Homily – Pentecost 2023

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The Easter season of 2023 is rapidly drawing to a close. Before this, we had the season of Lent and of Holy Week. And today, we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. We commemorate, we celebrate the day when the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus, descended upon the Apostles, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the other disciples.

Now keep in mind, that these early disciples of Jesus were also in hiding. They still feared the power of the Sanhedrin, and Roman authorities. And they did not know exactly what was about to happen, or when it would happen. It was one thing to feel courage when they could see our Risen Lord in front of them. It was another thing when they are in hiding, fearing that the Jerusalem authorities may find them.

Then something happened, something wondrous. The fierce wind, the tongues of flame settling on top of each head. The people in that were no longer simple fishermen, homemakers, a tax collector. They became proclaimers of the Good News of our Risen Lord. They were promising a healing, a peace that could only come through the name of Jesus.

This is the story that has been told; that is being told, being proclaimed in so many homes, street corners, churches; throughout this country, throughout this world, and in this place, here, now!

But I am finding it necessary to ask if this, the greatest story ever told; this Good News, still has the power to move hearts; to move souls? I mean we have all heard the reports of declining numbers of members, in our parishes, in our dioceses. Religious orders are fading away, in this country, and in Europe. We have all heard the stories of churches closing down. And it can be discouraging.

But there is reason to hope. In what has been called the Global South, we see a rebirth of faith communities; communities fired up by the Holy Spirit. And we see the efforts being made here is our own parish. And we are called to be in one way or another, evangelizers, bearers of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians:

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”

We each have a role in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ; by word or by action, we bring the Gospel message to life, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Easter Morning

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Jesus Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!!

We all awake with the hope that only comes from our Risen Lord! Now some of us may be experiencing hard times; some may be experiencing normal times! Some may be feeling down; some struggling. Some of us are feeling unsure of the moment; or of the future.

Today, though, the Church cries out; that In Jesus Christ there is hope. In letting Christ in, there is peace, there is hope!

Let us open wide our hearts, and let in the King of Glory!!

“Wait for the Lord!” Holy Saturday.

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God is for us a refuge and strength, 
an ever-present help in time of distress;
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
though the mountains quake to the heart of the sea;
even though its waters rage and foam,
even though the mountains be shaken by its tumult.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come and behold the works of the Lord,
the awesome deeds God has done on the earth;
breaking bows, snapping spears, and burning shields with fire;
“Be still and know that I am God, exalted over nations, exalted over earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Psalm 46: 2-4, 9-12

Sons & Daughters of St. Francis and St. Clare.

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Saint Catherine of Bologna

St. Catherine was born into a noble family of Bologna, Italy, in 1413. As she grew into a teenage girl, it became obvious that she wanted to live a life very different from other daughters of the nobility. She persuaded her parents to allow her to join a community of lay Franciscan women (Secular Franciscan Order).

As a member of that community, she grew in the spiritual life, both the joys and challenges. She became known as a mystic; known to have experienced intense visions of Christ and the Blessed Mother. Now Bologna had a community of Poor Clare sisters, that must have been afflicted with laxity, because Catherine was ordered to take over the community.

She lead the convent by example, gentleness, and wisdom. The community became known for it’s holiness of life, attracting many new novices.

Saint Catherine died in 1463. She was canonized a Saint in 1712. Her feast day is March 9.

“Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.”

Following Jesus Into The Desert – Homily for the First Sunday of Lent – 2023

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Today’s readings provides us with a short lesson on salvation history. In the first reading, from the Book of Genesis, we have a description of how humanity came to be; how God brought about the parents. And how he blessed them with a paradise, a wondrous garden that would provide for their every need. So what happened? They messed up, that is what happened! They gave into temptation to want more, disobeying God and resulting in humanity losing Paradise!


But the Father was not going to abandon us. He set into motion those events, that would lead eventually to the birth of a savior; God’s own Son, Jesus. We have read and have celebrated what follows; Jesus comes to the Jordan River, is baptized by John the Baptist; the Holy Spirit descends upon him, and the Father declaring that Jesus is His Son. In today’s Gospel, continuation of Matthew, we see that Jesus was lead by the Spirit into the desert.


Now, in preparation for this homily, I came across a painting that illustrates what we have just heard in the Gospel reading. The title of the painting is “Christ in the Desert.” It was painted in 1872, by a Russian painter, whose name was Ivan Kramskoi. It portrays Jesus at the end of his forty days fast; he is seating on a rocky hill. We see him worn out by the ordeal, and we know that the devil is coming soon. Or maybe he already there, invisible, but already tempting Jesus, whispering in his ear; pushing him hard to give in, to surrender to the Evil One, to screw up like Adam and Eve did. However, Jesus holds true. Jesus overcomes the Tempter.


Fast forward to today; to us hearing this Gospel; it calls us to reflect on those times we have been tempted, and how hard it is for us to resist; and whether we either succeed is resisting temptation, or not. Call him “Evil,” “the Devil,” “the Tempter,” or “Mr. Scratch,” he is out there. And by every subtle means, he is always trying to trip us up. And let’s be honest with ourselves, sometimes we do!


However, we have a companion who is with us, who is always walking with us! And he has showed us how to deal with temptation, by turning to Scripture, reflecting on the Good News that God is there with us, strengthening us. We are to pray; seeking the help of our Heavenly Father, to overcome the temptation to sin. Now sometimes, we do fail; sometimes, we do not follow the teachings of Jesus as we are called to do. It is moments like that, when we should turn to the Sacrament of reconciliation; to heal our soul, and be strengthened to resist sin.


So this Lent, let us reflect on how well, or not; we have tried to live the Gospel life . And then rededicate ourselves to following Jesus, more closely, more intensely; during the time of Lent, and for all time.

Baptisms at St. Peter’s Church, Plymouth MA

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O God, whose Son, baptized by John in the waters of the Jordan, was anointed with the Holy Spirit, and, as he hung upon the Cross, gave forth water from his side along with blood, and after his Resurrection, commanded his disciples: “Go forth, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” look now, we pray, upon the face of your Church and graciously unseal for her the fountain of Baptism.”

From the Order of Baptism for Children

On February 19, 2023, I had the honor and joy to baptize 4 beautiful children; welcoming them into the Catholic Church!

Was not able to snap any good pictures, but I would like to share what I did snapped!

“In you, O Lord, I take refuge.” For Hard Times; For Rough Times!

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Psalm 31

In you, O Lord, I take refuge.
Let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, set me free;
incline your ear to me, and speedily rescue me.

Be a rock of refuge for me,
a mighty stronghold to save me.
For you are my rock, my stronghold!
Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.  

Release me from the snare they have hidden,
For you are my rock, my stronghold!
Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.

Release me from the snare they hidden,
for you indeed are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit. 
You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

You detest those who serve empty idols.
As for me, I trust in the Lord.

Let me be glad and rejoice in your love, for you have seen my affliction and taken heed of my soul’s distress,
have not left me in the hands of the enemy, but set my feet at large.

Homily; Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

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Photo taken at Saint Anthony Shrine, Boston MA

We begin a new year, it is mixed with both anticipation and fear, beginnings and endings. For us Catholics, we end this year with the sad news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He had an definite affect on the Catholic Church, before he became Pope, during his Papacy, and afterwards; and on the world around us.


We are beginning a new year. Liturgically, we are celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. We are reflecting on the important role of Mary in the salvation of humanity. We celebrate her courage to say yes, her willingness to say yes to bearing the child who would be the savior of the world. She was willing to become Mother of God the Son.

For that reason, for that courage, for that love that she had for God, for that love she had for all humanity; she is remembered and celebrated by Catholics and other Christians.


But I would challenge us to see Mary as a real human person. I am sometimes concerned, afraid that we treat Mary and our other saints, as characters in a show, play, movie and not as a real person. And Mary was a real human person. It was her courage and her love for God that allowed her to say response to the angel’s declaration, the Annunciation: “ Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1)


She should courage and strength, making that journey with Joseph to Bethlehem; and finding out that they had to stay in stable. She had the courage and the strength to give birth to the baby who would soon be named Jesus.


We have little information on what life was like for this little family when they finally were able to return to Nazareth. How often did she reflect on what had happened to her, her little child and her husband. Today’s gospel mentioned that she kept all that she experienced in her heart, reflecting on them, what they meant for her and for her son.
We know that she cared for her neighbors, friends and relatives. She and Jesus were invited to a wedding, what the relationship they had with the wedding party, we do not know; but it was there that she asked Jesus to come to the aid of the bridegroom with their wine shortage. And a son cannot say “no,” to his mother.


Mary was present at her Son’s suffering and death on the cross. She must have mourned deeply over witnessing that sight.
In our reflections on Mary, we need to remind ourselves that she was as human as the rest of us. That she experienced great joy, great hope; as well as great pain, and great sorrow. And it is these experiences that makes her a good advocate for us before God. So we can turn to her in our need:


“Hail holy Queen, mother of mercy, Our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you we do cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs; mourning and weeping in valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!”

Feast Day of All Saints of the Seraphic Order

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Working at home can distract one from other things happening in the world. Today I was busy, so I missed looking at my Franciscan calendar; and towards the end of the day, I suddenly found out that today was the feast day of all saints of the “Seraphic” Order; the Franciscan Order. It was a day to remember in prayer, those who had lived the Gospel, according to the example of St. Francis of Assisi, and lived it well.

I think is was originally established to recognize the the known and unknown saints of the Order of Friars Minor; all three branches, Regular, Conventual, and Capuchin. But on this day, I would remember those persons who were either Poor Clare’s, Third Order Franciscan Brothers and Sisters, or members of the Secular Franciscan Order. I am sure that there are many out, whose lives of prayer and charity has been an example for others.

“Almighty, eternal God, you were pleased to make your church illustrious through the varied splendor of the saints of the Seraphic Order. As we venerate their memory in one festival, may we also follow such shining examples of virtue on earth and thus obtain merited crowns in heaven.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen”