A Seven Day Retreat and an Annniversary

Today is my first full day "off from retreat." About 25 of us Sisters spent the last week at our retreat house north of Boston, St. Thecla's in Billerica, Massachusetts.

St. Thecla's Retreat House

 Although the weather was unseasonably cool and moist, the Lord was certainly at work. I appreciated the pause for extended prayer time, for some rest, for the time to look over the blessings of the past year and more. Usually the retreat director notes a few Scripture passages for reflection and prayer. This year too my director did just that, and also provided some readings from St. Paul commented by N. T. Wright. I was struck by Wright's explanation of Paul's writing in 2 Corinthians about us being the "sweet odor" or "aroma" of Christ. and, he mentions the "glory" of Christ and of Christians which contrasts with  a more secular kind of glory. I keep reflecting on what was given me on the retreat. That precious time away "retreating" with the Lord is almost like a spiritual re-fueling. It is a time of more openness to the Holy Spirit.
Today marks the "birthday" of the Daughters of St. Paul in the town of Alba, in the Province of Cuneo, in northen Italy in 1915. Little did Teresa Merlo who joined the small group of women dream that the tiny group of young women in a ramshacle home become a robust religious order today. Under the direction of our Founder, Blessed James Alberione, the first young women pioneers in using printing and now social  media for God, frequented San Damiano Church in  Alba.

Teresa Merlo in 1914. She met Blessed Alberione in June of 1915. Teresa became Mother Thecla Merlo, first General Superior of the Daughters of St. Paul. Teresa's brother, then a seminarian, recommended her to the Founder.

Mother Thecla seated on the left with a group of the first Daughters of St. Paul in 1922. The Sisters began using a religious habit in 1929. The image in the center of the photo is that of St. Paul. The towns people gave the young women working in their midst the name "Daughters" of St. Paul.



The Church of San Damiano where Mother Thecla first met the young priest, now Blessed, James Alberione. San Damiano is still an active parish in Alba, Italy.

Teresa Merlo was an excellent seamstress. Before the Sisters began their printing an publishing ministry. Teresa used her sewing talents to help support the group. In a few years the group expanded to ther parts of Italy. In the 1930's Sisters were sent outside of the Italian penninsula to North and South America, and the Orient.Now Daughters of St. Paul are present in 55 nations, including the newest nation, Souterhn Sudan.

In 1960 I joined the Daughters of St. Paul in our novitiate house here in a beautiful section of Boston's Jamaica Plain.Thank God for the gift of the Daughters of St. Paul to the whole Church, and for God's gift to me to have received a Pauline calling.

Summer Time

In the USA, Memorial Day ushers in the summer season even though summer does not officially begin untill June 21. In Boston the temperature right now feels like autumn:  the air has a chill, even though the flowers and lush greenery deceptively look like summer.
My heart goes out to all those suffering the effects of tornadoes as far east of Massachusetts. As a teenager, I was home from school once when the sky turned an ominous yellow, and a funnel cloud passed over our house. By then my mother and I were in the basement. The tornado passed over us without touching down. It sounded like a freight train at terrifically high speed as it sped away. In the late 1980's another Sister and I were in Texas scheduled to give a workshop on catechetics in parish about 250 miles north of us. We watched in dismay as a TV newscast showed the remnants of homes, churches and businesses destroyed by a Sunday tornado. Our workshop was set for the next day, Monday evening.  We called ahead and the pastor said to come anyway, even though there were some casualties in his parish too.
A powerful tornado had traveled over 300 miles dipping down, rising up and churning everything in its path to bits and pieces.
As Sister and I guided our van to our destination we saw alongside our route what tornado devastation looked like. Some areas were unscathed, others were totally destroyed. Sheet metal walls were twirled around sign posts like so much ribbon. A small wooden church lay on its side, all the pews pushed up again one another. Remnants of trailer homes lay scattered in fields ready for harvest. Pink sheets of fiberglass insulation clung to trees, and volunteer emergency personnel were already doling out food and water to survivors. We were following the tornado's path. It seems to have followed the same route we drove.  It swept through some towns and ignored others. We saw debris for mile-after-mile: a memory I hold even now as very impressive. When we arrived at the parish, the Benedictine nuns there told us how a young mother whose husband worked in the rose industry, lost her baby to the tornado.
Why does God allow such violent storms?  As St. Paul says in Romans 8:28: "For those who love God all things work together for the good." It takes time to clean-up, much more time to heal lossesater, and healing of memories requires God's tender mercy. For those of you who can afford it, please give to the causes collecting for tornado and flood relief.
May this month of June bring many graces through the Sacred Heart of Jesus Master. and, may St. Paul whose feast day is at the end of June intercede for all of u.

A Beautiful Day for Camden

On Saturday, May 7th in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden, New Jersey, James Henry King IV was ordained to the Catholic priesthood. Jamie, as James is called by family and friends, has waited a long time for the ceremony when Bishop Galante would lay his hands on his head invoking the power of the Holy Spirit on him. Bishop Galante, as  true shepherd and spiritual father, explained the duties that the young man was undertaking. He also emphasized the  power of prayer when he told Father King, "Don't be afraid to let the people see you praying." I was getting teary eyed at the Bishop's genuine warmth and affection.
Jamie's mother and step Dad brought up a chalice and hosts to be offered during the Mass. His father's gold wedding band forms part of the base of the large gold chalice. In a way his father was present through the ring which remains visible especially to anyone who holds the chalice.
The music was well done and incorporated some Spanish too. The new priest has already spent time serving people in Latin America. 
I met a Sister who gave Jamie his first catechism lessons. She certainly got him off to a good start! Although he did not attend Catholic school until his entrance into St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, the Sisters in his parish gave him a solid  religious upbringing.

"To sing is to pray twice," said St. Augustine. Father King is gifted with a great singing voice, as well as with the talent to play many instruments. May he continue to praise God doubly in his priestly ministry.
The clip above is a shot of the ordination ceremony. Since my digital camera needs repair, I await pictures from my friends Father Bob Stolinski of Buffalo, and Sister Marilyn who came all the way from Phoenix. When they send me their photos I will share them with you. On Saturday during the ordination and at the   festivities later, there was a joy on everyone's faces. We all shared in the happiness that God's Church now has one more priest totally dedicated to God and to the service of his people. Please be patient with the video. The batteries were running very low. To be contnued....

Easter

In the mid 1980's I was assigned to the beautiful state of Hawaii in Honolulu. Each time the pastor began his homily he would say, "My dear Saints." As I reflected on Father's greeting, I first thought it a little overstated. "We are not there yet!" I would say to myself. However, the older I become the more accurate I think Father was. We are Saints-in-the-making.
On this eve of the holiest day in the Christian calendar, Easter, I recall the beautiful and touching Good Friday service. In the church where we attended in Virginia, at least a thousand people went to venerate the image of Jesus on the cross. The cross was about 4 feet high, steadied by two young acolytes. Many knelt to kiss its feet, or to reverence it in other ways. Some touched the feet, others the wounded side, others bowed in reverence. Grandmothers, a young army woman, a tall man whose close cropped hair reminded me of a Marine, mothers with infants, teen boys, older men, an EMT (emergency medial technician), the well off, and the not so rich, people of every color all reverenced Jesus represented by the study wooden crucifix. As we waited prayerfully for all to come up to the cross, I thought how each one of those present would someday share in that cross. Others obviously are  shouldering part a  cross of illness, or of stress, or of burdensome duties. Not one of those who crowded into that church would be without some form of a cross. Yet there was a serenity about all those whom I saw. There was love for God and what he did for us in Jesus. Confessions, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, was available in two side chapels after the service. Again, the elderly, young mothers, teens and parents, mature adults and religious Sisters,  lined up to hear the reassuring words "I absolve you from your sins...".
Jesus died and rose that we might truly be Saints--holy people. Holy people imitate Christ. That is what we want to be, saints. Not santimonious, but saintly. After this Lent, we want to rise up, to a "new life", a life where we make room for Jesus to live in us. May your life and mine be one of true joy as we celebrate once again the Good News: Christ is risen. Yes, He is truly risen! Alleluia!

A New Member of Our Heavenly Family

Our St. Patrick's Day celebration was a bit subdued this year in our Boston commumnity. Sister Cecilia Paula Livingston was laid to rest after a funeral Mass in our chapel at 11:00 AM this morning. Sister's younger sister, who is also a Daughter of St. Paul, Sister Jane Raphael was present along with friends, cooperators and members of the Pauline laity. At her wake the previous day, we prayed the rosary for her soul. The room where the casket lay was decorated with photos and mementos of her life. Sister had been suffering from cancer off and on since 2008. After the rosary, we were surprised that Sister Cecilia "spoke to us" via a DVD her sister filmed shortly before her death on March 11.  Her basic message, delivered in a serene and upbeat manner was that in this life what matters is to love God, and to love and support one another. Many of the Sisters recounted th kindnesses Sister Cecilia had shown them, her care for others, her desire to do God's Will, and her quiet but very real sense of humor.
Sister had many assignments, including being one of our "pressroom Sisters" who operated our four color presses some years ago. She served as local superior in Bosotn and in St. Louis. In the last five years, she was home in California caring for her elderly parents. However as the cancer advanced and resisted any chemotherapy, Sister re-enterd the community in Charleston, SC. The superior in Charleston is her younger sister, Sister Jane. Friends of the community assisted  in many ways as Sister Cecilia prepared herself to meet the Divine Master face-to-face. We are grateful to the Sisters of teh Charleston Community and the good people of that lovely city who appreciated Sister Cecilia's prayers and offering of herself to God.
Thanks to Sister Marie, one of our blog readers, whose commented added to mine about the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade. A Sister was the Grand Marshal of that great Parade.
May your troubles be few and the graces be many! May St. Patrick pray for us all, and help us to prepare well for the Solemnity of the Feast of St. Joseph. Happy Feast Day to all the Joseph's and Josephines, and to all Canadians whose Patron Saint is St. Joseph.

St. Patrick and St. Joseph

St. Patrick Day celebrations began early this week. Philadelphia had a big parade in honor of St. Patrick on Sunday. The celebration began with a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Rigali in the church of St. Patrick. We know St. Patrick was not born in Ireland, yet he is equated with the people of the Emerald Isle. He, like St. Paul, made himself "all to all in order to save" as many of the Irish as he could. Patrick persevered in his efforts to bring Christianity to the Irish people. He met opposition of many kinds, yet he never gave up. Thanks to his untiring zeal, his love for God and for the men and women of Ireland, Christ is better known, loved and lived not only by Irish, but also by the multitude in locales where Irish missionaries have preached around the world. May St. Patrick intercede for all the Irish, part-Irish and all who associate with them. Best regards for a Happy Name Day to all the Patricks, Patricios, Patricia's, and Paddy's.
On Saturday we will celebrate the real "Quiet Man" who was not Irish, but Jewish: St. Joseph. May he be an example for all of us in our prayer life and in fulfilling our day-to-day tasks.
With best regards to all the Joseph's and Josephine's,

Sister Mary Peter

Mardi Gras, Carnevale, Fat Tuesday

Mardi Gras has arrived, and will soon be over. Folks who love to party will enjoy their last hurrah as Tuesday wanes and Wednesday dawns with the promise of ashes. Forty days of Lent. It seems like forever in this age of instant messages, tweets, and cyber symbols. I will spend most of Ash Wednesday in the Cathedral of St's. Peter and Paul in center city Philadelphia. We Daughters of St. Paul will hold a book and media display geared to Lenten reflection at the Cathedral as well as at Holy Martyrs Church in Oreland, Pennslvania.
As one retreat master put it, "a good book can tell you more than your best friend would dare to tell you." Lenten Grace" is one such good book of daily reflections based on the gospel readings for each day of Lent.
Pauline Books and Media offer a variety of Lenten titles, as well as a new series of books called The Catholic Wisdom Collection. The CWC presents the reflections of Christian writers known for their spiritual depth: John of the Americas, Cross, Jean  Pierre de Caussade, John Henry Newman and more. Although John of the Cross lived at the time of the colonization of the Americas, his pen still touches the hearts of people today who experience a spiritual darkness. The Wisdom Collection offers light and guidance to all who want to learn from the classics who have gone before us.
Enjoy Shrove Tuesday and prepare well for the graces in store for us in Lent.
For more Lenten reading visist http://www.pauline.org/

Prayers for Our Times

As some of you may know, the Church is suffering from the wounds caused by clergy sexual abuse in some parts of the world. The Church in Ireland is taking steps to heal from the hurt caused by people who betrayed the sacred trust of innocent children. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia allegations and investigations are underway to make sure that victims are protected and healed, and perpetrators removed from the chance of endangering any more persons.
We pray for the victims of clergy sexual abuse, as well as for the many who suffer such abuse from within their own families or other situations. Let us implore the Lord's healing grace for all, especially for the victims. Follow this link to find prayers directed to help us find God in this crisis: http://pauline.org/PublishingHouse/PrayerforOurChurch/tabid/414/Default.aspx

Short Month Packed Full

In four days the second month of the year will be history. We saw a  regime topple along the Nile. Now another one is shaken by those oppressed for over 40 years. May true justice and lasting peace prevail in all nations.
An earthquake in New Zealand caused billions of dollars of damage and many lost lives. This short month has made many headlines and left its mark on history.
On the Church's liturgical calendar there are some of the "forefathers" whose courage in the face of persecution made the heros' list. Among thme of course is St. Peter, the Apostle, whose role as leader of the Church was celebrated on February 22nd as the Feast of the Chair (or Primacy) of St. Peter. In every cathedral there is the bishop's "chair" or cathedra which symbolizes the bishop as the head teacher of the faith in his diocese as a spiritual descendant of the Apostles. When the Pope speaks "ex cathedra" he is speaking authortatively as the one who today takes the place of Peter.
Our Sisters in Boston have been busy preparing many new titles books, music and apps for those who have iphones, ipads and other handheld devices.
Here is a link to some of their latest creativity:http://issuu.com/paulinebooksmedia/docs/lent2011catalog This lets

 you know what is available for your Lenten journey.

Frozen February and Valentines

Today's sunshine gives the great illusion that it is warm and pleasant outside. It is cold and icy afoot in the outdoors. Sunday's Super Bowl celebration was a good excuse to enjoy a bowl of warm chili and to watch a football game as a cheerleader for the team that lost! That was OK. The Packers fans were kind enough.
This has been a frosty and snowy February here in the Northeast. Recent carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand has slowed me down. Today is the first time I am using my right hand more extensively. I have gained a new appreciation for the use of two hands!
 St. Valentine's Day is next week. It is a day which celebrates love. Hearts, chocolates, bouquets and greetings abound--at least in our North American culture. St. John wrote that we should "love one another as Christ loved us." That's a tall order. Christ resides somehow in each human person. It's easy to choose the ones I feel more comfortable with to like. Others may be of a type that I might naturally "unfriend" as the Facebook term says. Yet, even the people in the unfriend category host the Christ within them--some unawares. For me finding and saluting  the Christ within each one I meet is a Valentine resolution.
I extend my prayers and best wishes to those Valentine couples who are about to marry soon: Virginia and Thornwell in Charleston; Theresa and Tim in Buzzard's Bay; and Ben and Abby who married in January in Kansas City!
Have a great St. Valentine's Day!
The Boston Globe this week featured a number of couples married at least 50 years and asked them the key to their successful marriages. The common thread was mutual love and respect for each other. "Be nice" to each other was their favorite advice. Only true love allows us to sincerely "make nice" through thick and thin. May Christ who is love personified grant us all a blessed St. Valentine's Day!

Paul the Convert /We the Would-Be Converts

On Tuesday, January 25, the church celebrated the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The day's liturgy offers two choices for the first reading. Both selections from the Acts of the Apostles tell how Paul fell to the ground, surrounded by a blinding light. He heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" when Saul who became Paul answered, "Who are you, Sir?" The voice answered, "I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting." Paul was blinded by the light, yet his inner sight was opened to a new reality. The Christ whom he was persecuting in the Christians was and is a living reality--crucified and risen. This Christ is the "Kyrios", the Lord.
From then on, Saul the persecutor began a great change in his life. Many call it a conversion. Paul was already a God-fearing believer in all the tenents of Judaism. He was taught by the famous Rabbi Gameliel. Paul practiced all that the Jewish Torah demanded. His "conversion"--his turning about--was realizing that the Christ whom he had despised was the very same God he worshipped.
That event on the way to Damascus invites all of us to turn closer to Christ, if we are already Christians. If we are not Christian, we are invited to investigate, to see that God, the Creator and Sustainer of each of us and of all the universe is alive, he is caring for each of us. He is manifest to us in Christ Jesus.
Christ is alive in the church even though the Church is home not only to Saints, but to sinners. Some leave the church because they see some people who are "professionals" in the faith actually sin or behave in ways that look anything but Christ-like. My church history professor, the late Jesuit, Father Martin Harney, told us that the fact that the church is still afloat and alive in so many millions and throughout the world despite the scandals, the sins, the shortcomings. Yes, despite all the things which are not likeable, there is the presence of Christ. Maybe he seems to be asleep in Peter's boat, but he is still there. Paul turned toward Christ that day on the way to Damascus. Each day he turned a little more toward Christ until he could say, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ" (see the Letter to the Galatians).
So for us we can turn, we can change in increments, a little bit at a time. When someone cuts us off in traffic, we could spew out harsh words, or we could keep silent and pray a Hail Mary for the offender, as well as asking for patience for ourselves. That's converting a road block into a stepping stone. May St. Paul intercede for us so we can convert in small and big ways.

More Memories and Dreams to Fulfill

I learned of the death of a cousin, Judy Bernat-Burton, on Sunday. I was going to call her. She celebrated a birthday last Thursday, making her the same age as myself. The next day she entered eternal life. Despite much illness and difficult times, Judy was always a woman of hope and concern for others. Her five children, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews and we cousins attest to her being a loving person. She also spent the last years of her life researching her family history, going back to the first relatives who immigrated from Ireland in the 1800's. She left us a legacy of loving care and of detailed information on our extended family. May she be enjoying the presence of the Lord for all eternity.
I spoke with her by phone a couple of weeks ago. She was so animated in the conversation that I forgot that she was in a hospice program. She lived life to the fullest without giving in to self pity or bitterness. She prayed for all her family--another good example for the rest of us.
Today a niece of mine celebrates her birthday. She is in her early twenties and is in her last year of college. We trust in a beautiful future for her.
And, on Saturday a nephew of mine, Ben, will wed his fiance' Abby, in Kansas City. Ben and Abby give us hope that young people are ready to give their love to each other and to work hard to make that love permanent. All the best to these beautiful young people whose example shows that God is helping young men and women to have the courage to make a true commitment. May his grace accompany them through the ups and downs of life. As the letter to the Hebrews states hope is the anchor that reaches beyond what we can do into the strength of the Lord who loves us more than we can ask or imagine.

Blizzards and Memories

Last night I heard of the death of one of the persons to whom I owe much in the way of gospel living and gospel preaching: David Thorpe. David died suddenly on January 9. I offer condolences to his wife Barbara and to his children. David was a person who lived the gospel and who knew how to preach it well. I attended his classes on evangelization when the Boston Archdiocese included evangelization in its Master Teacher Program in the early 1990's. David was very active in the Charismatic Renewal program on a national and international level. Most recently he has been working with the Boston Archdiocese and its program to welcome back Catholics who have left the Church for one reason or another. I have a large ring binder notebook with all my notes and handouts from the classes I attended. Through the years I often referred to those notes and used some of the handouts in my own teachings on evangelization. David was born in Canada but spent most of his life in the USA. May he now be enjoying the presence of the Lord whom he loved and spoke of so well. I pray that Barbara be consoled and now feel her husband's help from heaven.
I ask prayers for the eternal peace of a young man named Scott who took his own life last week. Scott suffered from severe bouts of mental illness. May Jesus, our Sea of Peace, surround Scott now with eternal peace.
On a different note, anyone who lives in the US East Coastal area was back in Narnia Land today. the much predicted blizzard which spread blankets of snow on our roads, trees and buildings indeed reminded many of us of C.S. Lewis' Narnia. Here are a few pictures of the outdoors. It was not easy to take photos since snow was packed against most of the doors, and snow threatened to get my camera wet!

This picture looks black and white. The conditions were "whiteout."

Snow covered all of our convent property in Boston's Jamaica Plain hills. If you have seen the Narnia films, you can imagine yourself there!

Ordinary

2011 is well on its way to being packed with action, snow storms, and all kinds of events. yet in the Church Year today we began the first week of ordinary time. Christmas decorations are slowly being put away, the holidays are over and we are back to work. Yet God is still working 24/7, and he is still giving us grace upon grace. that's his "ordinary" way of doing things!
May your Ordinary Time be filled with extraordinary graces.

Ready for a New Year

After our stormy beginning of the week, the sun has shone and temperatures have risen. The big snow drifts are starting to down-size. the new year of 2011 should begin with sunny skies, at least in the Boston area.
My prayer is that the gift of a new year of life will be the best ever for you and for me. I am reading a book called "The Reed of God" by the late English author Caroll Houselander. Even though the book was written in the early 1950's it is graced with a Christ-centered and very practical view of how to live "in Christ" in daily life. There are parts of Ms. Houselander's descriptions that disguise an almost hilarious wit. This is especially true when she details how some individuals live what they call a "spiritual" life, but only on a part-time basis. In other words, they are kind of half-hearted about following Christ. They follow him, but more or less on the sidelines, like a sports enthusiast keeping score for his or her favorite team, all from the comfort of a warm couch. This is my paraphrase of the author's wit.
In the new year, we may be asked to rise from our couches and invite someone to seriously consider returning to Mass and the sacraments, or to think about what the Catholic Church offers them. We may actually be invited to speak up about what we believe and why we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Christ may want to speak through you or me with a good, uplifting word, a compliment, a word of advice, or even an admonition. May we be open to what God wants us to do and say.
There is a saying that can accompany us this new year, "The will  of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot keep us."
May your New Year be one crowned with grace upon grace throughout the New Year!

Pictures Speak for Us

Our Christmas celebration was very relaxed and joyful. We placed a Nativity scene in our living room window, so Baby Jesus was front and center. We prepared a good dinner with ham, sweet potatoes, and two kinds of greens. A few days before Christmas, I made "kolachi", a sweet bread roll that many of my neighbors from Eastern Europe would give our family as gifts. This year I was able to make apricot roll, walnut roll and poppy seed kolachi. It freezes well and makes a handy snack with tea or coffee, especially in cold weather. Of course, we sampled some of each flavor to make sure they were all right.
We also had eggnog which gives a special holiday feel to our celebrations.

Sr. Emily, Sr. neville Chrstine,
Sr. Patricia Mary, Sr. Mary Peter

On Christmas Eve night we attended 9:00 PM Mass at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Northeast Philadelphia. We were treated to a very lively homily by the pastor, Father Quinter.

A "Cool" Gift

On Christmas Day we attended a 10:00 AM Mass at St. Christopher Parish a little farther north of us. The singing was very good and at that Mass too the priest's homily reminded us of the reality of God taking on a real human body on the first Christmas Day.
On the next day we ventured out into the oncoming blizzard and hurricane which caused us to stay overnight in Rhode Island. Here are two tiny videos with a few seconds of us Sisters in real life winter weather.

Christmas Week Adventure

If you live in the USA, you no doubt heard or read about the "Bluricane" of 2010's winter. On Sunday, December 26, the snow did not "lay, deep and crisp and even". Instead, the snow blew deep, unevenly, icily, and swiftly as we drove north on Interstate 95. Travel through New York City was the slowest I have ever seen. The majority of drivers went slowly and carefully. When I took the wheel, roads were already very slippery. Snow covered the roadway, and all the huge snow ploughs seemed to be going south as we headed straight north into the jaws of a great nor'ester. At times the snow pelted us with ice which kept tapping on the car coating the windshield with ice. The maximum speed was 30 miles per hour. I avoided using the brake to avoid spinning out and losing control. At a certain point when white-outs, blinding blasts of snow surrounded us, we decided to take the next exit with a lodging sign. Thankfully, there was room in an inn for three of us Sisters. The snacks and fruit we brought along served as supper, since there was no restaurant close by. We had taken along our eggnog which provided protein. The next morning, the inn had a well stocked breakfast room.
The inn extended its checkout time until noon, so we prayed and did some computer work in the comfort of a warm hotel room. Boston was still getting snow, so we took our time and made our way to Boston. We were just about 60 miles south of our destination. However, the force of a combination of blizzard and hurricane destined us to stop in Rhode Island. We were blessed that there was "room in the inn" when we arrived. On Monday Interstate 95's four lanes were all cleared and visible. On Sunday evening, barely one lane was clear, and it was often invisible.
As we drove north, we saw many cars which had spun out and were facing in the wrong direction, or some had slid off the roadway. My faith in our  Guardian Angels was reinforced after many near misses, when people passed us and then swerved right and left because of the treacherous roadways. As darkness enveloped us, and white-outs threatened, I kep thinking of the hymn blessed Cardinal Newman wrote, "Lead Kindly Light amid the encircling gloom, lead thou me on." We were all thankful for having arrived safely, for the efforts of all the snowplough drivers, the salt truck men, the highway patrols, and the good roadways and communications systems. We kept in touch with our Sisters by cell phone, so they would know where we were.
As we await the New Year, we pray in thanksgiving for all the graces God has sent in good measure. And, we thank God ahead of time for all the good he will shower on us in 2011. Have a Merry continuation of Christmas week!

On the Theshold of Christmas

The last few weeks have been filled with activity. We Sisters in Philadelphia carried out three Birthday Parties for Baby Jesus. If you are wondering what's a Baby Jesus birthday Party anyway, it's a simple response. For years children have been taken to shopping centers to meet with Santa Claus to ask him for what they want for Christmas. A visit to Santa was always an occasion for a holiday  nice photo. Since Christmas is really the commemoration of Jesus' birthday, why not put Jesus in the center of the photo? At our Baby Jesus Birthday parties, children and often their parents dress as characters of the Nativity Story. We provide costumes, a manger and a Baby Jesus statue for the photos. Many families have made attendance at our Baby Jesus parties a normal part of  their Christmas holiday activities.
Since our Philadelphia book store is temporarily closed as we search for a better location, we have taken the Parties "on the road".
An integral part of the Birthday Party for Baby Jesus is our display of  good books and audio/visuals. Pauline media offer a means to reinforce the idea that the Christmas celebrations really are a way to wish a truly Happy Birthday to Jesus, and remind the children that Christmas is more about giving than receiving. Of course, with the generosity of two local bakeries, we gave a treat to  each child.

At our first Baby Jesus Party, we took the time to "be in the picture" too.

It's amazing how otherwise mischievous children pose as little angels, or shepherds or as Joseph and Mary. And, they look authentically holy--at least for the time it takes to snap their pictures!

A "Nativity Scene" pose in south Philadelphia

As you make the final preparations for the celebration of Jesus' coming as a real baby into this world, may you be graced with much peace, love and true joy.

America's Patron

Tomorrow, December 8, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin.
Under this title, Mary is the Patroness of the United States of America. That is why we have a National Shrine in Washington, DC dedicated to Our Lady under this title. Here is a link to the Shrine: National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. If you are ever in Washington, visit this shrine which hosts at least 70 chapels dedicated to Mary under various titles.
December 8 is also a special day in the town of Agana, Guam where Mary is honored in a very special way. The feast day there pre-dates the one on mainland USA. Guam was colonized by the Spanish after a zealous Spanish Jesuit, St. Diego San Vitores died trying to bring Christianity to the people of Guam who are called Chomorros. After the people accepted Christianity, a statue of Mary was found floating in the Pacific Ocean off Guam's coast. The statue was brought ashore and is now enshrined in the Cathedral of Dulce Nombre de Maria (Sweet Name of Mary) in Agana.
Guam was occupied on December 7, 1941 the same day as the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Guamanians lived through some terrible times during World War II. However their faith helped them survive and to thrive.
As we know the title "Immaculate Conception" refers to the fact that Mary, of all creatures, was conceived free of original sin from the moment of her conception.
We ask through Mary Immaculate's intercession graces for our country, for ourselves, and for protection for our American men and women serving in the armed forces--especially those in harm's way.

Here is a picture of the statue of Our Lady Called Kamalen.

Philadelphia's A King Is Born Concert

Last night our singing Sisters put on a lovely concert at Father Judge High School. They offered a wide variety of Christmas songs, including one in Italian to Baby Jesus. There were contemporary songs as well as old timers, such as Jingle Bells.
The audience was very excited with the Sisters very own edition of a Sister Act scene. I am uploading some pictures and a small video so you can share in the fun. The Sisters have three more concerts: one at St. Anne Church In Marshfield, Massachuseets, and two in our convent chapel in Boston's Jamaica Plain.

Christmas Concerts

Our Daughters of St. Paul Choir arrived in Philadelphia this afternoon. They had given a concert of Christmas music in St. Paul's Church in Princeton, New Jersey. Tomorrow evening they will be singing at Father Judge High School in Northeast Philadelphia.  Four of us drove up to Staten Island on Thursday to join the Sisters as they sang for benefactors and friends for the 16th year at the annual benefit dinner. It was a pleasure to see and hear our choir sing a variety of modern and ancient Christmas music. In a way it is a "Sister Act," a real one, where our Sisters show the joy they have in serving God through music.
to get a preview of the Sisters' concerts go to daughtersofstpaul.org.
Our week's agenda is full, so I will let you know more on Tuesday, God-willing. Have a great second week of Advent.

Advent and a New Year

Maybe it's the feel of something I did in my early teens and still do today that gives me a great feeling of joy whenever I prepare an Advent wreath. I  remember getting the candles and the prayer card for the family ritual from the Daughters of St. Paul when I was in high school.
Today I pulled out my "Christmas Box"--a big flat under-the-bed storage box that hides my Advent/Christmas treasures.
I found Advent candles, but my candle holders are in Boston. I improvised something sturdy to hold the four candles: three purple and one pink to symbolize the weeks of Advent and the time before Christ's coming when people awaited his coming. From clippings from holly bushes in our yard, and from fir trees hanging well over our lawn. I fashioned a wreath to encircle the candles in our living room and in our chapel.
As we prayed the evening prayer for the First Sunday of Advent, we lit the first of the candles to remind us of the season. This time celebrates our waiting for God. And, as our Mother General wrote to us, God waits for us too.
To continue the Advent theme, we fashioned a set of paper candles for our bay window. To go along a bit with the culture, we changed the wreath at our front door to one with greens and a bright red bow.
As our Holy Father, Pope Benedict asked, this weekend we pray for all the unborn around the world that their lives will be a blessing to their mothers ad fathers, to their communities, and to the entire world. May the unborn be protected, nourished and cherished. The Blessed Virgin Mary is our model in Advent. As she awaited the birth of her Son, she serenely carried out the chores of her daily life, and she was no doubt, a woman of the deepest prayer. May the words of Caryll Houselander shed light on our Adventjourney: "This time of Advent is absolutely essential to our contemplation too. If we have truly given our humanity to be changed into Christ, it is essential to us to us that we do not disturb this time of grace.
"It is a time of darkness, of faith. We shall not see Christ's radiance in our lives yet; it is still hidden in our darkness; nevertheless we still must believe that He is growing in our lives; we must believe it so firmly that we cannot help relating everything, literally everything to this almost incredible reality." (From Houselander's "The Reed of God", Ave Maria Press edition, 2006)
May you and I experience a beautiful, grace-filled Advent.

Happy Thanksgiving

To all who celebrate Thanksgiving Day, have a blessed and joyful day!
Yesterday I went out for a few items needed for our Thanksgiving menu.
The store where we usually shop for fruits and vegetables was very crowded. shoppers were stocking up for big dinners. Others were selecting wreaths already decorated for Christmas. People were rushing in and out--in a hurry to beat the traffic which was already getting congested. Yet folks were polite and patient, especially in the parking lot.
Today I baked two pumpkin pies "from scratch"--meaning that the pies came not from a can put from a "real" pumpkin, cut open, cleaned out, and steamed to soften it for cooking. I found a nice recipe for pumpkin cookies too, so I baked some of those too.
As I mixed, and stirred and baked today, I was grateful for the health to be able to do all this; I was also thankful that we have such an abundance of food to prepare; for the spices that come from distant lands and fill our house with pleasant aromas; for the grace to be in a country that allows freedom of speech and of religious practice; for my family, my friends and the Sisters of my religious community. I thank God for giving me a mother who made sure that all of us 13 children learned to cook (at least enough to survive.) More and more when I prepare something, I think "How would Mom have done this?" Then I recall what she used to do and find myself doing likewise. Tomorrow all of my little community here in Philadelphia will prepare something for our holiday dinner, and we are all looking forward to this pause to enjoy time together before our activities resume this weekend. To each and all of you all the best for a very blessed and joyous Thanksgiving!

A Season of Thanks

Today is the feast of St. Cecilia, Patroness of Church Musicians. In Rome's Catacombs of St. Callistus there is a lovely statute of this saint. With long flowing hair she is depicted as lying on her side, three fingers together signify the Triune God for whom she died. During this month, the Church has honored saints with her without canonization: all those who have "fought the good fight", and have "won the race" as St. Paul described himself.
For Americans of a certain age, this day stands out too for the shock of seeing our president assassinated 47 years ago. I remember the day and the moment when a woman emerged from a taxi in Buffalo, New York. She shouted to anyone who could hear, "They shot the president!" That was the first time in my life that someone had done violence to a political leader in my country. Then came Bob Kennedy and Martin Luther King--both victims of assassins. those events seemed to me to mark a new era in our history.
Yet, in comparison to some other places on this earth, we Americans and Canadians live in relative peace. This is something to be thankful for. Yesterday on Public Television a Benedictine Brother was featured as one who preaches gratitude as a way to gain peace. He said that "everything is a gift." He is so right about that. He qualified his statement by saying that war and other obviously evil events do not in themselves call for gratitude. However how we face up to unfortunate events can be a source of gratitude, if we make the best of them. It's worth the time it takes to transform a potential cause for griping into a cause to celebrate and to give thanks.
Thursday we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day. May we each say a profound "thank you" to God, and to all those to whom we owe gratitude.
Best wishes for a very blessed Thanksgiving Day!

A Good Day

Today was a full one for me and the other sisters. Sr. Emily and I left early this morning to be at Nativity of Our Lord in Warminster, PA. Saturday evening Sisters Patricia Mary and Neville Christine set up a spacious display of Pauline books, CD's and DVD's in the Parish Conference Center. Two Sisters of St. Joseph, Sister Peggy and Sister Madeline, prepared coffee and donuts to make us feel at home and to keep warm on a chilly morning.

People did come over to see our display, including the pastor and his associate. both of the priests purchased titles for themselves and their ministry. Some of the ladies who staff the parish's "Neumann Library" were very helpful. The parish library is housed in the Center and part of the library is available on a cart at the church entrance.
Sometimes it is a challenge to explain titles to youngsters. A five year old boy was having a hard time choosing a book. I picked up "the Adventures of St. Paul" which has colorful illustrations and a simple vocabulary. As I showed the book to the young man, I noted that the cover showed Paul keeping afloat while the boat he had been on was breaking up. I thought that maybe this eager reader would not comprehend the word "shipwreck." I said, " You know who St. Paul was. He was a good friend of Jesus who went through a lot for Jesus. He was even beat up many times for God." The boy's big brown eyes widened: "He was beat up?" I replied, "Yes." By this time he had grasped the book and was holding it tight. St. Paul's enduring a hard time for Jesus convinced the little man that he should know more about this hero. The kindergartner's big smile was one of the highlights that made my day.
It was consoling to realize too that several people were able to take home books meant to alleviate stress and mental hardship.
For us Paulines today was the Feast of Jesus, the Divine Master, Way, Truth and Life. We pray that all those whom we met today may be blessed with a deeper love for Jesus Master.

The Spookiest Weekend

In our Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood, almost every lawn has Fall decorations including scarecrows and ghosts. Halloween is celebrated in a big way here. The Feast of All Hallows--Halloween--has morphed into a much bigger celebration than long ago when we trekked door-to-door with Dad's old hat. At each stop we would sing song this phrase: "Halloween is coming and the goose is getting fat. Please put a nickel in the old man's hat!" I don't recall getting many nickels, but we did reap a bountiful harvest of candy corn and other sweets. Things have certainly come a long way from candy corn and apple dunking to orange colored lights and glitzy costumes. A friend said he has to go to a parade today. His granddaughter's school is having a Halloween parade--a not-to-be-missed affair! We grown ups know that All Saints Day, November 1st, is All Hallows Day when we Catholics attend Holy Mass to honor all those holy men and women who preceeded us in life. Some are officially recognized as saints with a capitol "S". The over whelming majority are lower case "s's", but still saints. I think of Mrs. McN., the mother of a local priest who is a university chaplain. Left a single Mom when her husband disappeared after their son was born, she waitressed in local diners to support herself and her son. In the early 1960's a black man came in to the diner where she worked and ordered a hamburger. Her boss ordered her to salt the man's food so heavily "that he and his kind would never come back."  Mrs. McN. removed her apron, handed it to the boss and refused to follow his orders. She returned home and told her son, "We will probably be hungry for a few days. But that's OK. God will provide for us." God did provide and her son grew to be a priest even though he met difficulties on the way to ordination.
My own mother took in my youngest brother's high school friend for an entire year. His new "Dad" locked him out when he came home one night and told him not to come back. Even though ours was a large family, we always had room to take some neighbor boys to Mass on Sunday. During our post high school years, a friend who went to school with me stayed at our house for four years while she worked out some of her difficulties.
Even though Halloween might seem to be a pagan custom, we who believe in the Communion of Saints--those in heaven and those on earth--have a deep reason to celebrate everyday holiness. Happy Halloween!

My Week

On Thursday, Sister Neville Christine and I traveled south in the Philadelphia Archdiocese to attend the Delaware County Catechist's' Night Out. About 100 men and women who dedicate their time to teaching religion to young people were honored at the dinner and get together. Many of the people present went home with Pauline titles.

Some of the women who attended the Grief and Loss Seminar

This weekend was spent bringing our publications to different groups of people. On Saturday morning, our novice, Sister Emily and I went to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to be present at a workshop on Grief and Loss for those who offer the ministry of help to those who suffer grief at the loss of a loved one, or at the loss of a job or  some other important aspect of their lives. These dedicated folks, most of whom seemed to be women, accompany the families of deceased persons. they even visit the grieving persons in their homes, or welcome them to the parish rectory where they are comforted and helped even with planning the funeral liturgy.

Sister Emily helping at the Grief and Loss display tables

We were able to offer them several titles. Some chose "Tender Mercies" since it has prayers for those who are grieving.

Interest in the books was very high at St. Cyprian's.






Sister Neville at St. Cyprian's

While Sr. Emily and Sr. Patricia Mary went to St. Cecilia parish in Philadelphia's Northeast, Sr. Neville and I were in West Philadelphia at St. Cyprian's Parish. The parish, even though it's church was built in 1924, was founded in the Holy Year, 2000 A.D. It is a thriving Catholic African American community. People welcomed us heartily and availed themselves of our visit to add to their family libraries or to acquire gifts for friends and family.
The third Mass held there on Sunday was in Ibo, the language of Nigeria. Many of the people wore colorful Nigerian clothing. Drums and lively music were a natural part of their liturgy.
This week will find us Philadelphia Daughters of St. Paul at a Catholic school in Moorestown, New Jersey. We are there with our books, DVD's and CD's for the children, parents and teachers.
I love school book fairs, since little ones acquire a taste for wholesome reading from their earliest years.
May your week be blessed. Sister Mary Peter

Birthing of a book

Tender Mercies, A Book of Prayers for Healing and Coping

Many people have asked me, "Why and how did you ever write a book of prayers like this one?"

Several years ago I began some formal studies in pastoral psychology. In my undergraduate days, the only psychology I had was philosophical psychology which I did not find very practical. After working closely with some individuals who were volunteers, I discovered that I needed some further background to understand their behavior and my reactions to it. With the hope of helping both myself and the lay people with whom I worked, I enrolled in Boston College’s Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. The IREPM as it was called provided many courses that dealt with psychological problems and pastoral concerns. Classes on grief and loss and troubled personalities coupled with weekend seminars offered remedies for caregivers, counselors and those who might be afflicted with mental difficulties.

As any student knows, there is hardly a class without some “paper” due. Ours were no exception. At one point rather than give a heady scientific response to clinical problems, I decided to compose some prayers for the “troubled personality.” Troubled personalities can be people suffering from mild stress to clinical depression. That is a really vast spectrum of people!

The first prayers were a Way of the Cross and a set of meditations on the 20 mysteries of the Rosary.
 A few “reality check” prayers were part of the initial paper. Of course, I was not advocating a boycott of psychologists or psychiatrists, or of medications which can relieve stress. Rather, I was directing people to the source of all peace and comfort, the God who created the human heart.

When I presented the original manuscript to our Pauline Books & Media publishing house editors, they saw a need for its contents. The editors asked me to enhance the contents by adding more prayers for specific needs, such as eating disorders, cutting, etc. In the meantime I had knee surgery which gave me the time to research and equip myself to write prayers that would make sense to persons who suffer from the various disorders.

When the book was edited and ready to print, it was read by two psychologists to check for any inaccuracies. I was in Toronto when the book was released. Here are some words from a mother whose young adult son was in a psychiatric ward when she gave him Tender Mercies:

Dear Sister Mary:
"My son V. was very eager for the book and was so pleasantly surprised that there were so many prayers that applied to him. He read some of them and said they helped him to gain some control. He said the voice in his head was very angry with the book. He found your dedication to him well directed at him. He also commented about your writing as "every sentence is meaningful, no marshmallow fillers".
[My son] V. took the book to his new friends, all tormented with their mental illness, and was happy to tell them about it. There are at least 6 people who talk about their God beliefs, share books, and comfort each other."

The case of Nina and her troubled son may be unusual, since many of the people who purchase Tender Mercies have no psychiatric problem. However all of us may find ourselves in stressful circumstances: a sudden illness, an unexpected expense, a loss, a sadness over the death of a loved one….As my psychology professor said: “We all walk a fine line. We don’t know what may push us over the edge.” In other words, we are all vulnerable, weak human beings.

The object of Tender Mercies is to connect you the reader with God, the source of all joy, our ultimate good. Even though real love is anything but “mushy”, it is also tender and constant. May you who read and pray with Tender Mercies be consoled and strengthened in your daily quest to draw closer to God, and to allow God to draw closer to you.

Tender Mercies is also available in French.

May this book be a source of blessing to all who read it.

Sister Mary Peter Martin, fsp

In Ben Salem

This past weekend, Sister Neville Christine and myself were at the parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Ben Salem, Pennsylvania. The church is surrounded by   lovely grounds. Immediately behind the church but far removed from it is a huge casino. It sports several huge colorful screens to attract customers to gamble. However many people preferred to gamble on the Lord rather than to visit the casino on Saturday evening and Sunday moring. The pastor is fluent in Spanish which well serves the many parishioners from various Spanish speaking countries.  Elly, one of our Pauline cooperators was a great help to us assisting me as I gave a little talk to the congregation after Communion at the Spanish Mass. Elly, whose Dad was employed by one of the big banana companies, was born and raised in Central America. She served folks at our tables and helped us to pack the remainders.
People were very welcoming to us, and interested in the good reading we had to offer. 

Elly was very attentive to our Spanish-speaking folks.

Elly's big smile is always a welcome sight to those who visit our tables.

Middle East--Let Us Pray

 

The top photo is of the interior of the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon

in North Jackson, Ohio. This Marian statue atop a spiral staircase outdoors at the Shrine resembles that in the original Lebanese Shrine.

Pope Benedict has gathered together a large group of prelates, priests, and laymen and women to support the Church in the Middle East. These people are together to plan to strengthen those Christians who live in what some call a "hot spot" or a troubled area of this planet. Many of these Christians actually use Aramaic in their liturgy. Their words are in the same language which Jesus used. Where I grew up, there were many people from Lebanon or whose parents were from there. Living with people from all different parts of the world enriched my life. Even though I did not attend Mass in their Maronite parishes, I was at least introduced to the idea that more than one language (Latin) is used in the Church's liturgy.
On my last trip to Ohio, we visiting Daughters of St. Paul were guests of the Maronite Sisters of St. Anthony of Egypt, or Antonine Sisters. The Sisters, who operate an Adult Day Care Center, are all from Lebanon. For now they pray together in Arabic, the language of their home country. Their convent in North Jackson, Ohio next to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is their only home in the USA. The Sisters also conduct schools in their native country. Their mission to minister to the elderly is much needed today.These Sisters are a sign to the rest of the world of the vibrant faith of our Catholic brothers and sisters in the Middle East.  Together let us pray for the safety and well well being of our Middle Eastern brothers and sisters.

Charismatic Conference

Sunday I attended most of the final day of the Camden Diocese Charismatic Conference held at the Wildwood Convention Center in Wildwood, New Jersey.The weather was picture perfect. The speakers whom I listened to were both dynamic and faith filled women. The closing Mass was concelebrated with Father Gerard Marable as the preacher and main celebrant. Father Marable is a gifted preacher both entertaining and obviously immersed in Scripture.

Sister Neville Christine who is a "junior professed" Sister, and Sister Emily a novice, attended the youth track and joined me for the closing Mass. (A junior professed Sister is one who has made vows for one year at a time.)

People were very welcoming and enthusiastic. The photo shows me with Father Bakey and Sr. Neville Christine. I am including some photos to give an idea of how many attended. It was great to be with people who want to listen to the Lord God and imitate his goodness in their lives. The theme of their three day convention was: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart." May our hearts be open to God every day so he may fill us with his wisdom and grace.

The Pope and a German Woman

Sometimes when we look back in history, it seems women only stood out if they were involved in scandals or intrigues. Yet there are some brilliant feminine voices still calling to us from history. Pope Benedict recalled a German woman whose writings exist only partially today. Yet, Gertrude of Helfta remains a "light" of intellectual and spiritual maturity. She is considered a mystic, someone who attained a profound relationship with Christ; an expert in prayer; a master of theology; a model for men and women.
In Church terminology, Gertrude is called "The Great," a rare distinction for any saint--and the only German woman to attain the title "Great." If you find any of her writings, delve into them. She will lead you to a deeper friendship with the Lord Jesus.

Here and There

Please pray for the eternal repose of the soul of a good neighbor of my family's, Mr. Myron Young. Myron was a member of the Presbyterian church in our small rural community. He was a hard working and kind person. His restaurant was the kind you see in movies: folks had their favorite spots to sit and enjoy their meals; a cork board holds business cards and notices; the waitresses greet regulars by name; news gets around the little eatery way before it gets into a newspaper; the floor boards and carpet are worn from years of hard service. Myron served as head of the local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) post. He made sure that young people were encouraged to hone their writing skills by the yearly essay contests and scholarship offers. It may be that someone may buyout the old place and put in a fancy drive-thru or some other attraction. As St. Teresa of Avila said, "All things are passing, only God is lasting." The good done by Myron and his family are a legacy that will last whether or not his restaurant survives or disappears.

On another topic, you who read this may want to follow our Philadelphia blog: http://paulinephiladelphia.blogspot.com/. Or you may see what Sister Margaret Joseph is doing as she works with generous folks who help provide funds for our mission to continue: http://www.paulinefaithways.blogspot.com/.

Many people prayed the rosary today to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and to intercede for the needs of us all. This weekend in New Jersey, Camden Diocese' Catholic Charismatics will convene in Wildwood for their annual conference. I count on the prayers of these good and enthusiastic people to help us in our special work. Even though so much negativity is reported in the media, it is consoling to know that there are thousands of people commited to living the gospel and willing to be people of prayer and good action. The Catholic Charismatics are among these "praying people." As Jesus said, "Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Back in Ohio

I just realized that I blogged only once in September! The reason: I was "on the road" and without Internet access for about two weeks. One of the highlights of September was attending the Holy Family Institute's Triduum (or three day) annual retreat and gathering. We Daughters of St. Paul usually attend this get-together and help by leading prayers and giving talks, as well as holding a book and media display. This year I was in charge of the book display. Generous HFI members (short for Holy Family Institute) drove the books from Boston to Ohio. They even carried the boxes of books into the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon for us. This year a special feature of the meeting was the day of filming for the movie "Alberione"--a film depicting the life of our founder, Blessed James Alberione. Filming began about 8:00 AM at the studio of the Society of St. Paul in Canfield, Ohio. Pauline priests and sister Disciples of the Divine Master were interviewed n the studio. Then the film crew moved its van about 4 miles away to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio. One after another HFI members spoke into the camera as they answered queries from Sister Helena Burns about their impression of Alberione. It was well after dark when the Chicago-based crew packed up with hours of film to edit and insert into this movie-in-the-making. Look for more about the Alberione film. The pictures on this blog are various shots of activities at the HFI gathering. I was privileged to be a sponsor for Cathy from Toronto who made her first vows in the Institute along with several others.

October in Pennsylvania

A week ago I traveled with a friend to our convent in Philadelphia. I am in the "City of Brotherly Love" to help for a few months. In a sense, ours is an itinerant community, since we are often on the road to bring our Pauline books and media to folks in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. At the moment, we do not have a Pauline Book & Media center (store) in Philadelphia. We are searching for an appropriate site. In the meantime, we bring Pauline books and media to parishes, meetings, schools and other events. On Saturday I will bring the book I authored, Tender Mercies, Prayers for Healing and Coping, to a workshop on mental health which will take place in our local parish. I will also bring along "Surviving Depression, A Catholic Approach" and other titles that will be of help to those assisting the mentally ill, or who may have a mental disorder. There are saints whose mental health was over the border of borderline, such as St. Benedict Joseph Labre'. Even though he suffered much from dark depression, he thought of others while he lived a life of deep prayer. Many gifted people suffer from depression or from bi-polar disorders. The church welcomes all and is seeking to alleviate this suffering which can cause heartache to individuals and families.

During my first days in Philadelphia, I traveled to the Jersey shore. I have been on the Atlantic coast many times before, but never on the sands of the New Jersey beaches. The day I walked on the beach looking for sea shells as well as for photo opportunities I met a challenge in the form of high tides and strong winds. Clusters of sea gulls and plovers ignored me as they hunkered down waiting for kinder winds. I did find a few nice sea shells to add to my collection. Anne Morrow Lindbergh's "Gift from the Sea" begins each chapter by comparing sea shells to stages in our adult life. Having a variety of shells helps me appreciate her reflections even more. A Jesuit priest once recommended reading "Gift from the Sea." He called it a "book for women." Although men can read and learn from it also, Mrs. Lindberg seems to be conversing woman-to-woman. I find the book a real gift that invites the reader to a more contemplative stance towards others and the events of our daily lives.

For us Catholics, October is the month of the Rosary. Tomorrow, Oct. 7th is the Feast of the Holy Rosary. Pope John Paul called the rosary his favorite prayer. Pope Benedict XVI said, "This popular Marian prayer is a precious spiritual means to grow in intimacy with Jesus, and to learn at the school of the blessed Virgin Mary always to fulfill the divine will. It is contemplation of the mysteries of Christ in spiritual union with Mary....To be apostles of the Rosary, however, it is necessary to let the Blessed Virgin to take one by the hand to contemplate the Face of Christ: a joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious Face. Those who, like Mary and with her, cherish and ponder the mysteries of Jesus assiduously, increasingly assimilate his sentiments and are conformed to him." (From Pope Benedict's addess at Pompeii, Oct. 19, 2008) Best regards for a great month of the Holy rosary.