“The Child Jesus invites us to the grotto and
teaches us that in order to accomplish good, it is
necessary to suffer.” -St. Gaspar del Bufalo
God’s Love is Greater Than Any Evil
G
“A large family is nothing to be desired if the children
are worthless. Godless sons are nothing to be proud
of. No matter how many children you have, don’t look
on them with pride unless they fear the Lord. Don’t put
much hope in their future or expect them to live a long
time. One child who does the Lord’s will is better than
a thousand who do not. It is better to go to your grave
with no children than to have children who are
Godless.” -Sirach 16:1-3
This week I went to the Little Sisters of the Poor to pay
my respects for Paul M. Jones, Sr., 95 years of age (no
relationship to me), who has, along with my mother,
been at the home for over 8 years. I buried his son,
Garret, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2000 and I
offered the funeral for his late wife, MaryLouise several
years ago. Paul was preceded in death by 3 sisters and
5 brothers, and is survived by 3 children, 12
grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was a longtime
mail carrier, and his route was on the North Side of
Pittsburgh. For almost 3 decades people waited for his
deliveries, especially around Christmas time.
Paul was a humble, faithful and gentle man, whose
whole life was invested in building a Godly and faithfilled
family. Nothing brought greater joy to his life than
to know that his children were following the path of the
Lord. “Acts of kindness and charity are as lasting as
eternity.” -Sirach 40:17. I was blessed to walk the
journey with Paul and I treasure the moments I shared
with him, especially at the Little Sisters of the Poor
Home. He used to love to sit in the hallways, gazing at
the world through the windows, seeing the light of the
new day, and bringing the light of faith to those who
passed through the corridors of the home. He would
inevitably offer a $5 or $10 bill, saying, “Enjoy yourself
today. Do something special. It will make me happy!”
The day before he passed, I went into his room to offer a
prayer and found him surrounded by his 3 children. Like
a child, he was resting quietly, waiting for his heavenly
Father to summon him home. What a grace and blessing
it was to walk the path with such a humble carrier of
God’s good news and love.
After spending time with Paul’s family, I continued down
the hall to visit Mom, who was sitting in the community
room in her familiar spot, next to her friend, the blue
parakeet. I conveyed to her that Mr. Jones had passed
and we prayed a “Hail Mary” together for the repose of
his soul. Before I check out of the home I usually stop to
see Stush, whose room is next to Mom’s. We always sit
and catch up on things. As I entered the room, the
nurse, Brandy was putting cream on his shoulder. He
was insistent that I not leave the room, as he had things
to discuss with me. The nurse finished her duties, and
she asked, “Fr. Jones, what parish are you at?” I told
her, “St. Joseph in Coraopolis.” She appeared
bewildered, and it was clear that she had no clue where
on earth Coraopolis was. Then Mr. Zubik piped up, “It’s
the next place closest to heaven!”
Recently, a couple came to register as new parishioners.
They were filled with joy and they told me that their son
had led them to join the parish family of St. Joseph. As
we gather this Christmas week to celebrate the Feast of
the Holy Family of Nazareth, I feel humbly blessed and
honored to serve this faith community. I am well aware
that I am far from perfect and less than holy, but I strive
to fulfill the responsibility that Bishop Zubik has
entrusted to me in the service of God’s people.
I feel humbly blessed to have been born into a family of
faith, with parents who were God-fearing, who had
hopes and dreams for their children and who guided us
on the path of knowing right from wrong. They stressed
the importance of ‘being a blessing to others’ through
our individual lives, desires, dreams and decisions, so
that we could pass a blessing to future generations to
come throughout our lives. They highlighted the
importance of not allowing any sin or scandal to get us
off the path that leads to Christ. Jesus himself said,
“Look! Here are my mother, my brother, and sister!
Whoever does what God wants him to do is my
brother, my sister, my mother.” -Mark 3:34, 35
With the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary
school in Newtown, CT, and the horrifying attack that left
20 children, (12 girls, 8 boys) and 6 adults dead, one
cannot but think of the darkness, that fills the lives of
those families this holy season. A parent’s worst
nightmare is the death of a child. This massacre is not
unlike the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which recalls the
victims of Herod, who were innocently murdered during
the time of Jesus. Because of his maniacal desire to
wield his political power over newborns.
There have been many victims, under many regimes, in
many countries, over many centuries worldwide, of
staggering, uncountable suffering that it is incalculable.
Why does the Church celebrate the Holy Innocents, but
to remember that we believe in a God whose infinite
goodness will inevitably triumph over even the most
horrendous evil. We celebrate these holy innocents as a
pledge of the final victory of good over evil.
As I prayed before Sunday’s Mass, a 12 year old girl,
Casey came up to me and said, Fr. Rich, can we take up
a collection for the families of the Sandy Hook victims?
Out of the mouths of children...
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Somebody’s Knocking at the Door!
“The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until the daylight has come. The road of the wicked, however is dark as night. They fall, but cannot see what they have stumbled over.” ~Proverbs 4:18-19
On November 27, 2012 I attended the 4th Annual St. Benedict Education Foundation Lecture at the Fred M. Rogers Center at St. Vincent College and Seminary in Latrobe, PA. The title of the lecture was “Liturgy and the New Evangelization.” There were priests invited from the outlying dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown and Greensburg, as well as Pittsburgh. It was hosted by Bishop Lawrence Brandt, (4th Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, PA). The featured speaker was Archbishop Wilton J. Gregory, (6th Archbishop of Atlanta, GA). The discussion moderator was Bishop Emeritus of Erie, Donald W. Trautman.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to two Dominican sisters, who, in the 1950’s went door-to-door, asking families to send children to St. Carthage Grammar School in Chicago. They knocked at the door of the non-Catholic ‘Gregory family.’ These house - to - house visitors were the “first evangelizers”. God works in humble and hidden ways.
That ‘tap on the door’ resulted in Wilton Gregory, Jr. converting to Catholicism in 8th grade, going on to attend Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College, (now St. Joseph College Seminary) of Loyola University, and subsequently, St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL. He went on to be ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 9, 1973. While attending St. Mary of the Lake, he served on the faculty there. He also served as Master of Ceremonies to Cardinals John Cody and Joseph Bernardin, and was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, IL on December 13, 1983. On Feb 10, 1994 Wilton Gregory was installed as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Bellfield, IL where he served for 11 years.
I fondly remember the introductory remarks that Bishop Trautman noted in giving the curricula vitae of Archbishop Wilton Gregory who, in November of 2001, was elected the President of the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). He earned a doctorate in Sacred Liturgy at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Saint’ Anselmo University in Rome. He offered strong, wise and decisive leadership during the crisis of the sex abuse scandal of Catholic clergy, when the bishops implemented the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”
On December 9, 2004, Pope John Paul II ordained Bishop Gregory as the 6th Archbishop of Atlanta. He has had a leading role in the US Church and particularly in African-American communities. Archbishop Gregory noted in his talk that he cannot thank his priests enough for their service, faithfulness and dedication to the Church. And there is no single thing he prays harder about than the proper placement of his priests in their pastoral assignments. He joyfully commented to his priests, “Don’t over function when the bishop comes, because nothing on earth is perfect.” He also noted that people “parish shop”, for effective preaching, good liturgical music, a sense of belonging and hospitality, encountering and contemplating God.
The conference made me think of the first evangelizers in my own life, who shared and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ; namely, my parents, Mary Jane Divita and David William Jones. Dad, who was Presbyterian, would often comment that their marriage was “two faiths, but one love.” Parents are not only primary educators of their children, but the “first teachers” in the ways of faith. One cannot underestimate the power of parents as practicing believers, nor the energy, enthusiasm and witness their lives can offer.
I am the 6th of 7 children – 4 boys and 3 girls. My first 3 siblings were adopted, the first naturally born child was born with Down Syndrome. The last three were naturally born. My father was a computer analyst for U.S. Steel for over 30 years and mom was a homemaker. Dad had us read the Bible together each night at 7:00 PM. He attended the First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Pittsburgh. The sermon, by Dr. John Huffman, which he heard in the morning, was the one he had his family listen to on Sunday evening. Mom took us to Mass at SS Simon and Jude Church in Scott Twp. where we sat in the 2nd pew every week. She had us dressed and ready 30 minutes early. After Mass we would remain in church to pray while the “Indianapolis 500’ flew out of the parking lot! Mom believed there were still more important things to give thanks for.
My brothers and I slept in bunk beds in one bedroom and my sisters, in another. I will never forget the impression of mom climbing the steps to pray, first with my sisters, then the boys. She would come into our rooms to lead us in our nightly prayers, which were both formal and spontaneous, but nonetheless, coming from a mother’s loving heart. Even on the occasions when we pretended to be asleep, she would say, “I know you’re tired but that’s ok. I’ll pray for you.” No matter how many errands that needed to be run, clothes that required washing or chores that had to be finished, praying with her children took first place, along with attendance at daily Mass.
The liturgy was a staple of mom’s life, so she chose daily engagement opportunities for prayer seeing that her Catholic children would have their ‘daily bread.’ Prayer was not optional or occasional, but normative, regular and daily. Even Jesus’ disciples begged him, “Lord, teach us to pray...”
-Luke 11:1.
At the age of 12, I began serving at Marian Manor Nursing home in nearby Greentree, PA. It was run by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. Between the ages of 14-25, I worked at the home as a porter, in the greenhouse, waxing floors or cutting grass on the tractor. The administrator, Sr. Mary Berchmans, was a powerful evangelist in my life. Invariably and inevitably, she would check on me. She wasn’t so much concerned about my performance, but the depth of my formation and my prayer-life. She would ask daily, “Richard, how is your prayer-life going?” I responded each time, not really understanding the scope of her inquiry. Sr. Berchmans planted the seed early.
Time spent in prayer is time well spent. After 8 years of seminary formation, prayer, studies and apostolic works, when ordained to the Diaconate, I took on the sacred obligation and duty of the Universal Prayer of the Church, by praying the Breviary, the Divine Office. Living mindfully, through the hours of the day, Matins or Vigils - “The Night Watch” - The Midnight Hour, an hour to keep watch at night, vigilantly; Lauds or Morning Prayer - “The Awakening Hour”, prayed at sunrise, early morning or first hour of the day, the hour of joy; Terce or The Third Hour of the Day - “The Blessing Hour”, mid-morning hour, a mid-day pause; Sext—or Sixth Hour - “The Hour of Illumination”, mid-day hour when everything is illumined by the sun’s brightness; None or the Ninth Hour - “The Wisdom Hour”, mid-afternoon, the hour when day moves toward evening; Vespers, or Evensong - “The Twilight Hour”, time to move from the tumult of the day into the quiet of evening - a song of praise; Compline or Night Prayer - “The Great Silence” , the last hour of the day, to review the day by means of gentle evaluation of faithfulness. The single greatest request I get is for prayer. It’s no wonder it is my primary obligation and responsibility.
“We ought to praise God as much as possible in this life, for this activity will be our occupation for all eternity. If a person does not praise God in this way he will not be able to join the heavenly chorus. Let us sing the ‘Alleluia!’ by saying to one another: ‘Give praise to the Lord’. Prepare yourselves for giving praise to God in the glorified state and so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise.” ~St. Augustine
On November 27, 2012 I attended the 4th Annual St. Benedict Education Foundation Lecture at the Fred M. Rogers Center at St. Vincent College and Seminary in Latrobe, PA. The title of the lecture was “Liturgy and the New Evangelization.” There were priests invited from the outlying dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown and Greensburg, as well as Pittsburgh. It was hosted by Bishop Lawrence Brandt, (4th Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, PA). The featured speaker was Archbishop Wilton J. Gregory, (6th Archbishop of Atlanta, GA). The discussion moderator was Bishop Emeritus of Erie, Donald W. Trautman.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to two Dominican sisters, who, in the 1950’s went door-to-door, asking families to send children to St. Carthage Grammar School in Chicago. They knocked at the door of the non-Catholic ‘Gregory family.’ These house - to - house visitors were the “first evangelizers”. God works in humble and hidden ways.
That ‘tap on the door’ resulted in Wilton Gregory, Jr. converting to Catholicism in 8th grade, going on to attend Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Niles College, (now St. Joseph College Seminary) of Loyola University, and subsequently, St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL. He went on to be ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 9, 1973. While attending St. Mary of the Lake, he served on the faculty there. He also served as Master of Ceremonies to Cardinals John Cody and Joseph Bernardin, and was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, IL on December 13, 1983. On Feb 10, 1994 Wilton Gregory was installed as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Bellfield, IL where he served for 11 years.
I fondly remember the introductory remarks that Bishop Trautman noted in giving the curricula vitae of Archbishop Wilton Gregory who, in November of 2001, was elected the President of the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). He earned a doctorate in Sacred Liturgy at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Saint’ Anselmo University in Rome. He offered strong, wise and decisive leadership during the crisis of the sex abuse scandal of Catholic clergy, when the bishops implemented the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”
On December 9, 2004, Pope John Paul II ordained Bishop Gregory as the 6th Archbishop of Atlanta. He has had a leading role in the US Church and particularly in African-American communities. Archbishop Gregory noted in his talk that he cannot thank his priests enough for their service, faithfulness and dedication to the Church. And there is no single thing he prays harder about than the proper placement of his priests in their pastoral assignments. He joyfully commented to his priests, “Don’t over function when the bishop comes, because nothing on earth is perfect.” He also noted that people “parish shop”, for effective preaching, good liturgical music, a sense of belonging and hospitality, encountering and contemplating God.
The conference made me think of the first evangelizers in my own life, who shared and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ; namely, my parents, Mary Jane Divita and David William Jones. Dad, who was Presbyterian, would often comment that their marriage was “two faiths, but one love.” Parents are not only primary educators of their children, but the “first teachers” in the ways of faith. One cannot underestimate the power of parents as practicing believers, nor the energy, enthusiasm and witness their lives can offer.
I am the 6th of 7 children – 4 boys and 3 girls. My first 3 siblings were adopted, the first naturally born child was born with Down Syndrome. The last three were naturally born. My father was a computer analyst for U.S. Steel for over 30 years and mom was a homemaker. Dad had us read the Bible together each night at 7:00 PM. He attended the First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Pittsburgh. The sermon, by Dr. John Huffman, which he heard in the morning, was the one he had his family listen to on Sunday evening. Mom took us to Mass at SS Simon and Jude Church in Scott Twp. where we sat in the 2nd pew every week. She had us dressed and ready 30 minutes early. After Mass we would remain in church to pray while the “Indianapolis 500’ flew out of the parking lot! Mom believed there were still more important things to give thanks for.
My brothers and I slept in bunk beds in one bedroom and my sisters, in another. I will never forget the impression of mom climbing the steps to pray, first with my sisters, then the boys. She would come into our rooms to lead us in our nightly prayers, which were both formal and spontaneous, but nonetheless, coming from a mother’s loving heart. Even on the occasions when we pretended to be asleep, she would say, “I know you’re tired but that’s ok. I’ll pray for you.” No matter how many errands that needed to be run, clothes that required washing or chores that had to be finished, praying with her children took first place, along with attendance at daily Mass.
The liturgy was a staple of mom’s life, so she chose daily engagement opportunities for prayer seeing that her Catholic children would have their ‘daily bread.’ Prayer was not optional or occasional, but normative, regular and daily. Even Jesus’ disciples begged him, “Lord, teach us to pray...”
-Luke 11:1.
At the age of 12, I began serving at Marian Manor Nursing home in nearby Greentree, PA. It was run by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. Between the ages of 14-25, I worked at the home as a porter, in the greenhouse, waxing floors or cutting grass on the tractor. The administrator, Sr. Mary Berchmans, was a powerful evangelist in my life. Invariably and inevitably, she would check on me. She wasn’t so much concerned about my performance, but the depth of my formation and my prayer-life. She would ask daily, “Richard, how is your prayer-life going?” I responded each time, not really understanding the scope of her inquiry. Sr. Berchmans planted the seed early.
Time spent in prayer is time well spent. After 8 years of seminary formation, prayer, studies and apostolic works, when ordained to the Diaconate, I took on the sacred obligation and duty of the Universal Prayer of the Church, by praying the Breviary, the Divine Office. Living mindfully, through the hours of the day, Matins or Vigils - “The Night Watch” - The Midnight Hour, an hour to keep watch at night, vigilantly; Lauds or Morning Prayer - “The Awakening Hour”, prayed at sunrise, early morning or first hour of the day, the hour of joy; Terce or The Third Hour of the Day - “The Blessing Hour”, mid-morning hour, a mid-day pause; Sext—or Sixth Hour - “The Hour of Illumination”, mid-day hour when everything is illumined by the sun’s brightness; None or the Ninth Hour - “The Wisdom Hour”, mid-afternoon, the hour when day moves toward evening; Vespers, or Evensong - “The Twilight Hour”, time to move from the tumult of the day into the quiet of evening - a song of praise; Compline or Night Prayer - “The Great Silence” , the last hour of the day, to review the day by means of gentle evaluation of faithfulness. The single greatest request I get is for prayer. It’s no wonder it is my primary obligation and responsibility.
“We ought to praise God as much as possible in this life, for this activity will be our occupation for all eternity. If a person does not praise God in this way he will not be able to join the heavenly chorus. Let us sing the ‘Alleluia!’ by saying to one another: ‘Give praise to the Lord’. Prepare yourselves for giving praise to God in the glorified state and so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise.” ~St. Augustine
Monday, December 10, 2012
Mary Points The Way
Mary Points The Way
Pittsburgh is well known for its sports teams—sometimes hailed as “The City of Champions”. Throughout many years of championship titles and trophies, there is one play from a 1972 football game that stands out. The play was during the AFC playoff game with the Oakland Raiders at Three Rivers Stadium. That day, Bradshaw was throwing crisp and accurate passes with the Raiders’ defense batting them away with sharp accuracy. Bradshaw, in a desperation pass, hurled the ball, ‘threading the needle’ through Oakland’s unyielding defenders. The ball, seemingly headed for intended receiver, Frenchy Fuqua, rocketed its way down field. But Raider free-safety, Jack Tatum had other plans. Just as he smacked the ball toward the ground upon its arrival, out of nowhere appeared Steeler running back, Franco Harris, who scooped it up just as it was about to make contact with the ground.
As the surprised crowd reacted, #32 raced down the sidelines for a touchdown. Myron Cope, the voice of the Steelers named the catch as the “Immaculate Reception”. At Pittsburgh’s Greater International Airport this event has been immortalized and also at the Sports History Center in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Being a native Pittsburgher, I have always enjoyed living in a city with such a rich sports history.
The Church, throughout history has had many titles for Mary, many of which are familiar and well-known such as Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, Handmaid of the Lord, Mother of our Savior, Queen of the Apostles. Some titles, however not as familiar, are just as beautiful: Mother of Consolation, Fountain of Salvation, Help of Christians, Gate of Heaven, Queen of Peace, Font of Light, Chosen Daughter of Israel, Cause of Our Joy and Pillar of Faith, Mother and Mediatrix of Grace, Mother of Good Counsel, Mother of Reconciliation, Seat of Wisdom, Temple of the Lord and The New Eve.
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception stands in our nation’s capital in Washington, DC as the 7th largest church in the world. Mary is the Patroness of the United States of America. We invoke her intercession as we make our pilgrimage to God’s holy Kingdom.
“Through the centuries, the Church has become evermore aware that Mary, ”full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses as Pope Pius IX proclaimed on December 8, 1854: ‘The Most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.’” -IIneffabilis Deus. (C.C. #491)
No stain of Adam’s sin ever touched the Blessed Virgin Mary. This was a sacred privilege accorded her, in virtue of her role as Mother of the Messiah in order to make her a worthy dwelling for him. She is robed in the splendor of her stainless innocence and clothed with the beauty of Christ, and prepared to receive Him in her womb. Mary was redeemed by God through ‘prevenient grace’ (a scholastic term which means Mary was spared from sin crediting to her in advance of her Sons’ redemptive sacrifice so that she could ‘sinlessly’ bear the sinless Son of God.)
Through Christ’s redeeming Death and Resurrection, all believers have the stain of original sin washed from their souls through the living waters of Baptism. However, through our sinful choices, the residue of sin remains in our disordered desires and our concupiscence, that can easily derail us.
In the story of “The Creation”, in the first Book of the Bible, God asked Adam, “Why did you do it?” Adam said, “Don’t blame me, Lord, it’s not my fault. Eve made me do it.” Adam and Eve tried to hide, and Adam pointed the finger at Eve. Eve pointed the finger at the serpent, who tried to blame the sin on its upbringing. But God didn’t see things their way. Original sin means that Adam and Eve chose what they wanted and tried to hide their souls from God.
In our fallen, yet redeemed humanity, we attempt to do the same in our relationship with God. Sometimes we hide our souls from Him. We try to cover up our sin; we try to deny our sin; we try to blame our sin on someone or something else. We do not want God to see the truth about us and we ‘masquerade’ our failings through rationalization and self-deception.
Mary loved God so much that she remained completely visible to Him. She had nothing to hide. Her trust in God was totally perfect. She had knowledge of good and evil but she exercised her choice for good. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception reminds each of us that we can always make the choice for good in our own lives. It’s not easy but, through the grace of Baptism, we have divine assistance as we wrestle with evil.
When we die and stand before God with our souls naked, we need not be afraid; we need not hide; we need not deny or blame. When we choose what God desires for us, we are holy and made whole. Choosing God always brings peace of mind and peace of heart.
We can be de-sensitized to the power and presence of sin in our lives. But, in each and every century, Mary points the way for us. “Nothing will be impossible for God.” -Luke 1:37.Mary fully embraced the angel Gabriel’s message with no more fear, questions or anxiety, for she was pure of heart and immaculate of soul. The Lord wants to heal us from sin that threatens to tackle and destroy us, putting us into tombs of sadness, suspicion, bitterness, pride or fear. The polarities of human existence: light and darkness, grace and sin, peace and violence, plan and disruption, health and sickness and life and death are the landscape of our journey. No matter how destructive or hopeless a situation may seem, there is a possibility of a solution and redemption. “The Lord is always watching what people do; everything they do is as clear as day to Him. None of their sins are hidden from Him; He is aware of them all.” -Sirach 17:19-20
Like Adam and Eve, we can be afraid, ashamed, disgraced, defeated and sinful, or on the other hand we can choose to be like Mary—unafraid, overshadowed by God’s power, open to the Holy Spirit, victorious and undefeated. Let not our past record of failures, defeat or sin destroy our confidence in Mary’s powerful intercession and prayer, to seek her Son, Jesus’ will in our lives.
“The one thing Mary did and does is the one thing that we all have to do, namely to bear Christ into the world.” -Caryll Houselander, Writer and Poet (1901-1954)
Pittsburgh is well known for its sports teams—sometimes hailed as “The City of Champions”. Throughout many years of championship titles and trophies, there is one play from a 1972 football game that stands out. The play was during the AFC playoff game with the Oakland Raiders at Three Rivers Stadium. That day, Bradshaw was throwing crisp and accurate passes with the Raiders’ defense batting them away with sharp accuracy. Bradshaw, in a desperation pass, hurled the ball, ‘threading the needle’ through Oakland’s unyielding defenders. The ball, seemingly headed for intended receiver, Frenchy Fuqua, rocketed its way down field. But Raider free-safety, Jack Tatum had other plans. Just as he smacked the ball toward the ground upon its arrival, out of nowhere appeared Steeler running back, Franco Harris, who scooped it up just as it was about to make contact with the ground.
As the surprised crowd reacted, #32 raced down the sidelines for a touchdown. Myron Cope, the voice of the Steelers named the catch as the “Immaculate Reception”. At Pittsburgh’s Greater International Airport this event has been immortalized and also at the Sports History Center in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Being a native Pittsburgher, I have always enjoyed living in a city with such a rich sports history.
The Church, throughout history has had many titles for Mary, many of which are familiar and well-known such as Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, Handmaid of the Lord, Mother of our Savior, Queen of the Apostles. Some titles, however not as familiar, are just as beautiful: Mother of Consolation, Fountain of Salvation, Help of Christians, Gate of Heaven, Queen of Peace, Font of Light, Chosen Daughter of Israel, Cause of Our Joy and Pillar of Faith, Mother and Mediatrix of Grace, Mother of Good Counsel, Mother of Reconciliation, Seat of Wisdom, Temple of the Lord and The New Eve.
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception stands in our nation’s capital in Washington, DC as the 7th largest church in the world. Mary is the Patroness of the United States of America. We invoke her intercession as we make our pilgrimage to God’s holy Kingdom.
“Through the centuries, the Church has become evermore aware that Mary, ”full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses as Pope Pius IX proclaimed on December 8, 1854: ‘The Most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.’” -IIneffabilis Deus. (C.C. #491)
No stain of Adam’s sin ever touched the Blessed Virgin Mary. This was a sacred privilege accorded her, in virtue of her role as Mother of the Messiah in order to make her a worthy dwelling for him. She is robed in the splendor of her stainless innocence and clothed with the beauty of Christ, and prepared to receive Him in her womb. Mary was redeemed by God through ‘prevenient grace’ (a scholastic term which means Mary was spared from sin crediting to her in advance of her Sons’ redemptive sacrifice so that she could ‘sinlessly’ bear the sinless Son of God.)
Through Christ’s redeeming Death and Resurrection, all believers have the stain of original sin washed from their souls through the living waters of Baptism. However, through our sinful choices, the residue of sin remains in our disordered desires and our concupiscence, that can easily derail us.
In the story of “The Creation”, in the first Book of the Bible, God asked Adam, “Why did you do it?” Adam said, “Don’t blame me, Lord, it’s not my fault. Eve made me do it.” Adam and Eve tried to hide, and Adam pointed the finger at Eve. Eve pointed the finger at the serpent, who tried to blame the sin on its upbringing. But God didn’t see things their way. Original sin means that Adam and Eve chose what they wanted and tried to hide their souls from God.
In our fallen, yet redeemed humanity, we attempt to do the same in our relationship with God. Sometimes we hide our souls from Him. We try to cover up our sin; we try to deny our sin; we try to blame our sin on someone or something else. We do not want God to see the truth about us and we ‘masquerade’ our failings through rationalization and self-deception.
Mary loved God so much that she remained completely visible to Him. She had nothing to hide. Her trust in God was totally perfect. She had knowledge of good and evil but she exercised her choice for good. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception reminds each of us that we can always make the choice for good in our own lives. It’s not easy but, through the grace of Baptism, we have divine assistance as we wrestle with evil.
When we die and stand before God with our souls naked, we need not be afraid; we need not hide; we need not deny or blame. When we choose what God desires for us, we are holy and made whole. Choosing God always brings peace of mind and peace of heart.
We can be de-sensitized to the power and presence of sin in our lives. But, in each and every century, Mary points the way for us. “Nothing will be impossible for God.” -Luke 1:37.Mary fully embraced the angel Gabriel’s message with no more fear, questions or anxiety, for she was pure of heart and immaculate of soul. The Lord wants to heal us from sin that threatens to tackle and destroy us, putting us into tombs of sadness, suspicion, bitterness, pride or fear. The polarities of human existence: light and darkness, grace and sin, peace and violence, plan and disruption, health and sickness and life and death are the landscape of our journey. No matter how destructive or hopeless a situation may seem, there is a possibility of a solution and redemption. “The Lord is always watching what people do; everything they do is as clear as day to Him. None of their sins are hidden from Him; He is aware of them all.” -Sirach 17:19-20
Like Adam and Eve, we can be afraid, ashamed, disgraced, defeated and sinful, or on the other hand we can choose to be like Mary—unafraid, overshadowed by God’s power, open to the Holy Spirit, victorious and undefeated. Let not our past record of failures, defeat or sin destroy our confidence in Mary’s powerful intercession and prayer, to seek her Son, Jesus’ will in our lives.
“The one thing Mary did and does is the one thing that we all have to do, namely to bear Christ into the world.” -Caryll Houselander, Writer and Poet (1901-1954)
Sunday, December 9, 2012
The Path I've Chosen
“If you wish to make any progress in the service of God, we must begin everyday of our life with new ardor.” ~St. Charles Borromeo
The Path I’ve Chosen
In every life that is lived, there is a journey shared and a story told. In Christian faith, the backdrop of our story is our salvation in Jesus Christ. We do not make life’s journey alone as many accompany us along the way. There are countless lessons to be learned through the days, the weeks, the months and the years of our lives as they unravel through the stages of our journey that extend from birth - through family upbringing, classroom education, to our life’s vocation. The word ‘vocation’ is derived from the Latin, vocare, meaning, “to call”, which refers to a personal or collective summons by God. Everyone has a vocation or a calling from God to share in His saving purpose.
Our basic and primary call, is to that of faith and we respond to the love and the grace of God. No vocation happens in a vacuum. It is God who initiates the call and the human person responds in faith through God’s gratuitous grace. We, in turn, participate in God’s life which is totally gratuitous. It is nothing that we have earned, nothing that we deserve or nothing that we can accomplish without being beneficiaries of His love. “I have come in order that you may life—life in all its fullness.” ~John 10:10
We are called to be agents and instruments of His love, mediating it to others. Christian holiness, love and maturity cannot be mastered in a season, a decade or even in a jubilee year. It is the work of a lifetime, and then some. In every journey in life, through the varied landscapes of life, there are good times and bad times, plusses and minuses, virtues and vices, peaks and valleys, joys and sorrows, triumphs and defeats, successes and failures, twists and turns, laughter and tears, light and darkness. Life comes at us in surprisingly paradoxical ways, challenging us to embrace the Paschal path and to connect ourselves step by step with the truth of what it means to be fully human and fully Christian. This pilgrimage of faith recalls the deepest experience of human life: Resurrection’s victory over death, love’s victory over injustice and healing’s victory over pain.
Every person is inspired to make a difference along their journey, that makes a lasting impression, that leaves an indelible mark on the lives of others. No story or journey should ever be forgotten. It’s worth savoring, cherishing and sharing with others. “The glory of God is revealed in a human being who is fully alive.” ~St. Irenaeus of Lyons.
At a young age, I felt the hand of God in my own life, gently nudging and tugging at my heart. I was inspired by priests, religious mentors and models who had given their lives for Christ and His Church. Their example and witness excited and ignited a fire in me to explore more deeply a vocation to the priesthood. During my years in high school I explored the path to priesthood by spending more time in quiet solitude, reading and meditating on the Bible, attending discernment weekends and retreats, detaching from worldly attractions and strengthening my prayer life. Because I received great love from my parents’ example of faith and our family life, I learned to sacrifice and share that very love, which culminated in a desire to give that same love away, with a passionate desire to know Jesus Christ and follow Him, wholeheartedly.
In discerning the ebb and flow of my desires over time, I chose a particular way of life - giving up other alternatives such as a spouse and family, believing that sacrifices are necessary to love as God calls us to love. I discovered who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do with my life as Jesus laid claim to all my heart’s love.
In seeking this way of life I knew there would be challenges, vulnerabilities, constant demands and expectations as well as rewards. Because we are human beings first, we seek and long for relationships, for intimacy, acceptance and affirmation that lead to pathways of friendship and love. The priest’s love is all-inclusive. This mysterious love calls the priest to embrace celibacy, as a charism of the priesthood, which allows the priest a more wholehearted commitment to the pastoral care of all the faithful. The priest is called to holy, healthy and happy relationships, which includes parishioners and those entrusted to his care. Celibacy is a gift and a learned discipline. It is not an abstract or absent way of loving, but instead genuine and all encompassing.
As a priest, the greatest need is for loving interpersonal relationships that do not come to an end, but instead, extend unto eternity. As a priest, I long to unite with people and merge with their lives, joining them and accompanying them as my own person, independent and autonomous, in order to give myself to Christ’s Mystical Bride, the Church. And it is with respect, appreciation and gratitude that I accept this way of life to shepherd God’s people.
My father always said that no matter what you do in life you have to do it each day, so you’d better love what you’re doing and not just go through the motions. At the age of 18, Mom said, “Why don’t you give the seminary a try? Whether you’re called to it or not, God will show you the way.”
Every journey is marked by milestones. At age 33, the age that Christ suffered and died, I ran a marathon, and at age 50, the half-century mark, I began writing a book. Some priests build churches and schools; some are cardinals, bishops and monsignors; some are administrators, chancellors, school principals, college professors, high school teachers and Biblical scholars; some are missionaries, airport, hospital or prison chaplains; some work in the seminary, some are rectors of cathedrals, spiritual directors and some work with Canon Law; some are in religious orders; some are retreat masters or media personalities; others are composers, authors, poets and writers. My heart’s only desire has been to serve as a parish priest. “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.” ~ St. John Vianney
May the Church be built up first and foremost always in the hearts of the people. On the day of my ordination I was configured to Christ, the High Priest, into whose image and likeness I must grow more and more each and every day of my life.
Friday, November 23, 2012
“We must watch over our mind, our heart, and our senses, for these are the gates by which the devil enters in.” ~St. John Vianney
Christ, the King: A King of Hearts
Today is the 34th Sunday of the church year, marking its close. Pope Pius XI, in 1925 instituted this final Sunday of the year as the Feast of Christ, the King. Pope Paul VI, in 1969 gave this celebration a new title: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,” thus, giving it the highest rank, that of a solemnity. Each year the Church celebrates through prayer and worship that Jesus Christ is the universal King and Judge of all. This is one of the central tenants of our faith and prepares us for the start of a new church year next Sunday, December 2, with the season of Advent.
St. Patrick of Ireland wrote on the power of Christ as he said, “I bind myself today…
The might of The Incarnation of Christ with that of His Baptism;
The might of His Crucifixion with that of His Burial;
The might of His Resurrection with that of His Ascension;
The might of His Coming on the Judgment Day.”
Recently the American bishops held their fall assembly in Baltimore, MD. (November 12-15, 2012). I always enjoy tuning in to see the bishops in their respective dioceses, listening to the agenda items they bring forward to hearing the dialogue and the questions they put forth. I was inspired by the media footage covering the 7th Bishop of Dallas, Kevin Joseph Farrell, who serves on the Committee for National Collections for the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), and also Bishop Gerald Kicanas, the 8th bishop of Tucson, AZ. It gave me a sense of the universal mission of the Church in its efforts to collect goods and re-distribute them in an equitable way, especially those most in need. “From the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and the wine for the Eucharist, gifts to be shared with those in need. This custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ, who became poor to make us rich.” (C.C. #1351)
The USCCB has identified key mission priorities. In 1926, Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday. Other collections today are: Catholic Home Missions Appeal, The Catholic Campaign for Human Development, The Collection for the Church in Latin America, The Collection for Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal, The Catholic Relief Services Collection, The Catholic University of America Collection, The Black and Indian Mission Collection. These national collections offer the faithful a shared opportunity to build bridges that impact the lives of people at home and around the world in a variety of circumstances and with a host of needs. Even the smallest of gifts will support and encourage pastoral ministers and volunteers who each and every day serve the Church’s evangelizing mission at home and abroad. Thank you for the $4,223 recently collected for the Hurricane Sandy victims. Your generosity anoints the darkness of others.
In watching the video footage of the National Collections it made me ask, “Where does Christ, the King reign in the world?” Certainly not in ivory palaces, not in extravagance or great wealth, not in unfair political systems of power and control. But Christ, the King rules through the cry of the poor for justice, the cry of the oppressed for freedom, the cry of the despised for acceptance, the cry of the weak for strength.
Christ, the King is on the side of those who struggle for dignity, identity and opportunity. The Kingdom of God would conquer only hearts. May Jesus teach us more each day about growing His Kingdom… the Kingdom of God.
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, popular writer and president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX, has written a reflection on what a good and true king looks like:
A good king is someone who is strong enough to be weak; who, like God’s presence in this world, can let vulnerability, silence, and helplessness be the ultimate instruments in ordering, caring, feeding and blessing others.
A good king is someone who has a heart big enough to accept pettiness, who cares enough to accept humiliation, and who is faithful enough to do what’s right, even when it’s misunderstood.
A good king is someone who is tall enough to let himself be small, secure enough to disappear in anonymity, and mature enough to not be put off by immaturity.
A good king is someone who is selfless enough to absorb selfishness, loving enough to be gracious towards what’s bitter, and forgiving enough to bless what’s killing him.
A good king is someone who makes those around him feel safe, who carries others rather than ask them to carry him, who feeds others rather than feeds off of them, and who affirms others rather than asking them to affirm him.
A good king looks more like Christ on the cross than like an earthly superstar in his glory, but that is what made Jesus’ life and death redemptive.
On Tuesday, November 13, 2012 I attended the 56th Anniversary of the Serra Club of Beaver Valley. There was a reception honoring all the priests of Vicariate III in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Along with 120 people in attendance, two of the diocesan seminarians were introduced by Fr. Donald Breier. Regional Vicar, Fr. Samuel J. Esposito introduced the 10 priests that were in attendance. The Serra Club strives to emulate the model of their patron, Fr. Juniperra Serra. “Always to go forward-never to turn back.”
The guest speaker of the evening was Spiritan Father, Rev. Vincent Stegman, CSSp (ordained: 1962). There are 3,200 Spiritans in the world today, primarily serving in missionary countries in Africa. He spent ten years working with the Maasai tribe in Tanzania. He was then sent to Ethiopia where he spent 30 years working with the nomadic Borana people in southern Ethiopia. He returned home to work in campus ministry at Duquesne University which is operated by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Now he is presently the Administrator of St. Stephen Church in the Hazelwood section of Pittsburgh, a parish under the care of the Holy Spirit congregation. He gave a powerpoint presentation on “The People, the Culture and the Religion of the Church of Ethiopia.” The retired Ethiopian Borana kings wore a tribal “Kallaacha” on their heads which represented a symbol of status, where they were highly respected. “Wisdom and righteousness are signs of the maturity that should come with old age. (~Wisdom 4:9)
I spoke with Fr. Vincent after the presentation and thanked him for enlightening, inspiring, educating and feeding me thanksgiving of his 40 dedicated years of service. I bowed in appreciation for the service he rendered for God’s people in such a far away place. He fed me thanksgiving through his witness.
Christ, the King: A King of Hearts
Today is the 34th Sunday of the church year, marking its close. Pope Pius XI, in 1925 instituted this final Sunday of the year as the Feast of Christ, the King. Pope Paul VI, in 1969 gave this celebration a new title: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,” thus, giving it the highest rank, that of a solemnity. Each year the Church celebrates through prayer and worship that Jesus Christ is the universal King and Judge of all. This is one of the central tenants of our faith and prepares us for the start of a new church year next Sunday, December 2, with the season of Advent.
St. Patrick of Ireland wrote on the power of Christ as he said, “I bind myself today…
The might of The Incarnation of Christ with that of His Baptism;
The might of His Crucifixion with that of His Burial;
The might of His Resurrection with that of His Ascension;
The might of His Coming on the Judgment Day.”
Recently the American bishops held their fall assembly in Baltimore, MD. (November 12-15, 2012). I always enjoy tuning in to see the bishops in their respective dioceses, listening to the agenda items they bring forward to hearing the dialogue and the questions they put forth. I was inspired by the media footage covering the 7th Bishop of Dallas, Kevin Joseph Farrell, who serves on the Committee for National Collections for the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), and also Bishop Gerald Kicanas, the 8th bishop of Tucson, AZ. It gave me a sense of the universal mission of the Church in its efforts to collect goods and re-distribute them in an equitable way, especially those most in need. “From the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and the wine for the Eucharist, gifts to be shared with those in need. This custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ, who became poor to make us rich.” (C.C. #1351)
The USCCB has identified key mission priorities. In 1926, Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday. Other collections today are: Catholic Home Missions Appeal, The Catholic Campaign for Human Development, The Collection for the Church in Latin America, The Collection for Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, The Retirement Fund for Religious Appeal, The Catholic Relief Services Collection, The Catholic University of America Collection, The Black and Indian Mission Collection. These national collections offer the faithful a shared opportunity to build bridges that impact the lives of people at home and around the world in a variety of circumstances and with a host of needs. Even the smallest of gifts will support and encourage pastoral ministers and volunteers who each and every day serve the Church’s evangelizing mission at home and abroad. Thank you for the $4,223 recently collected for the Hurricane Sandy victims. Your generosity anoints the darkness of others.
In watching the video footage of the National Collections it made me ask, “Where does Christ, the King reign in the world?” Certainly not in ivory palaces, not in extravagance or great wealth, not in unfair political systems of power and control. But Christ, the King rules through the cry of the poor for justice, the cry of the oppressed for freedom, the cry of the despised for acceptance, the cry of the weak for strength.
Christ, the King is on the side of those who struggle for dignity, identity and opportunity. The Kingdom of God would conquer only hearts. May Jesus teach us more each day about growing His Kingdom… the Kingdom of God.
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, popular writer and president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX, has written a reflection on what a good and true king looks like:
A good king is someone who is strong enough to be weak; who, like God’s presence in this world, can let vulnerability, silence, and helplessness be the ultimate instruments in ordering, caring, feeding and blessing others.
A good king is someone who has a heart big enough to accept pettiness, who cares enough to accept humiliation, and who is faithful enough to do what’s right, even when it’s misunderstood.
A good king is someone who is tall enough to let himself be small, secure enough to disappear in anonymity, and mature enough to not be put off by immaturity.
A good king is someone who is selfless enough to absorb selfishness, loving enough to be gracious towards what’s bitter, and forgiving enough to bless what’s killing him.
A good king is someone who makes those around him feel safe, who carries others rather than ask them to carry him, who feeds others rather than feeds off of them, and who affirms others rather than asking them to affirm him.
A good king looks more like Christ on the cross than like an earthly superstar in his glory, but that is what made Jesus’ life and death redemptive.
On Tuesday, November 13, 2012 I attended the 56th Anniversary of the Serra Club of Beaver Valley. There was a reception honoring all the priests of Vicariate III in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Along with 120 people in attendance, two of the diocesan seminarians were introduced by Fr. Donald Breier. Regional Vicar, Fr. Samuel J. Esposito introduced the 10 priests that were in attendance. The Serra Club strives to emulate the model of their patron, Fr. Juniperra Serra. “Always to go forward-never to turn back.”
The guest speaker of the evening was Spiritan Father, Rev. Vincent Stegman, CSSp (ordained: 1962). There are 3,200 Spiritans in the world today, primarily serving in missionary countries in Africa. He spent ten years working with the Maasai tribe in Tanzania. He was then sent to Ethiopia where he spent 30 years working with the nomadic Borana people in southern Ethiopia. He returned home to work in campus ministry at Duquesne University which is operated by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Now he is presently the Administrator of St. Stephen Church in the Hazelwood section of Pittsburgh, a parish under the care of the Holy Spirit congregation. He gave a powerpoint presentation on “The People, the Culture and the Religion of the Church of Ethiopia.” The retired Ethiopian Borana kings wore a tribal “Kallaacha” on their heads which represented a symbol of status, where they were highly respected. “Wisdom and righteousness are signs of the maturity that should come with old age. (~Wisdom 4:9)
I spoke with Fr. Vincent after the presentation and thanked him for enlightening, inspiring, educating and feeding me thanksgiving of his 40 dedicated years of service. I bowed in appreciation for the service he rendered for God’s people in such a far away place. He fed me thanksgiving through his witness.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
“A man’s poverty before God is judged by the disposition of his heart, not by his coffers.”
~St. Augustine of Hippo
The Widow’s Mite-Every 2 Cents Counts
Recently, I attended a continuing education workshop for priests on the Dynamics of Spiritual Direction, offered by Dr. Susan Muto, Ph.D., who is the Executive Director of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality. Dr. Muto is a single lay woman who has dedicated her entire life to Christian formation. She lectures nationally and internationally and has written more than 30 books. She has also co-authored numerous books with Fr. Adrian van Kaam (1920-2007), teacher and mentor. “She is a voice of the 21st century’s concern for the meaning of life beyond mere functionalism to family values, beyond selfism to social concerns, beyond routine religiosity to renewed fervor for and fidelity to the Church” (Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality).
I have considered Dr. Muto a life-long companion, mentor, teacher and friend through the years. I’ve been inspired by her untiring dedication and commitment to minding the human spirit. In her class she noted that her Italian grandmother, Nonna Betta, would always remind her, “Just be what Jesus wants you to be and you will be a blessing for the world.” This simple Italian immigrant gave her a deep faith. I am grateful that here in our very own backyard of Beechview we hold the treasure of Dr. Susan Muto.
In our age, which takes glory in large numbers (such as the Gallup Polls and Nielsen Ratings), Jesus saw the importance of “one”. The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:38-44), is a powerful story on complete charity. Because she was poor, the world saw her as invisible. Because she was without means, she was vulnerable. She was judged ‘insignificant’ and had little protection and maximum vulnerability toward exploitation and injustice, even being required to wear special clothing which called attention to her condition (Genesis 38:14, 19). The widow put her 2 copper coins into the collection plate and Jesus offered her high praise for her puny contribution to the Temple treasury. Jesus explained that she, in fact, gave all that she had with reckless abandon and extravagant love. Jesus saw her faith-filled generosity in the way she gave. She didn’t give from an abundance or surplus but from the generosity of spirit that came from deep within her heart.
Beginning in January 2013, Bishop Zubik begins a great breakthrough in the 169 year history of the Diocese of Pittsburgh with the first comprehensive diocesan—wide endowment and capital campaign entitled, “Our Campaign for The Church Alive!” It is critical that all 204 parishes participate in this historic endeavor in order to reach the $125 million goal. Each parish is given a financial ‘target’ based on their average offertory collection from the last 3 years. I support this Christian sharing as it’s not the size of the gift that one pledges but the spirit and the sacrifice one makes in the offering. Like the Widow’s Mite, real giving has a sort of recklessness about it. Her extraordinary and extravagant love for Jesus compels her to do an inventory of all that He has given her. So perhaps in this Thanksgiving/Christmas season we can consider the gift the Church has been for us throughout our lifetime. And it is in that spirit that we pledge our support to our shepherd in his appeal, joyfully embracing his request. Generosity expands and rejuvenates the heart, thus, increasing our capacity to love. Every person has a basic need to give. When we truly give to others our heart is filled with joy. The one who does not know how to share with others has a handicapped heart. The value of the gift depends not on its absolute worth, but in the love with which it is given. For instance, the value of a birthday present depends on the love it expresses. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life but what we give.” Because the Bishop asks, we respond wholeheartedly and faithfully. May the Holy Spirit guide our stewardship sharing to be: participatory, prepared, practical, prudent and punctual! “Be cheerful with every gift you make, and when you pay your tithes, do it gladly. Give to the Most High as He has given to you, just as generously as you can. The Lord always repays and will do it many times over.” (Sirach 35:9-11)
In a ‘cyber-fast’ world that is constantly pulsating with activity, stimulation, and over-functioning, one can ‘binge out’, ‘burn-out’, and ‘expire’. Often times in life we look for the Cecil B. DeMille exotic, spectacular and dramatic experience, where we can lose our spiritual bearings. Once we do that, we are likely to end up lost in unintended places, situations or relationships. God’s way is the only right way to go. We need to depend on His grace and guidance by living in truth. In the wisdom of St. Charles Borromeo: “Are you in charge of a parish? If so, do not neglect the parish of your own soul, do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself. You have to be mindful of your people without becoming forgetful of yourself.” ~St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) In this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us catch our breath to allow the Spirit to still us and seize us anew. May the doors of our hearts be filled with thanksgiving and charity.
8 Degrees in the Ladder of Charity
~Moses Maimonides -12th Century Jewish Philosopher (1135-1204)
1. The first and lowest degree is to give, but with reluctance or regret. This is the gift of the hand, but not of the heart.
2. The second is to give cheerfully, but not in proportion to the distress of the sufferer.
3. The third is to give cheerfully and in proportion to the need, but not until we are asked.
4. The fourth is to give cheerfully, proportionately, and even unasked, but to put it into the poor man’s hand, thereby exciting in him the painful emotion of shame.
5. The fifth is to give in such a way that the needy may receive the alms and know their benefactor, without the benefactor knowing them.
6. The sixth is to know the recipients of our charity, while remaining unknown to them.
7. The seventh is to bestow charity in such a way that the benefactor does not know the recipient, or the recipient the benefactor.
8. Lastly, the eighth and most meritorious way of all, is to anticipate charity by preventing poverty. This can be done by giving a gift or a loan of money to enable an indigent person to get back on his feet, or by teaching him a trade, or by putting him in the way of business, so that he may earn an honest livelihood, and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding out his hand for charity.
~St. Augustine of Hippo
The Widow’s Mite-Every 2 Cents Counts
Recently, I attended a continuing education workshop for priests on the Dynamics of Spiritual Direction, offered by Dr. Susan Muto, Ph.D., who is the Executive Director of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality. Dr. Muto is a single lay woman who has dedicated her entire life to Christian formation. She lectures nationally and internationally and has written more than 30 books. She has also co-authored numerous books with Fr. Adrian van Kaam (1920-2007), teacher and mentor. “She is a voice of the 21st century’s concern for the meaning of life beyond mere functionalism to family values, beyond selfism to social concerns, beyond routine religiosity to renewed fervor for and fidelity to the Church” (Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality).
I have considered Dr. Muto a life-long companion, mentor, teacher and friend through the years. I’ve been inspired by her untiring dedication and commitment to minding the human spirit. In her class she noted that her Italian grandmother, Nonna Betta, would always remind her, “Just be what Jesus wants you to be and you will be a blessing for the world.” This simple Italian immigrant gave her a deep faith. I am grateful that here in our very own backyard of Beechview we hold the treasure of Dr. Susan Muto.
In our age, which takes glory in large numbers (such as the Gallup Polls and Nielsen Ratings), Jesus saw the importance of “one”. The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:38-44), is a powerful story on complete charity. Because she was poor, the world saw her as invisible. Because she was without means, she was vulnerable. She was judged ‘insignificant’ and had little protection and maximum vulnerability toward exploitation and injustice, even being required to wear special clothing which called attention to her condition (Genesis 38:14, 19). The widow put her 2 copper coins into the collection plate and Jesus offered her high praise for her puny contribution to the Temple treasury. Jesus explained that she, in fact, gave all that she had with reckless abandon and extravagant love. Jesus saw her faith-filled generosity in the way she gave. She didn’t give from an abundance or surplus but from the generosity of spirit that came from deep within her heart.
Beginning in January 2013, Bishop Zubik begins a great breakthrough in the 169 year history of the Diocese of Pittsburgh with the first comprehensive diocesan—wide endowment and capital campaign entitled, “Our Campaign for The Church Alive!” It is critical that all 204 parishes participate in this historic endeavor in order to reach the $125 million goal. Each parish is given a financial ‘target’ based on their average offertory collection from the last 3 years. I support this Christian sharing as it’s not the size of the gift that one pledges but the spirit and the sacrifice one makes in the offering. Like the Widow’s Mite, real giving has a sort of recklessness about it. Her extraordinary and extravagant love for Jesus compels her to do an inventory of all that He has given her. So perhaps in this Thanksgiving/Christmas season we can consider the gift the Church has been for us throughout our lifetime. And it is in that spirit that we pledge our support to our shepherd in his appeal, joyfully embracing his request. Generosity expands and rejuvenates the heart, thus, increasing our capacity to love. Every person has a basic need to give. When we truly give to others our heart is filled with joy. The one who does not know how to share with others has a handicapped heart. The value of the gift depends not on its absolute worth, but in the love with which it is given. For instance, the value of a birthday present depends on the love it expresses. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life but what we give.” Because the Bishop asks, we respond wholeheartedly and faithfully. May the Holy Spirit guide our stewardship sharing to be: participatory, prepared, practical, prudent and punctual! “Be cheerful with every gift you make, and when you pay your tithes, do it gladly. Give to the Most High as He has given to you, just as generously as you can. The Lord always repays and will do it many times over.” (Sirach 35:9-11)
In a ‘cyber-fast’ world that is constantly pulsating with activity, stimulation, and over-functioning, one can ‘binge out’, ‘burn-out’, and ‘expire’. Often times in life we look for the Cecil B. DeMille exotic, spectacular and dramatic experience, where we can lose our spiritual bearings. Once we do that, we are likely to end up lost in unintended places, situations or relationships. God’s way is the only right way to go. We need to depend on His grace and guidance by living in truth. In the wisdom of St. Charles Borromeo: “Are you in charge of a parish? If so, do not neglect the parish of your own soul, do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself. You have to be mindful of your people without becoming forgetful of yourself.” ~St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) In this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us catch our breath to allow the Spirit to still us and seize us anew. May the doors of our hearts be filled with thanksgiving and charity.
8 Degrees in the Ladder of Charity
~Moses Maimonides -12th Century Jewish Philosopher (1135-1204)
1. The first and lowest degree is to give, but with reluctance or regret. This is the gift of the hand, but not of the heart.
2. The second is to give cheerfully, but not in proportion to the distress of the sufferer.
3. The third is to give cheerfully and in proportion to the need, but not until we are asked.
4. The fourth is to give cheerfully, proportionately, and even unasked, but to put it into the poor man’s hand, thereby exciting in him the painful emotion of shame.
5. The fifth is to give in such a way that the needy may receive the alms and know their benefactor, without the benefactor knowing them.
6. The sixth is to know the recipients of our charity, while remaining unknown to them.
7. The seventh is to bestow charity in such a way that the benefactor does not know the recipient, or the recipient the benefactor.
8. Lastly, the eighth and most meritorious way of all, is to anticipate charity by preventing poverty. This can be done by giving a gift or a loan of money to enable an indigent person to get back on his feet, or by teaching him a trade, or by putting him in the way of business, so that he may earn an honest livelihood, and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding out his hand for charity.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
“Each one should give, then as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.” ~ 2 Cor 9:7
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“Each one should give, then as he has decided, not with regret or out
of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.” ~ 2 Cor 9:7
K. George
Schoeppner - A Smiling Face in the Crowd
We gather from
near and far, family and friends, at St. John Capistran Church in Upper Saint
Clair, Pa. to celebrate the Christian Funeral Liturgy of Thanksgiving for the
life and the soul of K. George Schoeppner. George was called home to God on
Thursday, October 4, 2012, at the age of 75, most fittingly on the feast of one
of the most acclaimed and treasured saints of Christianity who appealed to both
religious and non-religious: St. Francis of Assisi, lover of God, creation,
nature, animals, the poor, lepers and peace.
When I
received the telephone call last Thursday informing me that George was being
taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh with an aortic aneurism, in
having served as a hospital chaplain for many years, I knew this news was bad
and perhaps fatal. My heart and my prayers leapt for him as I asked the
intercession of St. Francis of Assisi to be with him especially in this most
dangerous and critical time. Hours later his son, Mark called to inform me that
I didn’t need to make the trip to the hospital following the blessing of the
pets at St. Joseph Parish that day, as God had called his father home. But
God’s timing is perfect - every time! God has specific purposes and plans for
each of us, far beyond our own timing. I thought to myself, what greater
homecoming could there be than in this fruitful ‘harvest’ season, after living
such a faith-filled life? George lived life to the fullest, and I feel that God
spared him and was merciful to him in calling him home so suddenly and unexpectedly.
Early the following morning, while visiting a dying patient in the ICU of
Sewickley Valley Hospital, I spoke to a surgeon about George. He informed me
that 75% of those who have aortic aneurisms at home die. Those who survive the
ordeal have a limited existence. That information gave me a sense of
reassurance and calm. George’s life was so robust, that anything other than
that would not have suited him. I pray that my presence to George’s family will
be one of comfort and healing in the midst of their loss, sorrow and sadness. “What
a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion.” (Proverbs
15:23)
I have known
George for 2 decades, having met him while serving as an assistant priest at
St. Thomas More Church in Bethel Park, Pa. It is only fitting that, we gather
at a church to give thanks to God for the graces of making this journey
together in faith, friendship and love. I am grateful for the many occasions to
have been part of this family’s history, whether celebrating the wedding of a
family member, sharing a dinner at the Duquesne Club, cheering for George’s alma
mater, the Pitt
Panthers at a basketball game at the Petersen Center, listening to a concert
given by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, or just sharing a simple lunch in
the cafeteria at Mercy Hospital, while I served as chaplain there.
Whatever
assignment I was given, every 6 weeks or so, George and his wife Barbara would
follow me and say, “We’re just checking up on you! We’re making sure you are
happy and healthy.” And with a twinkle in his eye, George would add, “God loves
you and so do we! A good homily helps the visit!”
He would
always offer his signature bear hug as he whispered, “Love you, Fr. Rich, pray
for our family.” I pray especially today for you as I stand with humble joy,
blessed and honored to share and name some of the graces and lessons that I
have gleaned in journeying with him. The following are some lessons learned
from George’s life:
1. He was a
‘God-fearing’, ‘faith-filled’ man, not foolish or reckless.
Faith
permeated all areas of his life. He was a happy man, a humble man, a holy man,
a gentle man, a thankful man, a just man and a family man. “Those who fear
the Lord will live because they have put their trust in the one who can save
them. Fear the Lord, and you will have nothing else to fear.” (Sirach 34:13)
2. He
was a “good-finder” not a fault-finder. I would ask him, “George, in your complex
and busy life, how do you keep it together and balance it?” He found that the
prescription was always kindness. Kindness picks others up when troubles weigh
them down. He always found the good in people, in work, in every day, or in
every situation.
3. He
was a unifier, not a divider. He sought to include not exclude. Mass time, family meal
time, and vacation time were important to him. As the family grew, his heart
expanded with an inclusive love that left no one outside of its mantle. He was
a ‘life-giver’, not a ‘death-dealer’. He strove for unity, oneness and harmony.
4. He
was a team-player, not a braggart, whether on the basketball court, on the
baseball diamond, while being the coach of a Little League baseball team in
Upper Saint Clair. He focused on team work and positivity with a ‘can-do’
winning attitude. He brought out the best in every player. He found the seeds
of victory even in life’s little defeats. He gave a ‘thumbs up’ whether calling
signals as a father, as a coach or for his clients in the boardroom. His
delight was in serving and helping others.
5. He
was a faithful friend to countless, and a foe to few. He didn’t dodge
difficult situations. “An honest answer is the sign of true friendship.”
(Proverbs 24:26) He
won people by his contagious and joyful smile that would shatter the gloom and
heaviness of life’s adversities. His ‘sunburst smile’ penetrated the darkest of
days. “Smiling faces make you happy and good news makes you feel better.”
(Proverbs 15:30.) He
would sign all his greeting cards with 2 smiling faces, and the words, “Be
happy! We love you!” He was a lover, not a be-grudger.
6. He
was humble, not pretentious. He made everyone feel loved, special and so important.
Everyone knew they meant the world to him. “Be humble in everything you do,
and people will appreciate it more than gifts. The greater you become, the more
humble you should be, then the Lord will be pleased with you.” (Sirach 3:17-18)
The 8th century prophet Micah (6:8), gave us the ‘masterpiece of life’: “This
is what the Lord requires of us: to do what is just, to show constant love and
to walk humbly with our God.” George lived this prophetic message every
day.
7.
He was a peace-maker, not a troublemaker.
We all
make choices in life for good or ill, but it’s best not to condemn ourselves
mercilessly or blame others endlessly, instead accept the peace that comes
through forgiveness. God’s love is the key to forgiveness.
“Every day of
your life, keep the Lord, God in mind. Never sin deliberately or disobey any of
His commands. Always do what is right and never get involved in anything evil.
Be honest, and you will succeed in whatever you do.” (Tobit 4:5-6) George’s goal was
to live in peace with God, himself and others… always.
St.
Francis believed, “Sanctify yourself, and you will sanctify society. It is
not fitting, when one is in God’s service to have a gloomy face or a chilling
look.”
George chose to be happy, smile on the world, and live his faith daily. He was
grateful in all things. God certainly smiled on us in the ‘gift’ of George! St.
Francis, St. John Capistran, St. Thomas More, St. Joseph and St. George, come
to his aid! Angels of the Lord, lead him to his everlasting home in heaven!
Life: Never take a breath for granted.
“Smile! Your mom chose
life!”
~ from a bumper sticker
Life: Never take a breath for
granted.
A
parishioner told me that the 4 days of the Parish Mission were the highlight of
her 2012 year. It was inspiring that 904 people took the time to attend the
mission with Fr. Albert Haase, OFM, and the Concert of Praise with Tom Franzak,
(September 24-27, 2012), especially in a culture where time is at a premium.
The polls tell us that only 10% of a parish will attend a mission. We took Fr.
Albert Haase around Pittsburgh to see the sights as well as to St. Paul
Seminary to visit the seminarians. We also went to St. John Vianney Manor, the
retirement home for priests. The older priests there knew the importance of
having a Retreat Master visit, and some even asked to receive the grace of the
Sacrament of Reconciliation with him. On Wednesday of mission week there were 7
priest confessors who listened for 75 minutes to approx. 150 penitents who came
for confessions.
The
last night of the mission I travelled to Jefferson Hills to see a newly built
church, St. Thomas a Becket Parish, that Bishop Zubik dedicated on September
23, 2012. As I went into that new building, which has a seating capacity of 850
and which cost over $8 million, I was drawn to the “Lord’s Supper” mosaic on
the altar. It was taken from Sacred Heart Church in McKeesport. As I knelt
before the altar I looked at the Lord as he shared the meal, passing faith on
through the apostles, from century to century, generation to generation,
culture to culture, community to community, person to person, and has made
manifest Jesus’ enduring presence. With each participation of the holy
sacrifice of the Mass we are to grow in more perfect charity and reverence for
those who have gone before us, marked by the sign of faith, those on the
pilgrimage now, and future disciples of Jesus yet to be named, that trod this
holy path to the house of the Lord.
A Christian is literally a ‘little Christ’, endowed with the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit:
1. Wisdom: (Latin: “sapientia”), to savor; taste; the fruit of deep spiritual experience; not book-learning
2. Understanding: A ‘eureka’ experience of spiritual insight; to stand under
3. Knowledge: Traditionally called ’The Science of the Saints’
4. Council: Right judgment; the ability to respond to a situation; to size it up; to discern alternatives and not simply react. (Spiritual directors and counselors are t rusted advisors who guide us on the spiritual path. It is important to remember that we “vote with our feet”
.
5. Fortitude: (Latin), strength; courage; lights a fire in the belly; transforms ordinary people into prophets who stand up for what is right and defend their convictions. Fortitude is inner strength that gives one determination, assurance and confidence to make decisions even if one has to stand alone.
6. Piety: (Greek: “eusebia”), Godliness; devotion. The Latin word, “pietas” means responsibility and a sense of duty and devotion, where one loves others, not because one has to or should, but because God loves us.
7. Fear of the Lord: Traditionally we think fear means anxiety, dread or trepidation. But in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, it is really the response of “wonder and awe” of God’s presence, action and manifestation in our lives. Fear of the Lord means fascination; e.g., “the fingernail of the baby”, “the texture of soil” “a full moon in autumn”; to see the world of microbes which exist, as seen through the lens of a microscope. “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” -Proverbs 1:7.
Jesus, in today’s gospel (Mark 10:2-16), gives a theology class of ‘Marriage 101’. Jesus upholds His teaching that marriage is an “indissoluble, holy, blessed, life-long commitment between one man and one woman.” Marriage, in any age and in every age highlights personal commitment and sacrifice. The significance of a life-long commitment is many times not particularly appreciated in a culture where ‘anything goes’ and ‘doing my own thing’ is the name of the game. In the Sacrament of Marriage, as in the Christian vocation of love, Jesus calls us to a self-giving, permanent and life-fulfilling commitment that Christ calls us to embrace. In any vocation we must work through the rough patches. We must continue to learn and sacrifice self for another as we participate in love, in its purist and most unselfish and divine form.
When I returned home to the rectory after spending time with Bishop Zubik, I encountered a 22 year old girl with her arm around the pole, standing near the street. She was busy texting. She looked to be about 8 months pregnant, and her little boy was at her side clinging to her leg as the traffic flew by. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest as I watched them from my window. I thought, “What greater visual aid could the Lord provide me with on this Respect Life weekend, than a pregnant woman with a child at her side?” “Discipline your children while they are young enough to learn. If you don’t, you are helping them destroy themselves.” ~Proverbs 19:18
Friday, October 5, 2012
Our Greatest Title: “A Child of God”
“Love and do what you will. If you keep silent, keep
silent by love. If you speak, speak by love. If you correct, correct by love.
If you pardon, pardon by love. Let love be rooted in you, and from this root,
nothing but good can grow.”
~St.
Augustine of Hippo
Our
Greatest Title: “A Child of God”
Recently
the Knights of Columbus hosted an appreciation dinner in honor of all priests,
religious, and lay persons in the local area. In 1882, in the wake of the
Industrial Revolution, Fr. Michael McGivney (1852-1890), while serving as
assistant pastor of Saint Mary Church in New Haven, CT, founded the Knights of
Columbus. The firm foundation of the Knights of Columbus has made this
organization the largest Catholic Fraternity in the world. On March 15, 2008,
the Archdiocese of Hartford, Ct. opened an investigation into his life for the
cause of his beatification and canonization.
Fr.
McGivney was the son of Irish immigrants and ordained to the priesthood by
Archbishop James Gibbons. His magnetic faith, positive spirit, compassionate
brotherhood reached far and wide in his short 13 years as a curate and pastor.
Pope Benedict XVI recognized Fr. McGivney as an individual possessing heroic
virtue, thus giving him the title, “Venerable Servant of God.” Fr. McGivney’s life
was cut short at the age of 38 due to complications from pneumonia.
The
members of the Knights of Columbus await a miracle through his intercession. If
canonized, he would be the first American-born parish priest to be formally
sainted. Can you see the landslide deficit I have a as a parish priest to
become a saint in America?
The
Knights are men of faith and men of action. Through countless acts of charity
they bring the eyes of faith to our world both nationally and internationally.
This organization fostered strength through social benefits, and financial
security. Most of us are familiar with the pageantry and regalia of the Knights
in colorful attire. Their presence graces many occasions throughout the Diocese
of Pittsburgh as they attend numerous functions at St. Paul Cathedral as well
as churches throughout the diocese.
They
enjoy such charitable partnerships with Special Olympics, the Global Wheel
Chair Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Food for Families, and Coats for Kids
among others. Locally, the Knights help out with the St. Anthony Programs for
special needs children by conducting penny drives at local parishes throughout
the year. I felt Fr. McGivney’s spirit in our gathering that night through our
meal sharing, faith-fellowship, and humorous stories. The Knights bestowed a
token of appreciation on the religious and clergy gathered there for
communicating God’s love and spreading His gospel in our communities.
There
were 2 Felician sisters who were celebrating their 50th Golden Jubilee's and 1
sister celebrating 70 years. The spokesperson at the banquet mentioned that Sr.
Felicity, who was celebrating 70 years in religious life would now be able to
retire. At my table sat Sr. Philip, whose nephew is Fr. Bernie Hebda of
Gaylord, MI. She piped up, “No, no, no! He said it wrong, Father. Correct him!
We don’t retire, we only expire when God calls us home.” Sr. Philip was born
and raised in the South Side of Pittsburgh, where she attended St. Adalbert
Parish and she lived in Rome for 6 years as well as in Brazil where she taught
French and Spanish. Sr. Philip also taught at the former St. Joseph School in
Coraopolis as well as serving as Pastoral Associate at St. Louise de Marillac
in Upper St. Clair, PA.
As
I walked into our school on Catechetical Sunday, there was new excitement in
the air as we welcomed new students to our CCD program, especially in a parish
whose school recently closed. As I went from room to room, asking students
their names, I inquired, “What name do we all share in common through our
Baptism? The name of Jesus Christ— and being a Christian.” Our name is
important. We are called that name throughout our lives. But the name
“Christian” is far more important, as we make known His presence to others that
we meet each day.
Jesus
told his disciples, “Whoever wants to be first, must place himself last of all
and be servant of all.” This was revolutionary (there was no pecking order.)
Then he took a child and had him stand in front of them. He put his arms around
him and said to them, “Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children,
welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes not only me, but the one who
sent me.” (Mark 8:35-37) In Aramaic, the word, “talya” means “both child and
servant.” Jesus says in effect, the least of all, the servant, (the child) is
the greatest. Jesus invites his disciples to this kind of selflessness and
powerlessness so true Christian greatness is found only in loving service of
others.
The
American Bishops’ Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization recently wrote a
document “Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization.” It gives
alarming stats that only 23% of US Catholics attend Mass each week which means
77% are absent from the Eucharistic feast. But these are not strangers. They
are our parents, siblings, spouses, children and friends. The document states
that the ’exodus’ from the Mass is not related to controversial issues but
rather a gradual slipping away of the faith. It mentions that Catholics stop
attending Mass because they:
1.
Have busy schedules, or lack of time
2.
Have family responsibilities
3.
Have health problems or disabilities
4.
Have conflicts with work
5.
Do not believe missing Mass is a sin
6.
Believe that they are not very religious people
“Be proud that you are helping God to bear the cross, and don’t grasp at comforts. It is only mercenaries who expect to be paid by the day. Serve Him without pay.” ~St. Teresa of Avila
Discipleship—No Side-Stepping the Cross
Nothing in my priestly ministry grounds me more than when I visit the sick at the hospital. Many of my siblings have also dedicated their lives to the service of others in the healing professions. Several times a week I visit people in the hospital. Inevitably I find myself on the rehabilitation floor of the orthopedic department. I’ve shared many stories with Dr. Amy D’Antonio, whose specialty is Physical Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation. She serves as the physician for Central Valley High School in Center Twp., Beaver Co. It is good to share stories of faith from our respective positions.
Recently I met two patients who were in the same room, had the same doctor, belonged to the same parish, and shared the same pain: one had a hip replacement and the other a knee replacement. As I walked in to visit them, I was delighted that there was family there to give them courage and strength under trying circumstances. Both patients communicated to me that their lives had come to a screeching halt and the only answer was relief through surgery. But there would be a long charted course of rehabilitation, in order to reach the ‘end’ and arrive at a ‘new beginning’ .
The doctor conveyed that physicians ‘overhaul’ and ‘re-toll’ the parts of the physical anatomy. She hoped that they would also have a renewal or restoration of faith. She would say, “Fr. Rich, we repair the physical parts and send them out to continue their journey at home. You do the important part of preparing their hearts and souls for their journey to their eternal home.” Isn’t it humbling to walk and help one another as disciples of the Lord? I believe that the spiritual life is one of making progress and back-sliding. We are either moving forward or we’re losing ground. But there is no standing still in neutral with discipleship.
The gospel of St. Mark has a brief introduction and then it makes us come face to face with the identity of the cross. Jesus begins to show his disciples that the road to fulfillment is through suffering. This picture of suffering, death, and resurrection puts everything into perspective. Three times, Jesus repeats this prophecy and three times they appear dense, dumb, and clueless. Caesarea Philippi is the turning point and the middle of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus turns and asks the Twelve: “Who do you say that I am?” ~Mark 8:27
The Mediterranean culture of the Middle East was an ‘honor-shame’ culture. They depended on their families for everything. Their rule was, “Take care of family first.” In our western culture we say that it doesn’t matter what others think of us—just what we think of ourselves. We pride ourselves on individualism, self-reliance, independence from others, and personal competencies. The western culture supports a so-called ‘narcissistic kingdom of Caesar’ approach to life: “Go for the power! Revel in the position! Enjoy popularity! Seek out all the glory and notoriety that you can!” But Jesus reminds us that discipleship is not about attaining power, glory, fame and honor. We are not to follow him as a great military leader who will be victorious in battle. For this Messiah, the Son of God, real life comes only through death and defending other’s lives for the sake of the gospel.
In Sr. Melannie Svoboda’s book, “Jesus, I’m a Teacher, Too—Guidance and Inspiration from the Gospels” she states, “Jesus must have told them something like, ‘Well, Jesus, 30% say you’re John the Baptist, 28% say you’re Elijah, 20% say you’re one of the prophets, and the rest are undecided.’”
But then Jesus asks a more difficult question - one that mattered most: “Who do you say that I am?” Yes, that means we must answer the question for ourselves. Peter gave the proverbial right answer, but he had no understanding of the implications of what a Messiah meant. ‘Cross-accepting’ always requires self-denial, world-denial, and sin-denial.
Jesus had to explain the cost of discipleship. We learn the theology of the cross and everything that flows from it. First Jesus predicts his Passion, Death and Resurrection; secondly, the disciples misunderstand what he is saying; and thirdly Jesus presents a corrective teaching unfolding the meaning of the theology of the cross. ~Mark 8:27-30, 9:30-37, 10:32-45.
Jesus wants us to do a cross-examination and even a confrontation upon deciding to follow him whole-heartedly. He calls us to the heights of an un-aesthetical and penitential life that does not mirror the culture’s false beliefs. As he shares and embraces the cross, so too, we must deny ourselves and pick up our cross to follow in his footsteps. Being a disciple is not always pretty, easy, or glorious but we must do God’s will and not our own will.
Sometimes like Peter, we get too big for our own britches and we forget that Jesus is the Master and we, the disciples. We can’t follow Jesus on our own terms. Again like Peter, we need to be put back in line—rebuked, chided, and corrected. What else would have brought Peter’s life to a great screeching halt than when Jesus turned on him and said, “Get behind me, Satan!” which means adversary, opponent, saboteur, contradictor, dissident, tempter and blocker of God’s work. Are we thwarting God’s design or yielding to His plan? Are we goaded by the culture’s puppets or are we real, embracing the cross in love? Is the cross life’s great teacher or its enemy? What new life has the cross brought you? Jesus did not deny his Messianic vocation. Why should we?
Discipleship—No Side-Stepping the Cross
Nothing in my priestly ministry grounds me more than when I visit the sick at the hospital. Many of my siblings have also dedicated their lives to the service of others in the healing professions. Several times a week I visit people in the hospital. Inevitably I find myself on the rehabilitation floor of the orthopedic department. I’ve shared many stories with Dr. Amy D’Antonio, whose specialty is Physical Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation. She serves as the physician for Central Valley High School in Center Twp., Beaver Co. It is good to share stories of faith from our respective positions.
Recently I met two patients who were in the same room, had the same doctor, belonged to the same parish, and shared the same pain: one had a hip replacement and the other a knee replacement. As I walked in to visit them, I was delighted that there was family there to give them courage and strength under trying circumstances. Both patients communicated to me that their lives had come to a screeching halt and the only answer was relief through surgery. But there would be a long charted course of rehabilitation, in order to reach the ‘end’ and arrive at a ‘new beginning’ .
The doctor conveyed that physicians ‘overhaul’ and ‘re-toll’ the parts of the physical anatomy. She hoped that they would also have a renewal or restoration of faith. She would say, “Fr. Rich, we repair the physical parts and send them out to continue their journey at home. You do the important part of preparing their hearts and souls for their journey to their eternal home.” Isn’t it humbling to walk and help one another as disciples of the Lord? I believe that the spiritual life is one of making progress and back-sliding. We are either moving forward or we’re losing ground. But there is no standing still in neutral with discipleship.
The gospel of St. Mark has a brief introduction and then it makes us come face to face with the identity of the cross. Jesus begins to show his disciples that the road to fulfillment is through suffering. This picture of suffering, death, and resurrection puts everything into perspective. Three times, Jesus repeats this prophecy and three times they appear dense, dumb, and clueless. Caesarea Philippi is the turning point and the middle of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus turns and asks the Twelve: “Who do you say that I am?” ~Mark 8:27
The Mediterranean culture of the Middle East was an ‘honor-shame’ culture. They depended on their families for everything. Their rule was, “Take care of family first.” In our western culture we say that it doesn’t matter what others think of us—just what we think of ourselves. We pride ourselves on individualism, self-reliance, independence from others, and personal competencies. The western culture supports a so-called ‘narcissistic kingdom of Caesar’ approach to life: “Go for the power! Revel in the position! Enjoy popularity! Seek out all the glory and notoriety that you can!” But Jesus reminds us that discipleship is not about attaining power, glory, fame and honor. We are not to follow him as a great military leader who will be victorious in battle. For this Messiah, the Son of God, real life comes only through death and defending other’s lives for the sake of the gospel.
In Sr. Melannie Svoboda’s book, “Jesus, I’m a Teacher, Too—Guidance and Inspiration from the Gospels” she states, “Jesus must have told them something like, ‘Well, Jesus, 30% say you’re John the Baptist, 28% say you’re Elijah, 20% say you’re one of the prophets, and the rest are undecided.’”
But then Jesus asks a more difficult question - one that mattered most: “Who do you say that I am?” Yes, that means we must answer the question for ourselves. Peter gave the proverbial right answer, but he had no understanding of the implications of what a Messiah meant. ‘Cross-accepting’ always requires self-denial, world-denial, and sin-denial.
Jesus had to explain the cost of discipleship. We learn the theology of the cross and everything that flows from it. First Jesus predicts his Passion, Death and Resurrection; secondly, the disciples misunderstand what he is saying; and thirdly Jesus presents a corrective teaching unfolding the meaning of the theology of the cross. ~Mark 8:27-30, 9:30-37, 10:32-45.
Jesus wants us to do a cross-examination and even a confrontation upon deciding to follow him whole-heartedly. He calls us to the heights of an un-aesthetical and penitential life that does not mirror the culture’s false beliefs. As he shares and embraces the cross, so too, we must deny ourselves and pick up our cross to follow in his footsteps. Being a disciple is not always pretty, easy, or glorious but we must do God’s will and not our own will.
Sometimes like Peter, we get too big for our own britches and we forget that Jesus is the Master and we, the disciples. We can’t follow Jesus on our own terms. Again like Peter, we need to be put back in line—rebuked, chided, and corrected. What else would have brought Peter’s life to a great screeching halt than when Jesus turned on him and said, “Get behind me, Satan!” which means adversary, opponent, saboteur, contradictor, dissident, tempter and blocker of God’s work. Are we thwarting God’s design or yielding to His plan? Are we goaded by the culture’s puppets or are we real, embracing the cross in love? Is the cross life’s great teacher or its enemy? What new life has the cross brought you? Jesus did not deny his Messianic vocation. Why should we?
“Every person has a right to the Good News, and we should leave no stone unturned to announce it to them.”
~Cardinal Thiandoum of Senegal
The Year of Faith - Opening New Doors
A person upon reading the newspaper from cover to cover might conclude that the world is a mess! We are bombarded daily with bad news, crimes, violence, wars, prejudice, natural disasters, tragedies, and political sparring. Yes, the world needs the Good News that Jesus Christ preached more than ever!
But the message of evangelization remains the same: “Repent and believe in the Good News!” The audience is different, the world is different, the cultures are different, the times are different. But we must proclaim the same Jesus to all peoples in a new way with greater zeal, ardor, and clarity using modern means of communication.
Vatican Council II mentions the Gospel 157 times. Blessed Pope John Paul II (1983) issued new calls for a “New Evangelization”, a new “Springtime of Christianity”. “Despite the voices of the prophets of pessimism, I would like to repeat once again with emphasis… God is preparing a great Christian springtime, the beginning of which can already be glimpsed.”
Pope Benedict XVI invites us to walk through the perpetually ‘open door of faith’ as a new way of “finding direction for life’s journey.” (Acts 14:27) The pope, in his Apostolic Letter, “Porta Fidei” (Oct. 11, 2011) announced the Year of Faith to begin October 11, 2012, and end November 24, 2013. As part of this special year, he calls all Catholics to renew their faith. In this Year of Faith we will celebrate 3 occasions:
1. The beginning of the Year of Faith marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (Oct 11, 1962). What better way than to revisit the text of the documents themselves? Especially “Lumen Gentium” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) and “Dei Verbum” (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation).
2. The 20th anniversary of the publication: The Catholic Catechism (Oct 11, 1992) - Let us open up the school of the wisdom to the Church’s indispensable tool in order to synthesize our Catholic doctrine. The Catholic Catechism has 4 pillars: “The Profession of Faith” (centering on the Creed), “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery” (focusing on the sacraments), “Life in Christ” (emphasizing the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments), “Christian Prayer” (focusing especially on prayer traditions and the “Lord’s Prayer”).
3. The Synod of the New Evangelization which will take place in October of 2012 - (So that Christians may radiate the word of truth because of the love of Christ which will cause them to evangelize. Our faith grows as we experience the love we receive and we communicate it as an experience of grace, thanksgiving, and joy.)
Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that, “During this time we will need to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus Christ, the Pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” ~Heb 12:2
What one adjective would describe the status of your faith in its present state: alive, enthusiastic, engaged, life-changing, mature… or wrecked, scandalized, amateur, fractured, stagnant, deteriorating, irrelevant, stale and dormant? It’s safe to say we all need a renewal of faith. What better time than the Year of Faith?
With my 25th anniversary on the horizon it makes me ponder on this mysterious gift. As a priest I am called to ignite the hearts and souls of God’s people placed in my care. I am renewed and empowered by not simply taking more time off or attending more continuing education classes, seminars, or convocations, but looking more deeply into myself to discover the true identity by entering into the heart of Christ - the Christ who prays to the Father, who admits his vulnerability and who is empowered by the Spirit to bring forth the Kingdom of God. As a servant leader, we must embark on that journey and teach others by example that the Kingdom of God is in our midst. The stakes are high: eternity in heaven or hell!
There are 204 parishes presently in the diocese that make up the vast Church of Pittsburgh. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of the mosaic. Our congregations vary in size, history, finances, age, resources, nationalities, and leadership. No two parishes are alike. There is no ‘cookie cutter’ or ‘carbon copy’ approach to evangelization. But our God is not looking for perfect parishes or parishioners. There are none! God is looking for willing parishes and parishioners to be available to His grace to proclaim His Good News to others!
The older and busier I get, the more I value the necessity of developing my faith and making time for prayer. Evangelization is the privilege and the duty of each of us. Throw away your watch! Stop counting sheep! The Good News must be a real response to a real people, and their concerns, aspirations, and needs, whether physical (food, clothing, housing), psychological (wanting to be loved, accepted, supported, welcomed), spiritual (hope, mercy, forgiveness, understanding), or social (a place to belong or gather).
Evangelization takes the participation of every Christian. It means invitation, inspiration, and perspiration! It’s hard work! Even when things do not go well: disappointments, difficulties, challenges, rejection, and even persecutions do not sever the relationship with Jesus Christ. Through perseverance and persistency, like Jesus, we will be victorious.
Catholic evangelization is not a one time or ‘once and for all’ experience but a continual process of conversion with the Lamb of God who washes away our sins, who gives us a new heart, mind and new abundant life. Evangelization is living and sharing this great gift of faith with energy and enthusiasm. It means to accept Jesus Christ and share Him with others; His life, His love, His truth, His goodness, His values, His compassion, and His integrity.
In a growing society of secular values, there are many signs of spiritual hunger in the hearts of people. Our faith is a special gift. As I age, I see the wonder of this faith that is far more valuable than any material possession and one that will out last any human relationship. May the Holy Spirit empower us with divine energy and supernatural ability to get up and go!
“Go and make disciples of all nations! Matt 28:19
~Cardinal Thiandoum of Senegal
The Year of Faith - Opening New Doors
A person upon reading the newspaper from cover to cover might conclude that the world is a mess! We are bombarded daily with bad news, crimes, violence, wars, prejudice, natural disasters, tragedies, and political sparring. Yes, the world needs the Good News that Jesus Christ preached more than ever!
But the message of evangelization remains the same: “Repent and believe in the Good News!” The audience is different, the world is different, the cultures are different, the times are different. But we must proclaim the same Jesus to all peoples in a new way with greater zeal, ardor, and clarity using modern means of communication.
Vatican Council II mentions the Gospel 157 times. Blessed Pope John Paul II (1983) issued new calls for a “New Evangelization”, a new “Springtime of Christianity”. “Despite the voices of the prophets of pessimism, I would like to repeat once again with emphasis… God is preparing a great Christian springtime, the beginning of which can already be glimpsed.”
Pope Benedict XVI invites us to walk through the perpetually ‘open door of faith’ as a new way of “finding direction for life’s journey.” (Acts 14:27) The pope, in his Apostolic Letter, “Porta Fidei” (Oct. 11, 2011) announced the Year of Faith to begin October 11, 2012, and end November 24, 2013. As part of this special year, he calls all Catholics to renew their faith. In this Year of Faith we will celebrate 3 occasions:
1. The beginning of the Year of Faith marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (Oct 11, 1962). What better way than to revisit the text of the documents themselves? Especially “Lumen Gentium” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) and “Dei Verbum” (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation).
2. The 20th anniversary of the publication: The Catholic Catechism (Oct 11, 1992) - Let us open up the school of the wisdom to the Church’s indispensable tool in order to synthesize our Catholic doctrine. The Catholic Catechism has 4 pillars: “The Profession of Faith” (centering on the Creed), “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery” (focusing on the sacraments), “Life in Christ” (emphasizing the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments), “Christian Prayer” (focusing especially on prayer traditions and the “Lord’s Prayer”).
3. The Synod of the New Evangelization which will take place in October of 2012 - (So that Christians may radiate the word of truth because of the love of Christ which will cause them to evangelize. Our faith grows as we experience the love we receive and we communicate it as an experience of grace, thanksgiving, and joy.)
Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that, “During this time we will need to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus Christ, the Pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” ~Heb 12:2
What one adjective would describe the status of your faith in its present state: alive, enthusiastic, engaged, life-changing, mature… or wrecked, scandalized, amateur, fractured, stagnant, deteriorating, irrelevant, stale and dormant? It’s safe to say we all need a renewal of faith. What better time than the Year of Faith?
With my 25th anniversary on the horizon it makes me ponder on this mysterious gift. As a priest I am called to ignite the hearts and souls of God’s people placed in my care. I am renewed and empowered by not simply taking more time off or attending more continuing education classes, seminars, or convocations, but looking more deeply into myself to discover the true identity by entering into the heart of Christ - the Christ who prays to the Father, who admits his vulnerability and who is empowered by the Spirit to bring forth the Kingdom of God. As a servant leader, we must embark on that journey and teach others by example that the Kingdom of God is in our midst. The stakes are high: eternity in heaven or hell!
There are 204 parishes presently in the diocese that make up the vast Church of Pittsburgh. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of the mosaic. Our congregations vary in size, history, finances, age, resources, nationalities, and leadership. No two parishes are alike. There is no ‘cookie cutter’ or ‘carbon copy’ approach to evangelization. But our God is not looking for perfect parishes or parishioners. There are none! God is looking for willing parishes and parishioners to be available to His grace to proclaim His Good News to others!
The older and busier I get, the more I value the necessity of developing my faith and making time for prayer. Evangelization is the privilege and the duty of each of us. Throw away your watch! Stop counting sheep! The Good News must be a real response to a real people, and their concerns, aspirations, and needs, whether physical (food, clothing, housing), psychological (wanting to be loved, accepted, supported, welcomed), spiritual (hope, mercy, forgiveness, understanding), or social (a place to belong or gather).
Evangelization takes the participation of every Christian. It means invitation, inspiration, and perspiration! It’s hard work! Even when things do not go well: disappointments, difficulties, challenges, rejection, and even persecutions do not sever the relationship with Jesus Christ. Through perseverance and persistency, like Jesus, we will be victorious.
Catholic evangelization is not a one time or ‘once and for all’ experience but a continual process of conversion with the Lamb of God who washes away our sins, who gives us a new heart, mind and new abundant life. Evangelization is living and sharing this great gift of faith with energy and enthusiasm. It means to accept Jesus Christ and share Him with others; His life, His love, His truth, His goodness, His values, His compassion, and His integrity.
In a growing society of secular values, there are many signs of spiritual hunger in the hearts of people. Our faith is a special gift. As I age, I see the wonder of this faith that is far more valuable than any material possession and one that will out last any human relationship. May the Holy Spirit empower us with divine energy and supernatural ability to get up and go!
“Go and make disciples of all nations! Matt 28:19
Saturday, August 25, 2012
188 Reasons to Give Thanks
“As two pieces of wax fuse together make one, so those who receive Holy Communion are so united with Christ that Christ is in them and they are in Christ.”
– St. Cyril of Alexandria
– St. Cyril of Alexandria
On August 3, 1946 at St. George Catholic Church in Lisbon, OH, my mother, Mary Jane Divita (Jones), married David William Jones. My father died in 1986, after 40 years of marriage to her. He told Mom that she would have to enter the “promised land” alone. However, the spirit of their fidelity, loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice was unprecedented.
During 2012, we offered Pre-Cana classes here at St. Joseph Parish on 3 occasions. On January 28, we had 77 couples come to us. On April 28, 57 couples were in attendance. On August 25, there were 54 couples. A total of 188 couples have been prepared for the "largest step" in their lives. All other commitments pale to this.
Joshua, the successor of Moses and the leader of the Israelite people set a challenge before them. To decide today whether or not to serve the true God. He drew the line in the sand in this defining statement as he invited the people to promise fidelity to God: “As for me and my house (family), we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
Joshua says that we can choose the gods of our ancestors, who worshiped in Mesopotamia and in Egypt, or the gods of the Canaanites, or the gods of the Amorites. But there comes a point in time when we must make a choice, and hopefully a positive choice, that will effect generations to come by our pledged fidelity to a God who gave us life.
The greatest sin of the Old Testament is idolatry, the preeminent sin of the entire Bible. It distorts our thinking, making us believe that we can live without God. As we know, after the time of Joshua, the Israelites ultimately self-destructed through their bad choices. So too, our choices define us. Our choices can make us healthy or sick, free or in bondage, life-giving or death-dealing, holy or sinful.
We are responsible for our virtues and our vices. If we choose to wallow in bad habits and blame it on genetics or upbringing, or our rotten luck, then it is not good news. But if we embrace the freedom that we are offered and accept responsibility for our actions, then it is good news. Indeed, we can grow, we can learn, we can change. It’s our choice and it’s never too late. God doesn’t give up on any of us!
It is promising and exciting that the Church renews itself in every generation to grow in faith and love. A wise woman once said to her husband, “I didn’t marry you because you were perfect, I married you because you gave me a promise before God and that promise made up for your faults. The promise I gave you made up for mine.” It is two imperfect people who get married. It is the promise made to each other that makes the marriage work, as it is a covenant made with God, who gives it strength to endure.
Married life, like any life has its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows, its successes and failures. But, when we receive unconditional love and fidelity from our spouse, it’s a taste of God’s love for us. And when we give unconditional love and fidelity to our spouse, we become a sign of God’s love for others.
During Jesus’ time, the Jewish ideal of marriage was the highest imaginable. The Talmud comments, “The very altar sheds tears when a man divorces the wife of his youth.” In those times, divorce was easy to attain. One school of law held that even the spilling of a dish of food was grounds for divorce, talking to a strange man, criticizing in-laws, or even speaking too loudly. Through a written bill of divorce, it was easy to dismiss the relationship. But Jesus reaffirmed the original state and stated God’s idea of man, woman, and marriage were to be forever for life.
The Lord's relationship with Israel is often referred to as a marriage covenant. God is wedded to His people and forever faithful. Just as a couple promises to love each other for better or worse, through the plusses and minuses of life, so too, our God promises to love us in good times when we love, honor, and obey Him, but also in bad when we fail to return God’s love. Fidelity is a promise of loyalty, which is steadfast in the face of hardship, temptation, boredom, and tragedy, or whatever else a couple may be asked to face over the course of a lifetime.
Jesus said in John 15:13, “There is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend.” Thus, he revealed that those who enter marriage must grow to a level of love that is ready for sacrifice - a truly self-giving love, not one that is intent on gratification; not a love that is subject to whims and impulse, but a love that is firmly established and endures. We do not marry angels, saints, or gods, but human beings with fears, temptations, hopes, desires, longings, and dreams. Let’s be honest. Love can turn to hatred, joys can turn to sorrows and marriages can turn to divorce. When the forces that divide us are stronger than the forces that unite us, it empties into the pain and sting of separation.
Joshua asked the Israelites where their loyalty and allegiance lies. Saint Paul encouraged husband and wife to support and build one another up. Jesus asked the Twelve a heart-breaking and heart-wrenching question, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life” (John 6:67-68). Jesus loves us so much that he respects our freedom. We can choose wisely or foolishly. We can live well or live stupidly. The covenant of God leads to wisdom, joy, light and life. The way of evil leads to foolishness, suffering, darkness, and death. Let us live our calling of our vocation of love to bless present and future generations to come.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
A Suffering Servant Remembered: Fr. Bernie Shulik
On Monday, August 13, I attended the Mass of Resurrection for Fr. Bernard P. Shulik at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. Bishop David A. Zubik, who knew him for 45 years, said that Fr. Bernie’s heart pulsated with God’s love and compassion. The Bishop presided, along with concelebrants Bishop William J. Walterscheid and Bishop William J. Winter. There were 23 priests present at the Mass. Fr. Gary Krummert delivered the homily to approximately 80 people in attendance. Fr. Bernie, who was a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh for 38 years, died of natural causes at age 64. The son of the late William P. and Margaret Zavacky Shulik, he was born in Lyndora, Pa., a Butler County steel town, on February 7, 1948, and felt right at home serving those same steel town communities in the years of his priesthood. Fr. Bernie was ordained a priest by Bishop Vincent M. Leonard on May 4, 1974 and called home to God from Vincentian Regency Nursing Home on August 8, 2012. He is survived by his two brothers, David (Mary), of Clark, Pa. and William (Karen), of Bridgeville, Pa., along with 2 nephews, 3 nieces, 3 great-nephews, and a great niece. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James.
He served as pastor of St. Joseph Parish and St. Clare of Assisi in Clairton, St. Anthony Parish in Monongahela. He was Chaplain of Bishop Boyle High School in Homestead. He had an “un-common” touch with the “common” person. His last assignment was in service to the Felician Sisters and he was well-known to our community of St. Joseph Parish for over a decade.
Fr. Krummert mentioned at the onset of his homily that while Fr. Bernie was on a school bus at the close of 7th grade, a classmate mentioned to him that he would see him next year in 8th grade, to which Bernie replied, “No you won’t, I’m off to our Lady of Lourdes High School and Seminary in Cassadaga, NY.” At a tender age, he had a vision and a goal, to which he strove a passion to become a priest. He attended Duquesne University and St. Mary University in Rollins Park, MD (Baltimore).
When I came to St. Joseph over 4 years ago I remember the first weekend after Fr. Bernie listened to confessions. He told me that he was St. Joseph’s “assistant” for many years. He loved the church, the people and the community. He prayed that I would fall in love with it as well as quickly as he did. I was deeply moved by that comment and I begged, as I fell to my knees, a prayer to help sustain and strengthen me in this new ministry in this faith-community. Countless people told me of his measureless compassion and mercy in the confessional, which seemed to be a hallmark of his ministry. They would stand in long lines to hear a comforting and reassuring word to the sinner, to come back home to be in God’s graces, even calling the rectory to find out if he was hearing confessions. He had an uncanny ability in today’s “fast-paced” society to take one person at a time, face-to-face, and heart-to-heart. He never forgot a name. At the 10:00 AM Mass at St. Joseph there is a blind man who uses a seeing eye dog. Fr. Bernie made sure he spoke to him each week and petted his dog. When he celebrated a Mass with children it seemed to bring him back to life and give him hope and strength in his ministry as a priest. He would always end his Christmas and Easter Masses with a message in his native tongue of Croatian.
I soon found out that Fr. Bernie was a “circuit-rider” priest. He offered Masses at the Pittsburgh Greater International Airport, the 911th Air Base in Moon Twp. St. Margaret Mary, St. James and surrounding areas. He would always head out to St. Coleman Church in Turtle Creek on Sunday evenings to celebrate Mass at 5:30 PM for Fr. Jim Kunkel, who was a season ticket holder for the Steelers. He knew that it would be a small crowd in attendance for that Mass, but delighted that his friend could enjoy the football game and he knew that the Steelers needed their prayers!
Fr. Bernie was an avid skier, who loved to travel both home and abroad. He would regularly ski with other Pittsburgh priests. He had a great passion for music and loved playing the piano. He had 2 St. Bernard dogs (because of his own name sake), which were his canine companions, riding along with him wherever he went in his Jeep Cherokee. I spoke to a retired priest who remembered Fr. Bernie receiving frequent deliveries of various packages from UPS and FedEx to St. John Vianney Manor. He loved to watch the QVC shopping channel, and order things online.
His brother David commented, “His passion for the priesthood and touching people’s lives was the driving force in his priesthood.” The one thing that I learned first hand from my brother, Bernie, was how to embrace with resiliency long-suffering. He had countless battles with health issues which limited his ability to minister as much as he would have liked to. He persevered with faith through personal limitations, difficulties, challenges, and sickness.
Despite carrying many burdens himself, he sought to relieve the fears and sorrows of others. My life, priesthood, and ministry is far richer for having walked with my brother, Bernie. As his cross is now ended, may he share the victory of the Risen Christ.
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