In some ways, it can be difficult to understand, to experience, what this day means for Catholic Christians. It is a somber day; a quiet day. It some sense, an empty day. We reflect on the events of Holy Thursday, the anguish of Good Friday. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was laid in a tomb.
Even though I know “the rest of the story:” I am always somewhat somber on this day. There have been years when the feeling has not been as intense, but it there.
I look forward now to Easter dawn! To the hope that comes with it. That “Hosannas” will sound out, in my community; in my Church; in my heart and in my soul.
Greetings! It has been a long time since I have written in this blog. Time to get cracking again! As some of you may know, I am a retired New Englander, born and bred! My wife and I were residents in Bridgewater MA. We are now living on Cape Cod. (Long story!!). Now, the past few winters have been kinda of mild…until this year!
Everleigh Residance, Hyannis MA!!
First time in a while that they had some very serious snow around here. I have had to dig out a few times,….and I am not a youngster anymore!!😓
I have been able to find a find a nearby local Catholic Church in Hyannis! It is a nice community with both Anglo and Hispanic families. The parish has three Permanent Deacons, and several priests of different backgrounds!
It has been cold but beautiful around here. We are hoping to get through this season in good shape!
There was a time when I thought I wanted to be a blogger. And there is still deep down a desire to be one. I confess there has been some (oh heck); a lot of just plain laziness. Mixed in with some uncertainty of what I am called to write about.
What gets me is that there so much “material” out there to comment about!! (Or not!).
So here I am, wondering what to write about. And a little confused.
Right now my wife and I just struggled completing my half of our apartment rental renewal. And she is is definitely better at this than I am!
I am making no promises, but hopefully, I will be generating some interesting content. (I hope!!)
Chiara (Clare) Offreduccio was born in Assisi, Italy, on July 16, 1194. She belonged to a wealthy Assisi clan, during the time of the High Middle Ages.
At some time in her life, she came in contact with Saint Francis of Assisi, a young man who had encountered Christ, and was moved to turn his life around. The son a wealthy cloth merchant, he gave up his life of wealth and privilege, and dedicated his life to really living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Francis wandered the streets of Assisi, proclaiming the Good News, and living a very simple life. He began to draw followers from among the young men of Assisi. And he drew the attention of Clare.
In conversations with Francis, she felt a fire being lit within her own soul. She gave up her life of wealth and privilege; dedicated herself to a life of strict poverty and intense prayer. Her life attracted other women and together they formed a community known as “The Order of Poor Ladies.” With help of Francis, Clare drew up their Rule. They would become a monastic Order, inspired by the example of Clare. They lived in simple quarters, next to one of the churches Francis repaired, San Damiano. And Francis, himself, would remain as a source of inspiration and guidance.
Clare lost her teacher and guide on the evening of October 3, 1226. She would live on until August 11, 1253. The community of sisters that survived her, became known as the ‘Poor Clares.”
August 2, is one day that is remembered by all Franciscan Friars, Poor Clare sisters, and all Third Order members, whether Friars, Sisters, or Laypersons; the Feast of Out Lady the Angels.
St. Francis of Assisi, came across the chapel as he wandered through the Italian countryside. He and his brother friars felt the Holy Spirit moving them. They realized that the Portiuncula, its Italian name, was special. They built simple huts around it, prayed and worshipped in it.
Eventually, long after Francis and his brethren had passed on; the chapel was enclosed in a magnificent basilica. Crowds of Franciscans, and laypersons, from the four corners of the earth still come to visit and worship the Lord. And the Lord touches the hearts of all who come.
Places of worship are built in many different ways, each is unique. In each one, though, is the potential to encounter the Living God. Be open to that potentiality.
Today, citizens of these United States are called to remember and honor those members of the U. S. Military who died while in service to the country. It recognizes their dedication to the nation.
Among us, there may be disagreements on how our armed forces may have been used in the past or currently. But there can be no disagreement about their dedication and their sacrifice.
Eternal rest grant unto them all, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine up them. Through the mercy of God, may they rest in peace.
Good lord, this I never expected in my wildest dreams!!! This will keep the “talking heads” going into overdrive!!!
There are going to be folks, who will be very upset over this. At this moment the crowds are responding very joyfully!! His Italian seems to be very good!
Just finishing my lunch, half watching a tv report on some business matter. They had a split screen because the time was coming up for the vote for a new pope. There were a few seagulls examining the stovepipe coming out of the Sistine Chapel’s roof. I noticed that there were wisps of smoke, white smoke, coming out!! It grew into huge plume!! Still waiting for his appearance on the main balcony of Saint Peter’s!
WE HAVE AN AMERICAN POPE!!!!!!!!
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Hello once again! Yes, I know I promised to be more regular with my postings. There have been some personal issues that required attention, but it is not quite time yet to discuss. But other than that…
I was able to rise early enough to watch the funeral Mass for Pope Francis. It was amazing to see the crowds of people, both clergy, religious and lay who came to pray for the repose of his soul. The new camera technology has added what we are able to see and experience. One sight that thrilled my heart was seeing so many vested deacons with the rest of the clergy. As I am typing this, I suddenly realized that some of them, maybe all of them, were transitional deacons, on their way to priestly ordination. Which is fine, but I really hope that some of them were my brothers in the permanent diaconate.
I have lived through many papacies, each one unique in their own way. I was a youngster when Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council. I am 71 years old now, as I witness the passing of Pope Francis. I have witnessed, joyfully, changes in the liturgical life of the Church. I witnessed debates among clergy and laity on how best to implement Vatican II, how involved should the laity be. ( A lot!). I have seen some of these debates done respectfully; others, not so much.
Because of the way my health is right now, and the changes in where we are living; I have not been as active as a deacon as I would like to be. We shall see what the future holds. Looking forward to seeing the white smoke!
I have a bad habit of waking up very early in the morning; 5:00 AM, early in the morning! I usually cannot fall back asleep, so I looked at my IPhone, and saw the bulletins, announcing the passing of Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church. Now, I am a skeptic of such “news” that comes over the Web. So I turned on the TV, and sadly saw that it was true.
It was a bit of a shock, because earlier there were scenes of a weakened Pope Francis waving to the crowds. There was hope that he would have survived this bout of illness. It was not to be.
Pope Francis, in my mind, and it will be my hope; will be remembered as a unique and holy father of the Church. He will definitely be missed.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him! Through the mercy of God, may he rest in peace.
Musings From St. Anthony's Walnut Tree 