, may the New Year bring blessings in abundance.

One final note:

    As my recoding of my journey is coming to an end, the work of this Diocese of Greensburg continues with the announcement on the Friday before Christmas of Pope Francis' Christmas gift to us of a new bishop.  One of our own, Monsignor Larry Kulick, will be ordained in February and serve as our shepherd.  My prayers are with him ... and I ask you to remember him and this local Church in your prayers.  We have challenging, but prayerfully better days, ahead.

    God bless you all!

A Vision and a Dream

     On October 3, 1226, a young 45 year old friar of Assisi named Francis died.  In his brief life he experienced a transformation that changed his life and he brought about a transformation that changed the Church and society at large.  He had a vision of a renewed Church that led to a dream of a new way of living life that was rooted in the Gospels.  His vision caught on ... and his dream became a way of life.

    On October 3, 2020, 794 years after the young Francis died, an older Francis, who chose his name in honor of the Saint of Assisi when he became Pope, celebrated Mass at the tomb of the other Francis in Assisi, and then signed and promulgated an Encyclical Letter entitled "FRATELLI TUTTI" on the Fraternity and Social Friendship.  The encyclical was published on the feast of Saint Francis, the 4th of October.  Here is how the encyclical begins:

     "FRATELLI TUTTI" ["Brothers and sisters all"].  With these words, Saint Francis of Assisi addressed his brothers and sisters and proposed to them a way of life marked by the flavor of the Gospel.  Of the counsels Francis offered, I would like to select the one in which he calls for a love that transcends the barriers of geography and distance, and declares blessed all those who love their brother 'as much when he is far away from him as when he is with him'.  In this simple and direct way, Saint Francis expressed the essence of a fraternal openness that allows us to acknowledge, appreciate and love each person, regardless of physical proximity, regardless of where he or she was born or lives.

     This saint of fraternal love, simplicity and joy, who inspired me to write the Encyclical " LAUDATO SI' " ["Praise be to You" from the Canticle of Saint Francis - an encyclical "on the care for our common home"], prompts me once more to devote this new Encyclical to fraternity and social friendship.  Francis felt himself a brother to the sun, the sea and the wind, yet he knew that he was even closer to those of his own flesh.  Wherever he went, he sowed seeds of peace and walked alongside the poor, the abandoned, the infirm and the outcast, the least of his brothers and sisters."

     Pope Francis continues: "It is my desire that, in this our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, we may contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration to fraternity.  Fraternity between all men and women.  [As the Holy Father said in an address at the Ecumenical and Interreligious Meeting with Young People in Skopje, North Macedonia, on 7 May 2019].  'Here we have a splendid secret that shows us how to dream and to turn our life into a wonderful adventure.  No one can face life in isolation ... We need a community that supports and helps us, in which we can help one another to keep looking ahead.  How important it is to dream together ... By ourselves, we risk seeing mirages, things that are not there.  Dreams, on the other hand, are built together.'  Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travelers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all."  

      I look forward to sharing aspects of this Encyclical Letter as they touch my heart, and I encourage you to find a copy soon and prayerfully read it.

Saints and Angels - Part III

      As we continue with this past week's feasts of saints and angels, we move to October 1st, in which the Church honors one of the more popular saints - Saint Therese of Lisieux, or the "The Little Flower".  Her Religious name is Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, and she was a cloistered Carmelite nun who lived from 1863 to her death at the age of 24 on September 30, 1887.  She entered Carmel at the age of 15.  She died of tuberculosis.

     In her short life she lived a simply yet intense life of prayer and humble service, and shared her life in written journals that have become spiritual classics.  She is recognized as a Doctor of the Faith for her exemplary life.  She is seen as a highly influential model of holiness because not only of the simplicity but the practicality of her approach to the spiritual life.  She is often depicted with roses.

    The next day, October 2nd, is the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, a celebration which first surfaced in the 4th century and has found various expressions over the centuries until established by Pope Paul V in 1608 and made a major feast in 1883.

     Angels are very popular today as they have been over the years.  Growing up, I remember being told that we each have an angel that God gives us to watch over and protect us, helping us to find our way to the Lord.  Even George Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life" had Clarence as his guardian angel, thanks to Hollywood.  I would say that most of us who grew up Catholic remember the prayer we were taught - "Angel of God".

     I often comment on the incorrectness of popular thought when people say that a person is an angel ... the truth is, we are called to be saints, and the angels are those entrusted with our care along the way to holiness.  

     Then comes today, the 4th of October, which this year is celebrated as the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  But traditionally the 4th is the feast of the great Francis of Assisi, one of my favorites.  Francis lived from the late 1100's to the early 1200's, and in his relatively short life literally changed the course of the world, both culture and society and definitely the Church, with his simplicity of life and his radical vision of joyful Christianity.  Our present Holy Father, who chose the name Francis after the friar of Assisi, wrote an encyclical letter five years ago entitled "Laudato Si!" which echoes Saint Francis' love of all of creation ... and Pope Francis yesterday issued another encyclical entitled "Fratelli Tutti", using the opening words of Saint Francis addressed to his brothers and sisters calling them to a gospel way of life.  The Holy Father presents a vision of humanity working in love and respect with each other to create a world where "all are brothers and sisters" in Christ.

     Francis was a man of vision who challenged the status quo to reach for the heavens, and Pope Francis shares his vision of a better world in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ by living out the gospel imperative of love.  He speaks of fraternity and social friendship among the human family.  I'm sure it is worth the read ... as I'm sure that for the most part it will be ignored.  What a shame, in a world that has lost its way.

     This has been a great week of inspiring and challenging examples of friendship with Jesus.

Saints and Angels - Part II

      Today our Holy Father, Pope Francis, issued an Apostolic Letter entitled SCRIPTURAE SACRAE AFFECTUS at Saint John Lateran in Rome on the Memorial feast of Saint Jerome.  This 6,000 word Apostolic Letter commemorates the sixteen hundredth anniversary of the death of Saint Jerome, who died on September 30 in the year 420 in Bethlehem.  Saint Jerome studied the scriptures and translated the Word of God from the original languages into the common Latin language of the every day person, the Vulgate.

     Here are the opening words of this Letter, which I will be recording tomorrow for broadcast on the local Catholic radio station, WAOB.

     "Devotion to sacred Scripture, a "living and tender love" for the written word of God: this is the legacy that Saint Jerome bequeathed to the Church by his life and labors.  Now, on the sixteen hundredth anniversary of his death, those words taken from the opening prayer for his liturgical Memorial give us an essential insight into this outstanding figure in the Church's history and his immense love for Christ.  That "living and tender love" flowed, like a great river feeding countless streams, into his tireless activity as a scholar, translator and exegete.  Jerome's profound knowledge of the Scriptures, his zeal for making their teaching known, his skill as an interpreter of texts, his ardent and at times impetuous defense of Christian truth, his asceticism and harsh eremitical discipline, his expertise as a generous and sensitive spiritual guide - all these make him, sixteen centuries after his death, a figure of enduring relevance for us, the Christians of the twenty-first century." 

     Jerome translated first the Old Testament and then the remainder of the Scriptures from the original Hebrew.  Up to this time, Christians in the Roman empire could read the Bible in its entirety only in Greek, the language of scholars and the educated.  This translation was called the Septuagint.  Now the "average person" could read or hear the holy Word in their ordinary language.  Our early English translation was from Jerome's Latin Vulgate.  Today's English versions are translations from the original languages and thus clearer and truer.

     We owe a great deal to Saint Jerome for his labor of love.  The Scriptures are the Word of God which guides our every step on our journey to Christ and to holiness.  Saint Jerome, thank you ... and pray for us!

Saints and Angels - Part I

      We have entered into a week of wonderful celebrations of saints and angels who draw us ever closer to the source of our holiness, the Lord himself.

     Sunday, the 27th of September, was celebrated as the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time this year.  But otherwise we would have recognized a saint whose name is well known to us for the work that is accomplished in the Church by those who follow his example - Saint Vincent de Paul.  He was a French priest who lived from 1581 to his death on September 27, 1660 and was dedicated to serving the poor.  He did much to meet the needs spiritually but also physically of those that he met.  He was canonized a saint in 1737.  He is the patron of all works of charity, and through the Vincentian family which includes the Saint Vincent de Paul Societies which are found in our parishes and dioceses as well as the Ladies of Charity, his work continues.  The society is today present in at least 153 countries.

     The 28th finds us remembering a saint whose name is often heard in our Christmas celebrations.  He is Saint Wenceslaus, of the "Good King Wenceslaus" hymn.  Remember?

"Good King Wenceslaus looked out

on the feast of Stephen,

when the snow lay round about,

deep and crisp and even.

Brightly shown the moon that night, 

though the frost was cruel.

When a poor man came in sight

gathering winter fuel."

     Wenceslaus I was the duke of Bavaria from 921 until he was assassinated by his younger brother, Boleslaus, on September 28 in 935.  He was known for his piety and his righteousness, ruling with compassion and concern for all peoples.  Almost immediately from his death he was seen as a martyr for the faith and held in high esteem as a saint.  When you hear or sing the Christmas hymn this year, think of good king Wenceslaus, and pray for the holiness and righteousness of all earthly rulers.

     September 28th commemorates the three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

      Michael is most popular.  In Hebrew, his name means "Who is like God".  He is the Lord's champion, the one who cast Lucifer from Heaven, who is the guardian of the Faith and defender against heresies.  The Prayer of Saint Michael has regained popularity in our day, seeking his protection in our battle against evil.

     Gabriel we know from the Annunciation, when Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that she was "Blessed among women" and would be the mother of the Son of God.  The name means "God is my strength" or the "Might of God".  He is the herald of the mysteries of God.  He is a messenger of Good News.

     Raphael is found in the story of Tobit in the Hebrew Scriptures, and brings healing sight to the ailing Tobit.  Raphael's name means "It is God who heals".

     Three special angels, gifts of God for his people, who stand as champion/defender ... bringer of Good News ... and bearer of God's healing love.

     More to follow as we look at the rest of the week.

A Time of Storytelling

      It was 125 years ago yesterday, to the day, that the Slovak parish of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in the City of Connellsville Pennsylvania was established and the first record noted.  September 19th, 1895 was the date.  This was the second parish in Connellsville, flowing from Immaculate Conception, and was designated for the worship of people of Slovak heritage.  The original church was one block from the present structure, and was a former small Protestant church.  The present structure was built just a few years later, and still serves the people of the area.  Three other Catholic congregations followed Saint John's - the Polish, the Italian and the Hungarian.  Two of them are now closed, and the three in Connellsville that remain, along with the neighboring Saint Aloysius in Dunbar, are now partnered and share the ministry of three priests for the four parishes.  Times have changed, numbers have fluctuated, but the ministry of the gospel continues in the Connellsville area.

     Yesterday the Saint John the Evangelist family celebrated their 125th anniversary with a Mass at 4:00 pm followed by a dinner at a local event location.  With Covid-19, the year long planning was curtailed with limited seating at church, a much reduced attendance at he dinner, masks and all the protocols called for to be safe..

     I served as pastor at Saint John the Evangelist from August of 1984 through October of 1986, my first assignment as a pastor.  I was honored to join the priests of Connellsville in concelebrating the Mass and sharing a few words at the dinner event.

     Saint John is a beautiful community of people who live their faith in an old but beautiful church.  I'm having difficulty downloading the pictures that I have, which is a shame.  As I said, the church is beautiful.

     I mentioned at the dinner that history, as I read recently from one of my favorite authors and historians, David McCullough, is more than a collection of dates and events.  If it is presented in this way, it may be informative but generally it is boring.  History are dates and events that need our storytelling ability, for they do not stand there in isolation, but they are rooted in the fabric of our experience.  The revelation of our experience of that data bring life to the history that we celebrate.

     The stories told of these past 125 years of Saint John the Evangelist Church will strengthen the journey into the next segment of their history.  My stories in my two and a half years at Saint John include the beginning of the stained glass window restoration.  Two of those large windows include unusual scenes and beautiful treasures - the death of Saint Joseph and the Holy Family in a family setting.  Another thing that I am proud of was the creation of a new altar for the Eucharistic celebration.  Borrowing from an altar that I saw, we took the pew ends from the old pews, refinished them, and worked them into the base for the oak altar top.  It turned out wonderfully, and still serves the parish well.  But my greatest memories involve the wonderful people of faith that comprise the parish.  I was blessed by them in abundance.  

A Duty to Remember

      I find it an irony that the emergency distress call in our nation is 911 ... and that one of the most distressing events of our time took place on September 11th, 2001 - 9/11.

      It has become common among those who have lived through historic events to ask: "Where were you?"  In my memory it began with November 22nd and Kennedy's assassination and includes other tragic deaths like MLK and RJK, the Challenger disaster, Pope John Paul II's shooting and so on, including the morning of 9/11.

     It was in the midst of our Fall Priests' Retreat at the present Christ Our Shepherd Center.  We had finished breakfast and morning prayer when word came of a tragedy in New York City involving the World Trade Center.  I believe we cancelled the morning conference and gathered as everyone else was doing around a tv.  Our retreat master was retired Archbishop Quinn of San Francisco.  We were mesmerized, shocked, brought to tears and horrified at the turn of events as the realization dawned that this was terrorism involving both Towers, the Pentagon and then Shanksville.

     We had a Mass scheduled for later that morning and even though most of the tenants who leased space at the Center closed up shop, those that remained - those on retreat, the staff, and others who were still on campus gathered to pray for those involved and for the nation.  Many tears were shed, much fear was found in our hearts, and our concerns in the midst of the unknown grew more intense.   Our Center, which is a regional training center for the Pennsylvania State Police, suddenly saw a rapid exit of multiple police cars, going we knew not where.  Later we would learn of flight 93 in Shanksville, which is not that far from where we were in Greensburg.

     That afternoon I went back to the parish to see how everyone was and to see what was being planned locally in response.  The trip home was unusually quiet, with little traffic.  People were home ... people were scarred ... I trust that people were praying.

     What a day ... a day I will long remember.  Watching those building come down still brings me to tears ... and remembering those who lost their lives in the attacks, the first responders who gave their lives, and the historic response of the nation, is a duty that I hold sacred and I hope everyone will as well.  But we are, 19 years out, in a new generation.  Kids in college today probably don't remember, and those younger probably know little if anything about that days and those that followed.

     We have a duty to remember.  We have an obligation to become stronger.  We have a responsibility to rebuild, not only buildings and monuments, but the moral fabric of our great nation.  The unity and national resolve that followed 9/11 I believe has passed us by.  How sad!  Today our politicians and society at large tell us that our greatness lies in our economy, our political acumen, our might, and the fact that each of us is right/correct/holding the key to future happiness.  And we use that to beat down and demean the opposition and neglect our responsibility to build a better nation, a better world that is rooted in a reliance upon the Almighty and the strength of his teachings ... for we are a nation "under God".

     Let us do our duty and remember with love those touched by the horror of 9/11/2001.   

Happy Birthday, Mary

      Today, September 8th, is the traditional date for celebrating the birth of Mary, the daughter of Joachim and Ann and the future mother of Jesus, the Lord.  How do we know that "this is the day"?  Obviously, we don't.  And yet the Church sets this day aside as it falls nine months after the Annunciation, when the angel appeared to Mary and her YES allows the Holy Spirit to come upon her and she conceives her child.  Nine months is a traditional amount of time for the carrying of a child to term.  Whatever the date ... and whatever the reason to celebrate her birth, the Church rejoices that this woman of faith is a mother to us all.  Happy birthday, Mary!

     Yesterday in the United States we celebrated Labor Day by taking the day off and enjoying each other's company as best we can in this time of restriction.  The Church has spoken countless times about the dignity and respect that needs to be given to the "work of our hands" and the rights and protection of those who use their God-given talents for the good of all.  The Church has stood on the side of labor, and despite one's political position or party or platform, we must strive for fairness and justice as we promote the best use of our talents for the common good.  We have our work cut out for us.

     Tomorrow, the 9th of September, is the feast of Saint Peter Claver, a Spanish Jesuit from a wealthy family who chose to become a priest and a missionary in the New World.  He was born in 1580 and died in 1654 on September 8th.  His ministry was spent in Cartegena, Columbia, where he did something that few others were prone to do - he ministered to the Blacks who were brought over from Africa as slaves to the New World.  He took up this ministry seventy years after Spain sanctioned the slave trade for economic reasons.  Slavery was not new, but had been condemned by Pope Paul III in the mid 1500's and by Pope Urban VIII in 1638, and was later described by Pope Pius IX as "supreme villany".

     For Peter Claver, Black lives mattered, as did the lives of all who were seen to be children of God.  During his 40 years in Cartegena he ministered to the slaves when they arrived on those terrible slave ships, he brought them whatever comfort that he could, he shared with them his love and the love of Christ, and he brought them the faith.  It is reported that during those years he personally baptized over 300,000 souls and would often reconcile these new Christian peoples in their darkest moments by hearing nearly 5,000 confessions yearly.  And he also ministered to others in the community, some involved in the slave trade themselves, much to their discomfort and unease.  An example of gentle, sensitive, uncompromising love for his sisters and brothers, especially those who were regarded so unjustly as nothing.  In our day, we need more such examples.

Mea Culpa, mea maxima culpa!

          This is only the 12th post since the beginning of March in 2020.  I am embarrassed and concerned.  I do not want to bring the run of "Journey Thoughts" to an end, but I must confess to thinking about doing so.  Countless times my mind begins to formulate thoughts and observations that get no further than my mind.  So I ask myself "Why?" and I have done some soul searching for an answer to the lack of postings.

     I confess to three things taking place in my life.

     First comes the experience of retirement.  For me it has been three years already.  In my experience of retirement things have slowed down considerably and are very different from being a pastor.  Thoughts on the journey of priesthood take a different direction when you are not in a parish setting.  I live in a priests' retirement residence in our Diocese and we have a great little community of thirteen men living here.  We share prayer, meals, movies and socials, and lots of "remembering" the "old days".

     Second is my personal health challenges.  I have not aged gracefully, especially following a fall about five years ago.  My mobility is challenged because of a severe lower back problem, and I get around with the help of a walker.  It has slowed me down tremendously.  Add to this my other ailments, and I am no where near as active as I was a few years ago.  I remember with longing the days of tennis and handball, travelling and getting out, but these are things of the past.  I am not playing the sympathy violin for myself ... just stating the reality of my present experience.

     Third is the state of the world since the beginning of this year because of Covid-19.  Whether you see Covid-19 as a pandemic that is very real with unknown threats or see it as a "conspiracy theory" that is political in nature, there is no denying that it has changed the face of our everyday lives.  Being cut off from "the land of the living", social distancing and avoiding activities that bring us together, especially our most central act of faith which is Eucharist and the Sacramental life, has affected me greatly.  And thus affected my desire to put my thoughts into print.  I apologize for letting this get to me.

     Thus, I confess ... and seek forgiveness.  Those of you old enough to recognize the title of this piece will remember that "Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa" is Latin for "Through my fault, through my most grievous fault!"  I am sorry for being so negligent regarding "Journey Thoughts" and as I contemplate  the direction to take, I pledge to be more faithful to sharing the presence of the Lord in my life.  For in all of this, he is always there ... ever faithful ... and the greatest love of my life.  Never forget that he is that for you, as well. 

What is happening

 Over a month has gone by since my last post.  There is no excuse, other than the weight of the times affecting my life.

     This year has been unlike any that I have known.  We keep saying that, but these ARE unprecedented times.  Shut down, isolated, urged to be distant and careful, we find little happening in our lives.  But in the life of the Diocese of Greensburg, there have been a few significant events and announcements celebrated in the most unusual ways.

     Most importantly for our Diocese came the announcement that the Holy Father has named our bishop, Bishop Edward C. Malesic, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland.  When I read of the pending announcement in "Whispers in the Loggia" the night before the Vatican notification, I did not know whether to cry or rejoice.  In that moment I rejoiced that Cleveland would welcome a very good shepherd in Bishop Malesic ... but there was a sadness in my heart that we would be losing a shepherd who is so loved and appreciated in our Diocese, by both the faithful and our priests.  Our loss as priests is not only the shepherd but also the friend.  We wish him all of the Lord's blessings as he prepares for his installation in Cleveland on Monday, September 14th.  A change that brings disappointment and sadness to my heart.

     In June we saw the ordination by Bishop Malesic of a new priest, Father Mark Dunmire.  This good young from Saint Margaret Mary Church in Lower Burrell was ordained in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, but with the Covid-19 restrictions we had to watch on streaming.  He has been assigned as Parochial Vicar at one of the parishes in which I served as pastor, Saint Paul Parish in Greensburg.  I told Mark that he is blessed in this assignment.

A welcome blessing to my heart and to the Diocese.

   Bishop Malesic also ordained five men to the Permanent Diaconate during this time.  They are: Craig Gilbert, Steven LoCasio, William Wilson, Bob Stauffer and Michael Dargay.  Again, the ordination was by invitation only and we watched from a distance (it is not the same).  I met all of these men and I know a few of them, and they will bring bring great service to God's people and joy to my heart.

     Our Chrism Mass, moved from Holy Thursday, was also celebrated recently at the Cathedral with the Priests' Council and Deans representing the diocesan clergy.  This is such a wonderful celebration of the renewal of priesthood that to participate on-line just didn't do it (at least for me). This necessary change brought another disappointment to my heart.

     And we rejoiced in the selection of Father Martin de Pores Bartel as the 12th Archabbot of Saint Vincent Benedictine Archabbey in Latrobe within the Diocese.  Saint Vincent is a blessing within our Church, and for me the Benedictines of Saint Vincent not only provided me with a great High School education at the former Saint Vincent Prep, but have been friends and fellow co-workers in the parishes.  Archabbot Martin is a warm and friendly man who will serve well as Father Abbot.  Bishop Malesic installed him as Archabbot in Saint Vincent Basilica last month, with appropriate limitation and social distancing.  I was a disappointment to not be present, but a joy to watch.

     Our faith in the love of God for his people allows us to not be overcome by our disappointment and restrictions as well as to rejoice in his blessings, in whatever limited way we can celebrate them.  This virus is an opportunity to deepen our trust and strengthen our faith in a loving God.  Be strong!

Whom do we fear?

     As some of you may know, for about three years I have been involved in the Catholic Radio Ministry of WAOB (We Are One Body) serving Southwestern Pennsylvania.  I am a part of a team who provides a daily "lectio divina" program entitled "Drawing Life-Giving Waters From Jacob's Well", live every evening from 8 to 9.

For well over a year I have guided the Saturday program, which provides four Scripture passages (the next day's readings) and my three reflections on each of those Scriptures.  Today I would like to share my thoughts on this past Sunday's Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 10, verse 26 through 42.

     Our gospel for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time is taken from the second half of chapter 10 of Matthew.  Jesus tells us just who it is that we need to fear.

     Earlier in this chapter Jesus warns us to beware of wolves in sheep's clothing … of the time when we see brother against brother, family against family and friends … and of those who persecute us.  Jesus' words still have powerful meaning, for we are continually confronted with anger and hostility, persecution and ridicule, hatred and violence.  Every day on the news we see and hear of a world gone astray,  Fear is the emotion of the moment in our troubled times.

     Verse 26 echoes what we heard so often from Saint John Paul II … "Fear not!"  It says: "Have no fear of the things that cause fear."  We may suffer because of fear, but there is nothing that is hidden that will not be made known.  Christ loves us and stands by our side.

     Verse 27 says: "What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim upon the housetops.  Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul."

     In this dark hour of confusion and anger and fear, we are told with clear and outright assurance that we are the beloved of God.  We are told that it is not just one or another life that matters, but that the lives of all of God's children are precious.  In the midst of confusion and fear - health wise, socially, racially, economically, politically, historically - that the Lord whispers to our hearts of his love and his protective care, and he calls us as Church to proclaim it from the housetops.

     We have been physically separated from one another, kept from the strengthening power of worship in the house of the Lord and the nourishment of Eucharist, confronted with injustice and fear and anger, and seen reason be misplaced.

     But we continue to be chosen and gifted with God's love.

     Whom do you fear?  I believe FDR said "We have nothing to fear but fear itself".  I am a Tolkien fan, and in "The Lord of the Rings" the dark wizard Saruman asks his grotesque followers: "Whom do you serve?"  They answer, of course, Saruman!

     For me and my house … we will serve the Lord. Whom do we fear?  With respect for all powers, good and bad alike, we fear no one - for we are the beloved of God.  As Matthew tells us, God protects even the smallest sparrow … and we are worth more than many sparrows.

     Verse 32 says: "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven."

    This is not the message that many want us to hear nor is it the attitude of heart that some want us to have.  Touched by grace we stand against the call to darkness and stand in the light.  I read somewhere that: "Love is what we were born with … fear is what we learned here."  Take your birthright and witness to God's love.

The Strength of the Holy Spirit

     This past Saturday, May 30th marked the celebration of Memorial Day.  The nation celebrated the occasion on the previous Monday as we have for many years, in order to have a long holiday weekend.  But Memorial Day, or as it was once called, "Decoration Day", was celebrated on May 30th for most of my life.  The day originated following the Civil War and was a day to honor those who have died in battle by "decorating" their graves and honoring their service and sacrifice.  It is a day of parades and flags.

     I always thought, as a child, that the parades and flags were in my honor, since this is the "memorable" day that I was born into this world back in 1947.  So Saturday was my birthday, along with another of our priests here at Neumann House.  It was a good birthday.  I pointed out that there are two significant numbers for me this year: I was born in '47 and this is my 47th anniversary of ordination … and I was ordained in '73 and this year I celebrate my 73rd birthday.

     The day was capped off with a special "Extended Pentecost Vigil Liturgy" for our small group with Mass at 7:00pm in the Saint Joseph Chapel on the campus of Christ Our Shepherd Center where I live.  The "extended Vigil" is an optional Pentecost vigil celebration similar to the Easter Vigil with added Scripture readings and sung responses.  Most of the men had never experienced this in the parishes, but I have been doing so since the publication of the New Roman Missal created the liturgy.  We were blessed with an accompanist and cantor, and the liturgy was beautiful.  It capped off my day.

     You may not know that I am a part of a radio ministry in the area on WAOB (We Are One Body), a Catholic channel that ministers throughout a wide area on both am & fm.  I am part of a daily "lectio divina" program entitled "Drawing Life-giving Waters From Jacob's Well" broadcast every evening live from 8 to 9 pm.  I usually take the Saturday evening program and give reflections on the next day's scriptures.  I have been blessed to do this ministry for nearly three years now.

     The station also has me record English versions of talks that our Holy Father gives to various group, for broadcast at varying times throughout the day.  I did such a taping this afternoon, and it spoke to my heart of the need for the strength of the Holy Spirit in our lives, especially today.

    The Holy Father was speaking to CHARIS - The Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service leadership group in a video message for their Pentecost Vigil Celebration.  The Holy Father said that we are to be a "witness to Jesus".  He said that "today the world suffers, it is wounded … the world needs us to give it Jesus.  We are only able to give this witness with the strength of the Holy Spirit."

     He reminds us that the Spirit gives us new eyes to see that we are in this world of suffering and joy together, united by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He says that "We have before us the duty to build a new reality.  The Lord will do it; we can collaborate: "I make all things new", He says in Revelation 21:5.

    Then he said something profound.  "When we come out of this pandemic, we will no longer be able to do what we have been doing, how we have been doing it.  No, everything will be different."

     "From the great trials of humanity, including this pandemic, we emerge either better or worse.  We do not come out the same."  The Holy Spirit changes our hearts, strengthens our resolve, inspires our spirits and helps us to come out better."

     Good, strong, necessary words.  The question we have been asking here is: "Will things ever get back to normal?"  Normal is not enough!  We need to trust the strength of the Spirit to help come out better. 

Priesthood Celebrated

     It has been a long time since I posted.  A good friend of mine from high school days called last week to make sure that I was okay, since he hadn't seen a post on "Journey Thoughts".  I thank him and all who missed these missives for their concern.
     All is well with me.  We at our priests retirement residence have remained careful and are generally well, God willing, free of the virus that threatens us all.

     Today, by way of the Diocesan facebook page, many of us at Neumann House live streamed the funeral Mass of Father Donald Mondello, a long time retired priest whose funeral liturgy was limited by the restrictions of even this "yellow phase" of quarantine.

     Later this afternoon we gathered in our chapel for our special Marian devotions which we are celebrating every Wednesday during May.  Following the devotions, we gathered as a family for a brief social before a festive dinner in our larger, socially distanced dining room.  The occasion was the recognition of the priesthood anniversaries of the thirteen men who reside here in retirement.  Those anniversaries range from 44 years to 63 years ordained as priests … with a grand total of 640 years of priestly service represented.  Imagine the people  ministered to with mercy and compassion … the countless Masses, confessions and sacraments celebrated … and the impact of the faith shared with the local church and the larger community.  May 5th was 47 years for me.  Those years have gone by swiftly and have brought me great blessings and joy.
      This year the Greensburg Diocese has one young man to be ordained to the priesthood - later in June.  Pray for him and for an increase of priestly vocations.

     There is an observation that is well known which I would like to share here.  It is called:

WHO WILL REPLACE HIM

If a priest preaches over ten minutes, he's long winded.
If his sermon is short, he didn't prepare it.
If the parish funds are high, he's a businessman.
If he mentions money, he is money-mad.
If he visits his parishioners, he's nosing;
If he doesn't, he's being snobbish.
If he has fairs and bazaars, he's bleeding the people;
If he doesn't, there isn't any life in the parish.
If he takes time in confession to help and advise sinners, 
        he takes too long;
If he doesn't, he doesn't care.
If he celebrates the liturgy in a quiet voice, he's boring;
If he puts feeling into it, he's an actor.
If he starts Mass on time, his watch is fast.
If he starts late, he's holding up the people.
If he tries to lead the people in music, he's showing off;
If he doesn't, he doesn't care what Mass is like.
If he decorates the Church, he's wasting money;
If he doesn't, he's letting it run down.
If he's young, he's not experienced.
If he's old, he ought to retire.

But … if he dies ...

THERE MAY BE NO ONE TO REPLACE HIM.

Please pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life!

The Day the Earth Stood Still

     The striking images of well known places around the world that are empty or nearly so, devoid of crowds and the normal activity of life, are chilling.  To see empty churches, and an empty Saint Peter Square and Basilica with a handful of faithful joining the Holy Father in these Liturgies of the Sacred Triduum, is disconcerting.  To hear of the sufferings of so many worldwide through illness or economic hardships, added to the never-ending world at war, rips at our hearts.

     Today our Triduum takes us to the hill of Calvary, not to a mountaintop wrapped in glory nor to a city jubilant with pilgrims for a feast nor to the quiet intimacy of family gathered for a meal.  On this mountain, on this hill of sacrifice, in the midst of a fragile and needy world stands a Cross, an image of death, which, by the One sacrificed on that Cross, draws us from death and despair to the truth of Eternal Life.

     I was born and raised in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.  Outside of town, on Summit Mountain the Methodist church has a training camp at Jumonville Glen.  On the top of the mountain stands a large Cross which everyone from miles around can see and reflect upon.
This first image is of the Cross on a winter's day ... and the second is a striking image of the place of the Cross in the midst of the world.

    On Golgotha those many years ago, the world stood still.  The universe paused in its existence to witness the end of everything the world held important.  This was literally "the end of the world".  No longer would/could things be the same.  A death came and touched our life in order that a Life beyond imagining would bring us to the beauty of Truth and the Glory of God as He had desired for us.

     Pilate asked: "What is truth?"  He knew of power, influence, Caesars, politics, loyalty, all the things held important by the world ... but he did not know truth because he did not recognize Jesus.  In his dwelling among men he would not look upon Jesus Crucified and therefore would still hunger for truth.

     Even those who were given the promise of God's love through the Law and the prophets, the religious leaders of the people, cried out to Pilate: "We have no king but Caesar."  Blinded to the truth, they were blinded to the reality of life that God had called them to treasure.

     On that day the earth stood still.  In our day the world is in a "pause mode" because of a pandemic.  In the depth of our hearts on this Good Friday, there must be a moment to stand still, to pause and pray and to encourage each other when we gaze upon the Cross of Christ: "Come, let us worship!"

The 2020 Triduum

     40 Days ago we began a time of "stepping aside" from our normal schedules and routine to journey through a season of reflection, penance, prayer and sacrifice.  This time we call LENT.  As the image above describes, it begins with Ash Wednesday and proceeds through a period described by the words surrounding LENT.  Those 40 days are like a mini retreat.  Bishop Malesic in a response to an email from me noted that this year's "retreat" was unlike any we may have ever made.  Our lives are so changed from the "ordinary" that we approach these transitional days with hearts ready for the Good News of the Resurrection ... the good news of hope and of an Easter morn that will see us through our Good Friday of this pandemic and the silence of waiting that is Holy Saturday of waiting for the end of death and the joy of the Father's promise.

     We move through Three Sacred Days, the first of which is this Holy Thursday.  It is the day of preparation ... a time of gathering as family in the intimacy of our common table, to be fed with the food that will sustain us on our road to the Cross.

    But this year our churches are closed, there are no liturgies with the faithful present, and we rely upon a spiritual nourishment that will see us through but will have us hunger even more for the Bread of Life.  These are terribly difficult moments for the faithful of every faith ... but for us, who cherish the Eucharist, the hunger is overwhelming.

     A suggestion ... since this celebration of the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper involves the gathering of family around the table ... if you have not done so today, gather with those you can tomorrow and share your love, share your table, and share your faith story.

     Christ instituted the priesthood at this Holy Thursday Supper, so pray for the Holy Father, Pope Francis ... pray for Bishop Malesic of our Diocese, Bishop Brandt, and all bishops ... pray for your priests and all of those who have shared in the ordained priesthood ... and pray for and be there for each other in love and charity.

In 1st Corinthians 11 Paul has Jesus say: "This is my body that is for you.  This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood ... Do this in remembrance of me."  

A Prayer

The following is a prayer 

put forth by the Knights of Columbus, 

adapted from the prayer of Pope Francis.  

I encourage you to use these words of peteition 

in your daily prayer.

A PRAYER FOR PROTECTION

IN TIME OF PANDEMIC

O Mary,

you always brighten our path

as a sign of salvation and of hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,

who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus' pain

while remaining steadfast in faith.

O loving Mother,

you know what we need, 

and we are confident you will provide for us

as at Cana in Galilee.

Intercede for us with your Son Jesus,

the Divine Physician,

for those who have fallen ill,

for those who are vulnerable,

and for those who have died.

Intercede also for those charged with

protecting the health and safety of others

and for those who are tending to the sick

and seeking a cure.

Help us, O Mother of Divine Love,

to conform to the will of the Father

and to do what we are told by Jesus,

who took upon himself our

sufferings and carried our sorrows,

so as to lead us, through the Cross,

to the glory of the Resurrection.  Amen.

A New World

     I last posted 14 days ago.  Since then the world has changed.  Normalcy as we know it has given way to extraordinarily precautious restrictions.  All this due to the caronavirus that is afflicting the world community.  There is no way that you cannot have heard of or been affected by this pandemic.

     Nations are on lockdown and quarentine.  The tally of those who tested positive skyrockets and the death tolls continues to grow.  I just heard that Italy saw over 350 deaths in the last 24 hours, and they are not at the peak of the epidemic.  We are just at the early stages in this country, and drastic efforts are being taken to contain the spread of the virus, which is particularly dangerous to the elderly and those suffering from other chronic illnesses. These are frightening times.

     We even find that the public celebration of the Mass and our public prayer life have been suspended for the forseable future.  I cannot remember that ever happening before in my years of priesthood and even in my lifetime.  And yet, the time to pray has never been more vital.

     A part of me balks at these drastic restrictions to the living out of our faith life.  We do trust in the love and providence of the Lord in our lives.  Then why act as if we do not trust?  If it involved simply myself, things might be different.  But these precautions are meant to curtail the spread of the virus, and therefore are for the sake of others.  We must do our part.  And that includes intensifying our prayer and sacrifice, of sharing our love and concern, and of awaiting that turning point when life will once again return to normal and the new life of Spring will come again.  Meanwhile, nothing will be regular or the same ... not even our faith ... which must deepen with every harship and restriction placed before our lives.  

     Be strong!  Keep the faith!  Be careful and responsible!  And renew your deep friendship with the Lord of Life, Jesus the Christ!

How Should We Pray?

     As our Lenten journey continues, the Gospel for this Tuesday of the First Week of Lenrt is taken from chapter 6 of Matthew (Matthew 6:7-15).  

     Jesus speaks of praying.  He warns that praying is not simply the multiplication of words or "babbling like the pagans".  Still, I'm sure that you have heard someone, even a priest (maybe even myself) babble on in prayer.  We have a good priest in our house who is into brevity, and when the prayer chosen is the long form, or if the presider is expansive, will audible sigh (reminding us to cut it short).

     Jesus in today's Gospel gives us "the perfect prayer".  He shared it with his followers when they asked him to give them a prayer that would identify them to him.  This was a common practice among teachers - to share their charism or gift (the Chaplet of Saint Faustina ... the Prayer of Saint Francis ... etc).

     Jesus says, when you pray:
a) remember who you are addressing: Our Father in heaven, you are holy!
b) acknowledge God's plan and your place in it: Your kingdom come, here as in heaven!
c) place yourself before him in supplication: Give us what we need - our earthly needs of daily bread and our spirotual need of forgiveness!
d) willingly place yourself within his plan: We will share with others and we will forgive those who trespass against us!
e)  express your heart's desire: Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil! 

     To this perfect prayer we add our AMEN!

An arrogant enemy

     On this first Sunday of Lent we are reminded of our enemy, the serpent of Genesis, the reason for the Fall of Adam and the tempter of Jesus.  We see him for who he is: a self-obsessed lier and thief whose claim of lordship is of darkness and death.

     We know who he is, for we too are tempted by him to turn away from the Lord and stand on our own.  We know who he is, for we live a world touched by darkness and sin, embraced by selfishness and failure.  We know who he is, for he plants the seed of doubt and despair in our hearts.

     This lord of darkness is the devil who tempts Jesus in today's gospel of Matthew.  Filled with jealousy and pride, he declared himself equal to his creator ... on a par with God in those first moments of creation.  Not satisfied with his legions, he appears in the Garden to tempt those who are children and friends of God, leading them to step out of grace and favor.  Through him, humanity fell into personal sin which has led to a world of pain and suffering, bondage and despair.  He claims dominion over that which is not his, and is blinded by his arrogant selfishness.

    When he tempts Jesus today, his temptations are reflected in those temptations that continually confront us.  

     He tempts Jesus in his hunger, after 40 days and nights of fasting and prayer.  He does not give Jesus bread to eat, but asks him to "turn the stones into bread" … telling him to personally mistrust the blessings of the Father.  Jesus did not buy into the lie.  Our hungers are many, and he tempts us to trust in ourselves or others rather than the Father who has pledged us his loving care.

     He tempts Jesus with self-preservation.  "Throw yourself from the temple" ... God's angels will protect you!  It does not matter what you do, we are told, God will protect you and keep you from harm.  Like Jesus in the desert, we need to tell the evil one that we will not put the Lord to the test.  We will live in his love without compromising our safety or existence.

     And he tempts Jesus with all the power and riches of the world  ... which he mistakenly claims as his own.  The lord of darkness offers these things to Jesus (and us) if we but "bow down" in worship of him.  What arrogance!

     What the Lord created as we hear in Genesis was seen to be good!  And God was pleased!  We are the crowning moment of that creation!  We must not allow temptations and lies, sin and darkness, confound the vision of God.  Lent is our time of repenting of our sins, turning to the Lord, and embracing his merciful grace and live!

The Choice

     The first reading for this second day in Lent is from the Book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Scriptures.  In chapter 30 we read: "Moses said to the people: 'Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom.  If you obey the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin on you today, loving him, and walking in his ways, and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees, you will live and grow numerous, and the Lord, your God, will bless you in the land you are entering to occupy."'

     God's desire for us comes from the depth of his heart.  It comes to us in deep love and it is not forced ... never forced.  He desires for us to live ... to choose life ... to accept him and walk in his way ... to provide an opportunity for his blessing to find a home within us.  But the choice is ours ... always ours.  We may find excuses and place the blame for our predicaments on others, but it rests with us.

     Lent is our time of taking stock.  We are faced with a choice.  We are to look at the alternatives before us and, if wise with the wisdom of God, choose life and growing numerous and being blest and sharing the blessings of God with others.

     Lent is a long season of prayer and fasting, gratitude and almsgiving, growth in holiness.  Do not procrastinate in the invitation given in these first days to choose life or to renew our decision.

     "Entrust your cares to the Lord, and he will support you."

LENT 2020

     From "The Blessing of Ashes" of the Ash Wednesday Liturgy.

     "O God, who are moved by acts of humility and respond with forgiveness to works of penance, lend your merciful ear to our prayers and in your kindness pour out the grace of your blessing on your servants who are marked with these ashes, that, as they follow the Lenten observances, they may be worthy to come with minds made pure to celebrate the Paschal Mystery of your Son.  Through Christ our Lord."

 REPENT,

AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL!

May this LENT be a journey of growth in holiness!

February Family Celebrations

     The Stoviak family celebrates two special months.  May sees the birthday of my sister, Jane and of myself ... and my ordination to the priesthood which took place on Janie's 23rd birthday.  The other significant month is February.

     On the 9th of February in 1920 my Dad, Bill Stoviak, was born of Bessie and John Stoviak (Stachowiak) in the small coal mining community (patch) called Continental # 3, about five miles outside of Uniontown.  He grew up there, attended Georges High School, got his first job, courted Mom, did his duty during World War II in the Army on the European Front, and upon return, married Mom and attended the police academy before joining the Uniontown Police Department.  He served there for many years as patrolman, sargent, and in retirement as a dispatcher.  This capsule of his life does no justice to the legacy and effect that this good man and great husband and father brought to all whom he met.  He went home to heaven on May 10, 2002 - 18 years ago.  This past Sunday, February 9th, would have been Dad's 100th birthday.

     On February 11 in 1919 my Mom, Frances Louise Lenard was born in Uniontown of Mary and Frank Lenard.  She never went far from home, for she grew up four houses down the street from our family home.  She attended Uniontown High School where the yearbook says she was homeroom president, student senate, Beta Pennsylvania Club, Nature Club, Advertisement Club, chorus, usher and the Dancing Club.  We just found this tidbit of info recently.  I never knew that Mom was a dancer.  She worked for a few years in retail before marrying Dad and beginning our family. Mom was loving, supportive and loyal to her family and friends.  She went home to join Dad in heaven three short years after his death, on March 3rd, 2005 - 15 years ago this year.  Today would have been Mom's 101st birthday.

     Our other family celebration was February 17th.  On that date in 1946 Frances Lenard and William Stoviak were married at Saint Mary Nativity Church in Uniontown.  74 years ago this coming Monday marks the beginning of their journey together and our family.  As their children, Janie and I were and truly are blessed.

    As you can see - February is a special month for us - and this year those celebrations have taken on significant importance in the number of years ... 100, 101 and 74.  Happy Birthday, Mom & Dad ... and Happy Anniversary!

Let me try to explain!

     Sunday at lunch at our place (February 2nd) I found myself saying "Let me try to explain!".  We were finishing lunch and one of our newer residents, a young and charming priest from Nigeria by the name of Father Anthony who is a new member of our International Priests Program and is living with us as he gets his papers, drivers test, clearances, etc. taken care of.  We had greeted each other earlier with "Happy Feast of the Presentation of the Lord" and "Happy Groundhog Day".  Well, he asked: "What is groundhog day?"

     To someone from another culture and another climate, try to explain that tid bit of lore!  Let me try to explain!

    The few of us at lunch proceeded to explain the tradition of Punxsutawney Phil, the local groundhog personality from the nearby small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who predicts every year on the morning of February 2nd that we will see either an early Spring or six more weeks of Winter.  It all has to do with Phil seeing or not seeing his shadow.  The event is a great celebration for the townsfolk and a multitude of visitors who party hardy!  The news covers it in great detail.  And this has been happening on February 2nd since 1887.  With a few odd years that were missed, the score is: 103 years of a longer Winter ... 20 years of an early Spring.  This year was an early Spring prognosis.  Try to have that make sense to an intelligent person from another culture.

    The other thing that we tried to explain is our Winter weather.  Father Anthony has rarely seen snow and the cold is uncommon for him.  We have been warning him of our winters ... but his experience since he arrived in early January has been strange at best.  We've had a rather mild January ... we are behind in regular snowfall ... even yesterday at lunch we had at least an inch of snow on the ground and it was in the low 30's ... and today it was 64 and sunny.  So again, Father Anthony, let me try to explain our weather.  I did reassure him that he will know Winter when he finally experiences it. 

I Blinked

     After my last post, I paused, blinked, and lo and behold, today is the last day of January!  Time flies when you are having fun.  The days speed by as you grow older.  And even though retirement should mean that things slow down a bit, that is not my experience.

     Many people keep busy in their retirment years.  For me, health and mobility issues have curtailed my getting out and being about.  Thank the Lord that I have a great community of brother priests with whom I live and very comfortable surroundings.  Along with my time of prayer, my nook and its endless supply of novels, and the enjoyable passtime of watching tv, I am blessed.

     However, January passed very quickly.

     Every day as I watched the evening news with Lester Holt, I saw the news of the day repeat itself on a regular basis.  Every night there was a new major storm moving from West to East bringing storms and snow and ice ... except to our little section of Southweastern Pennsylvania.  Thank God!  I saw the other day where we are nearly ten inches shy of normal snow fall for our area.

     During January we saw the death of two of the mothers of my priest brothers: Father Andrew Kawecki's Mom, Apolonia Kawecka, who was 92 ...  and Father Joe Bonafed's Mom, Susan, who was 98.  Mrs. Kawecka's life in Poland and here spanned tumultuous time of war and political upheaval with an intense Faith that gave her strength and dignity.  The crucifix that rested upon her casket was a treasured family focal point for prayer that went back 160 years in her family history.  Susan Bonafed and her husband welcomed and raised three wonderful people as loving and caring parents.

     I also saw the death of one of the last cousins of my Dad, Marie Chlebowski of New Castle, who was 99.  She was one of the oldest of the Stachowiak clan.  A gentle, faith filled, hard working woman whose memory is cherished.  Sadly I missed her funeral (see below).
     There were other deaths, for as we get older we face death with more frequency.

     What made January seem to move quickly was my first major cold of the season.  It started on the 22nd as a head cold, got worse with congestion and drainage, saw my voice disappear all together last Monday and only begin to return yesterday.  For the sake of my friends here I have tried to isolate myself and my germs … and I had to get replacement help last Saturday for my gig as a replacement priest myself at Saint Paul Church … and cancel two of my weekly radio programs on WAOB.  No voice and radio just don't gel.

     The other event in January that is always worth noting is the March for Life, held in Washington this year on January 24th.  The Supreme Court decision which the march protests came down on January 22, 1973 - the year I was ordained.  It is always impressive to see the crowds, especially the young people, and to be inspired by their witness to the sanctity of human life.  I watched the entire march on EWTN.  I remember attending years back when I was able to march in the cold, and have great memories of the march and of the vigil Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception … an awesome experience of love and of Church for me as a priest.

     Tomorrow begins February.  We have an extra day this year.  Mom and Dad would have turned 101 and 100 respectively during February.  Lent will begin and life will go on.  God is good! 

     

Stepping Forward with Faith

     

2020

     On this 1st day of January in the Year of Our Lord 2020, I find these words from Proverbs and this New Year's Greeting to speak from my heart.

     Our world is broken, as it has been since the Fall of Adam and Eve.

     Our peace is fragile since we live in a world touched by hatred and violence.

     Our love is challenged because we have lost the reality of a selfless love that requires sacrifice.

     Our hope is fleeting since the world places the future in its own hands.

     But on this New Year's Day we celebrate a Faith that transcends all limitations and obstacles ... a Faith that acknowledges Salvation as a free gift from God ... a Faith that follows the Prince of Peace ... a Faith that touches our lives with such pure love given us in Christ Jesus that we are redeemed ... and a Faith that tells us that "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."

     The Church, and Pope Francis in a homily today, places Mary before our eyes.  In verse 19 of today's gospel from Luke the Holy Father says: "The text tells us 'But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.'  She kept all these things: joy at the birth of Jesus and sadness for the lack of hospitality shown at Bethlehem; the love of Joseph and the amazement of the shepherds; the promise and the uncertainty of the future.  She took everything to heart, and in her heart, she put everything in its right place, even hardships and troubles.  In her heart, she lovingly set all things in order and entrusted everything to God.

     "Mary does this a second time: at the end of the hidden life of Jesus, we are told that 'keeping in her heart' was not something nice that Our Lady did from time to come, but something habitual.  Women typically take life to heart.  Women show us that the meaning of life is not found in making things but in taking things to heart.  Only those who see with the heart see things properly, because they know how to 'look into' each person: to see a brother apart from his mistakes, a sister apart from her failings, hope amid difficulty.  They see God in all persons and things."

     These are good words worthy of our reflection.

     May your journey be close to Mary and strengthened by the Church.  May this Year of Grace be a time of "pondering in your hearts the mystery of a life immersed in the love of God".  And may you find a deepened Faith to sustain you.