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!