Renewal of Vows

(Closing Mass -- Renewal of Vows)

What better way to end this part of my renewal than to be at a Eucharist with our Superior General, Fr. Jan and the community here in the General House? It was a wonderful celebration in which Fr. Jan received our renewal of vows (chastity, poverty, and obedience) as lived according to the intention expressed in our Constitutions. As he sent us forth from Mass he reminded us of Fr. Colin's letter to the first missionaries among whom was St. Peter Chanel. I'll share a small quote with you because while Colin wrote it to those first missionaries, it is spoken to all of us...

"Never count upon yourselves, either in prosperity or in adversity, but rely solely on Jesus and Mary: the more diffident you are in yourselves, and the more confident you are in God, the more light and grace will you draw upon yourselves."
(JC Colin, Letter to the first departing missionaries, 13 October 1836)

I pray that I can / we can more completely rely on Jesus and Mary.


(Final group picture / SM Renewal Spring 2009)


After the Eucharist we gathered for a drink and then shared a wonderful meal. It was a good way to end these six blessed weeks. Thanks to the Sisters and to the General House Community for wonderful hospitality!

(Frs. Hubert, Ron, Michael, and John in the community room.)

I have one more day here and am not sure whether I'll venture out or just get ready to leave early on Monday. But either way, I'll be back home soon.

Last of the Four Major Basilicas -- San Pietro

(Front of St. Peter's Basilica -- dome by Bramante.)

Fr. Joel and I left for St. Peter's at 8:00am after prayer and Mass. Our hope was to get to the Basilica before the hordes of tourists. We were successful! There was no line to enter and inside was still relatively quiet. Chairs were already set up for Sunday's feast of Pentecost so the much of the middle section was closed off. But you could still see the grandeur of the place. It is huge! But because of the perfect proportions, it doesn't seem huge. But it is.

(The tomb of St. Peter -- hard to see, but if you look closely,
you can see an upside down cross to the left of the photo.
Tradition holds that Peter was crucified upside down.)

After wandering around a bit, I visited the tomb of St. Peter (Confessio). Of course, I was not able to get as close as I would have liked. But that's the way it is in St. Peter's. After sitting down on the ground near the tomb to pray, a guard came up and said, "Prego, prego no, no, no!" I guessed that meant no sitting down. So, I headed to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

I also visited the Pieta by Michealangelo, and the funerary of Blessed John XXIII (who called for the second Vatican Council). In each of these places pilgrims were praying, and so I remembered you all in my prayers, especially for the success of your up-coming exams.

Before we headed home for dinner, we visited Castel San Angelo. It was originally built as a Roman tomb (Hadrian's Tomb). But was eventually used as a fortification for Popes. It's also the site of some scenes from the new movie "Angels and Demons."


(St Michael the Archangel -- sits atop Castle San Angelo.)



We also welcomed back Fr. Craig Larkin. He was gone for 3 days of meetings. Sorry, Craig, we didn't realize you had left!

Basilica of St Paul / outside the walls of Rome

(Front facade of the Basilica of St. Paul.)

The Basilica of St Paul (one of the 4 major Basilicas of Rome) can hold twenty five thousand people! It is a huge Basilica to say the least. It's also one of the quieter Basilica's because it is a bit more difficult to get to. Tradition and recent archeological evidence holds that this is the burial place of St. Paul. As in the Basilica of St. Peter, the main Papal Altar is situated over the tomb of St. Paul. I was unable to get good pictures inside as the lighting wasn't adequate. But his tomb is definitely a sacred place for the Church.

(An unbelievable mosaic in the apse of the Basilica --
Jesus flanked by Peter, Paul, Andrew, and Luke.)

We celebrated Mass in the Chapel of St. Stefano (oddly enough the Chapel we used in Assisi was also dedicated to St Stefano). This was our last Mass in a place of pilgrimage. We were all reminded of the missionary zeal of St. Paul, and prayed that we too may be zealous for the missions that we are each charged with.

(Fr. Tim, who lead the Rome part of our renewal, was principle celebrant at our Mass at the Basilica.)

I took the opportunity to Concelebrate and offered the Mass for those Newman couples preparing for the sacrament of Matrimony.

This evening Ron, Bruce and I will venture out to find some Roman Pizza.

I will also attach a clip of the portico of St. Paul's. Now if the portico is this big imagine how big the Basilica is!

SMSM Hospitality

(SMSM sisters with Kevin and Ron.)

This afternoon we shared a meal with the Marist Missionary Sisters. Many of you have met Sr. Christina who helped us with the Busy Students' Retreat these past two years -- she is a Marist Missionary Sister. The veteran Newman folks remember Sr. Avelina who helped with our Busy Students' retreat several years back -- she also is an SMSM sister.

It's hard to beleive that this congregation finds its roots in a group of lay women (they call them 'the Pioneers') who followed Francoise Perroton (the first pioneer) to Oceania to be of service to the people there. These pioneers were all from France and Francoise was enrolled in the Marist Third order. The courage to leave country, family, and friends to go off to distant lands for the Gospel is made even more courageous when you realize they went as individuals. Only later did they form a religious congregation -- Marist Missionary Sisters. Today they have missions in many, many places.

(We received a quick tour of the house before we headed back to Monteverde.)

Sharing a meal with them towards the end of our renewal was truly a blessing.

Tonight we head out to pray with the St. Egidio Community. They are a lay group, about 50,000 world wide who live the Gospel in a very real way both spiritually and in service to the poor and forgotten (Anawim). While the prayer will be in Italian, we are told that we'll feel their love for God and neighbor.


(Cross from St. Stefano's in Assisi -- where we had Mass.)

Catacombs of St. Callistus

Underneath the city of Rome are catacombs -- ancient cemeteries. These were the places in which the early martyrs of the Roman Church were also buried. Scores of men and women, young and old were martyred during the persecutions. In many ways, the Church was built upon the blood of many martyrs.


(We sang the Salve Regina at the end of Mass in the catacombs of St. Callistus -- helped by the acoustics.)


The catacombs were places where the Christians also came to celebrate Eucharist away from Roman eyes. It gave these early Christians the chance to literally pray over the tombs of the martyrs. This is where the practice of having a relic of a saint in the Altar stone came from. As a matter of fact, many of the Churches in Rome are built over sacred burial spots or other holy places. St. Peter's Basilica, for example, is built over the place where St. Peter was buried.

As we celebrated Eucharist in the catacombs of St. Callistus Fr. John Hopkinson, SM reminded us of modern day martyrs -- people who have been killed in Latin America and other places because they cared for and stood with the oppressed. We only have to recall Bishop Romero, and four martyrs of El Salvador to realize that persecution still goes on today. Hopefully, you and I can be strengthened by their example for whatever small persecutions we endure as we do our best to live the Gospel.

We also spent some time this afternoon with the General Administration of the Society of Mary. These are the men who form the international leadership for the Society of Mary. They shared with us plans for a Society wide meeting this September -- called a Chapter. Please keep them and all the Marist delegates in your prayers as they work to further the mission of the Society of Mary.


(Waiting for the 75 bus -- Joe, Joel, and Guiliano with John in the background.)

Assisi Pilgrimage

(Basilica of St. Francis)

We started out from the house this morning at 7:10am to make the train to Assisi. We all knew it would be a hot day, and it was! Although our time in Assisi was very limited it was a good day. And while there is no direct connection, that I know of, between Fr. Colin and St. Francis, Assisi is an important place of pilgrimage. The day included:

• Mass at St Stephano (St. Stephen). Stephen was one of the first deacons and was stoned for preaching the about Christ. Fr. Joel lead us in prayer and gave us some food for thought about whether our hearts are open enough for the Spirit to enter. This was a quiet out of the way little church, and so it was easy to manage a prayerful celebration of Eucharist.
  

(Fr. Joel celebrating Mass at St Stefano's in Assisi.)

• Some time in the Basilica of St. Francis which includes the wonderful Giotto frescoes of the life of St. Francis. The basilica has a lower Church as well, and below it is the actual tomb of St. Francis who is surrounded by the tombs of four of his original companions (no pictures allowed -- sorry!)
  

• We also had a spectacular lunch looking over the Umbrian landscape. The food was excellent and WAY more than we needed.

(Lunch with a view. Apparently we owe Fr. Joe McLaughlin, SM thanks as he found this place on an earlier renewal. Thanks Joe!)

I spent about fifteen minutes praying before the tomb of St. Francis as many, many pilgrims walked by, touching the grate around his tomb, leaving candles to be used for the altar, and praying to this well known and popular Saint. I've been there before, and as before I was left with a real sense of peace. The life of St. Francis also reminds of the beauty of creation and our need to care for the environment as a gift from God.

The heat today got the better of most of us, and we dragged our sweaty bodies back to the train station. But it seems that the heat hit our fearless leader, Fr. Tim, the most. He needed a nap no matter where he was. Or maybe he's had his fill of us renewalists!

(Fr. Tim stretched out on the bench next Kevin Stewart at Assisi train station!)

Sabbath Rest

(Marist General House in Rome. It was very quiet here today.)

The local Marist community in Rome abandoned us today! They went on a planned 'play day.' They drove to Orvieto for a recreation day -- well deserved. The few renewalists who remained in the house figured out how to work things, got laundry done, and endured the heat. It's hot here! A few like Fr. Ron ventured out in the heat. He's not home yet, so I don't know if he survived.

So, that means there is not much to share about the day. Of course, we had Mass and a meal. But otherwise, it was quiet for me

The 3 Americans did venture out last evening, however, to visit a few piazzas and to find some pizza for Fr. Ron. Tomorrow we take a train to Assisi for a vist to the Basilica and we'll have Mass together at the Church of Santo Stefano. We'll leave early for a two hour train ride. No doubt, the train will be warm as well. I'll revel in the cooler climes of SLO when I get home.

Here's a couple of images from last night's piazza visits. As you can see lots of folks were strolling around in the evening.


(Parching thirst in the heat of the afternoon.)

(Pantheon -- originally a temple to all gods. Now a Catholic Church ot the Marytrs.)

Linking Past to Future

(Fr. Craig speaking Fr. Guiliano after the morning conference.)

Fr Craig Larkin, SM (Vicar General) spent some time with us this morning trying to help us link the past to the future. This renewal is supposed to be more than a simple exercise in historical study of our Marist foundations. It should have some affect in my life. Our morning of recollection gave us a chance to think about how to link the past to when we each get back to our communities. In other words, am I being useful to the Society of Mary, was the question for reflection.

The question was a bit unnerving to think about and answer. It goes deeper than: Have I been doing good ministry for the Church? It reaches the core of my identity as a Marist. In other words, I was asked if I have advanced the work of Mary in our world?

One fleeting thought I had was -- this is not a question for me to answer. It's a question my brothers in the Society of Mary have to answer for me. I'll continue to ponder the question. But I'm grateful that it was put to me so directly. I'm sure it will stay with me.

(Our period of recollection ended with
Mass in the General House Chapel.)

Late this afternoon, a couple of us will do the tourist thing and spend some time wandering around the piazzas of Rome. Hopefully, the heat won't melt us. And since Fr. Ron will be with us we'll eventually end up looking for a supper of light Roman pizza (and probably a glass or two of vino rossa).



(Dinner at the General House -- after the morning of recollection.)

Basilicas

(Fr. Tim Costello orienting us for a visit to St. Mary Major.)


The weather here is nothing like SLO! It is really hot these days. This means getting around is not as pleasant as I hoped. But we are surviving and trying to do things earlier in the day.

This morning we visited two of the major Basilicas in Rome -- St. John Lateran and St Mary Major. The other two are St. Paul outside the walls of Rome and St Peter's in the Vatican. Both Basilicas we visited today are large. Being their earlier in the day meant the crowds were smaller and so spending a few moments in quiet prayer in each of these places was very possible.


(St. John Lateran Church -- Cathedral of Rome -- Pope's Church as Bishop of Rome.)

While neither of these places hold special interest in our Marist heritage, we do know that Fr. Colin, just like any other Catholic in Rome, would have visited these special places. He and his companions would have been impressed with these buildings. They are more ornate than the simple Churches of the Bugey mountains. I wonder whether Fr. Colin preferred the smaller, simpler churches he preached in? My guess is that while being impressed, he would have preferred the smaller and simpler.

(Ceiling of St. John's. Yes, it's painted with real gold. Very ornate and perhpas a bit over the top.)

Our small chapel at the Newman Center is nothing like these places physically. But when filled with you guys speaks volumes about FAITH.

The Missions of Oceania

What gave these first Marists the courage to go to Oceania? They went without knowing exactly where they were going, and they didn't really know much about the area. They certainly didn't know the language! There was no way to Google information to prepare for what might be waiting for them. And yet, they went! They were inspired by people like St. Francis Xavier and other missionaries who brought the Gospel to distant lands. They were drawn by the Holy Spirit and fired by Mary's YES to bring the Word into the world. Amazing when you think about it!

(Picture of Bishop Pompallier in the sacristy of IC Church.)

That first group of Marists included Bishop Pompallier, who was connected to the Marists from early on. He was consecrated Bishop in a Church right near the offices of the Propagation of the Faith, which was the congregation in Rome in charge of the foreign missions. The name of the Church is Immaculate Conception.

Fr. Kevin Stewart Presided at our Mass there this morning remembering all those who went with Pompallier on that journey. We remembered that our brothers from that moment, frequently in great danger, spread the faith to Oceania by their presence. In word and in deed they lived the Gospel. We try to live up to their courage in our own time in our own mission fields. Not an easy thing to do!



(Kevin Stewart, SM celebrating Mass at Immaculate Conception Church.)



The day ended with a 'book launch' here at the General House (my first). Fr. Charles Girard, SM edited a 9 Volume Book of letters that the Marist missionaries from Oceania sent back to France. nfortunately, it's in French so I'm not able to read it. But Fr. Greiler edited a companion book in English to go along with Charlie's work. The books were being promoted here in Rome today. Fr. Girard and Fr. Greiler ought to be proud of their accomplishments -- we're all proud of them and their dedication to researching our Marist heritage and making it come alive for us.


(We also did a quick visit to the Spanish steps in Rome on the way back.)

Tour of Archives For The Society of Mary

Today we were given a tour by Fr. Alois Grieler, SM of the Archives of the Society of Mary which are here in the General House. Sounds pretty boring doesn't it? Well........

• Today I held in my hand Bishop Epalle's ring -- he was martyred in Oceania.

• Today I saw and touched St. Peter Chanel's diary -- stained with his own blood. St. Peter Chanel is the Proto-Martyr of Oceania.

• Today I saw Fr. Mayet's notebooks filled with the words of our Founder. During his lifetime Fr. Mayet took thousands of pages of notes on the words of Fr. Colin to his brothers in the Society of Mary and beyond.

(One of Fr. Mayet's Notebooks.)

• Today I saw the signatures of the first Marists who took vows in 1836. The signers included Colin, Champagnat, Chanel, Favre, Declas, Seon, Teraillon, Bret, Maitrepierre, and more,

(Signatures of the Marists on the first retreat
after Papal Approval 1836)

• Today, I saw a drawing by a Marist Missionary who experienced being attacked by local peoples in Oceania. It was the same attack that Bishop Epalle received a mortal wound.
  

(The above picture, while not clear, is the attack on Epalle and his group.)

To say the least the tour was exciting. The experience was one of seeing family heirlooms. Fr. Grieler reminded us that these are our treasures and he's right. It was a moving afternoon. I would venture a guess that all of us were moved at some level of our hearts. Our story as Marists is one to be proud of. We stand on the shoulders of men -- young and old -- who were courageous believers. They wanted to share Christ and the Gospel with the world and that did so at great cost. The living Gospel!

Fr. Bernd Leaves Us

Tomorrow Fr. Bernd, who has been accompanying us on this journey heads back to La Neyliere. He leaves us in the capable hands of another Marist, Fr. Tim Costello. Tim handles the Rome part of the renewal. It will be sad to see Bernd go. He's made the pilgrimage a wonderful experience.

(Au revoir, Bernd!)

Today could be called Jesuit Day on the renewal. We spent the day focusing on the influence that the Jesuits had on Fr. Colin. It was interesting for me because this is not something that I was very familiar with in our history. I didn't know that Fr. Colin had shown a revised text of the Marist rule to Fr. Rosaven, an assistant General for the Jesuits, for advice. I didn't know that he found the Jesuit Consititutions (in the Casanatense Library) while in Rome on his first journey and that he used its structure to help form ours. I didn't know that Fr. Colin celebrated Mass at the altar of St. Aloysius (a Jesuit saint) in the Church of St. Ignatius. Even the Jesuit Superior General, Fr. Roothan, went out of his way to welcome Jean Claude to Rome on his second journey in 1842.

To say the least I learned a great deal today.

The highlight of the day was sitting in the room where St. Ignatuis died -- now a chapel. We prayed together in that place both in thanksgiving for this Jesuit influence, and for the charism that we possess as Marists.

(Room where St. Ignatius Loyola died.)

I also thanked St. Ignatius for the education I received at Loyola New Orleans.



(Painting of the death of St. Ignatius surrounded by his brothers. I don't know who painted it, but I'm sure it was someone famous!)

Colin's First Journey to Rome

Imagine a simple country priest like Jean Claude Colin going to Rome to try to meet with the Pope! Now that takes some courage (guts). But he was convinced that he needed to put before the Pope Gregory XVI the full scope of the Society of Mary. He did this in 1833 along with Frs. Chanel (who would later be martyred in Oceania. This particular journey was not exactly success, but it does show the determined desire to do what he believed the Blessed Mother wanted him to do -- start the Society of Mary.


(Church of the Holy Apostles -- the building to left of the statues on roof is the Conventual Friary where Colin stayed for 3 months while in Rome in 1833)

So, today we walked this first Rome journey of Fr. Colin. We visited the Church of the Holy Apostles (which contain relics of Sts. James and Phillip) which is run by the Conventual Friars who offered Colin hospitality for 3 months after Frs. Chanel Bourdin returned to France. It's a huge Church by our standards for sure. Our hoped for Chapel at Newman won't be anything near as big!

We stood outside the Palace of the Odescalchi family where Jean Claude Colin met with Cardinal Odescalchi who was Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars. This Cardinal eventually handed over the matter of the Society of Mary to Cardinal Castracane. The Odescalchi family still lives in this behemoth of a place.

(Shrine of Madonna dell'Archetto at which Colin frequently prayed.)

We also visited a little street shrine to Our Lady. A Shrine Fr. Colin passed frequently and stopped to prayer before regularly. These little shrines are all over Rome and all over France as well. They are called 'Madonnellas' - little Madonnas.

The final stop on the pilgrimage was for Mass in the Jesuit Novitiate Chapel -- the Chapel is really a small Church. This place holds significance for Marists because here at one of the side altars Fr. Colin said Mass several times in the month of November 1833. It was one of his favorite places. It's also the place where Jesuit Sts. Robert Bellarmine and Aloysius Gonzaga were Jesuit Novices. The Chapel is officially called -- Church of St. Andrea Al Quirinale -- because it is dedicated to St. Andrew and is located near the Quirinal Palace which was home to the Pope for some time. It was this palace, and not St. Peter's, where Colin met Pope Gregory XVI on September28, 1833.

(The side altar at which Fr. Colin said Mass a number of times while in Rome -- St. Adrea al Quirinale. We closed our Mass at the side altar.)


It was a pretty full day and one I enjoyed greatly. Of course, we also ate our meals at the General House with all brothers.

Roma

Yes, I know, I didn't post anything yesterday (Saturday). By the time we got to the General House, met the community, had something to eat, and then enjoyed an evening beverage it was way too late for me. Sorry about that!

But we did arrive safely -- Easy Jet was a no frills airline, but the view over the Alps was wonderful. I can only imagine what it would have been like on a train. But flying was a bit cheaper.


(The man in the dark blue shirt is Fr. Jan Hulshoff, SM. He is our Superior General -- just finishing his eight year term.)


Today, after Mass, we took care of 'house business' -- getting the low down on the run of things here. Incidental things were explained, like how to post things, who to go to with questions and problems, computer things, were the laundry machines were, how meals work, etc. We also spent some quality time in the early evening sharing with the community here in Rome about ourselves and our ministries. Again, I was impressed by the sheer diversity of what we do and who we are.


(Thanks to Fr Craig Larkin, SM we found a nice quiet place to share a meal.)


In addition to those highlights today was also a 'Matt Gonzalez' day. We were fortunate enough to be able to meet for a meal with his friend Fatima, who is on her way back to the states after her time studying in Florence. Both she and Matt were involved with a group of Catholic students who met in Florence to support each other in their spiritual growth -- sounds like Newman to me! Of course, it took some effort for Matt to find his way to Monteverde where our General House is, but he did it. AND it was great seeing him. He's looking forward to his return to Poly for one more year.

(Matt and I on the roof of the General House -- great views.)

Au revoir!

Our time in La Neyliere has come to it's conclusion. Tomorrow we head to our General House in Rome for the final two weeks. I'm not exactly sure what will take place while in the eternal city, but I do know that we are to visit the sites Fr. Colin visited while trying to get the Society of Mary approved. He wanted approval for a congregation that included priests, brother, sisters, and lay people -- Rome didn't seem to like that idea. It appeared too out of the ordinary.

In any case, I like Rome (Fr. Ron is a pizza fanatic so he'll love Rome as well). Tomorrow's travel will be a study in trust for me. Fr. Bernd took care of the arrangements. So, I'm going to the Lyons airport without an e-ticket, without a locator number, and don't even know the flight number or time of the flight. I wonder if I'll sleep tonight.



(Here's me thinking about no ticket, no locator number, no flight number or time of departure on an airline called -- Easy Jet!)





My time here in La Neyliere has been wonderful and sacred as well. I pray that our congregation will hold onto this patrimony until the bitter end.

As they say in French -- Au revoir! See you in Roma!

Gracious Choice

"Gracious Choice" is an important phrase to us Marists, It reminds us that we are part of Mary's family by her initiative and not ours. But earlier today, I was challenged to hear this phrase in a more personal way.


(A stone statue of Mary and teh Child Jesus -- La Neyliere is full of these in various nooks and crannies. I like this one because of it simplicity.)


Fr. Bernd asked me how I understood ‘gracious choice.’ I shared with him all the 'providence' that has gone into my being a Marist. My birth date, my connection with Mary, my not liking the feel of Cathedral Latin high school in Brooklyn where I thought I was going, Fr. George Wallace’s visit to OLA with 2 students from Marist Prep – inviting anyone who felt he MIGHT have a vocation to come to the minor seminary. All these ‘coincidences’ in the eyes of faith aren’t really coincidences – it was the finger of God. This is where I have been called to be by a gracious choice.

Then (there's always a then!) Bernd asked me to prayerfully imagine that Mary and Jesus come to me and simply ask me to join their family – to be a part of their family. Now that’s an image worth reflecting on! This is the gracious choice of Mary. She invites me into her family with her son, Jesus, and her husband, Joseph. No conditions about doing something first or changing something first. Just – ‘come join my family.’ Conversion, change, formation all can come later. I can learn it on the way. Gracious Choice!

(Visiting the l'Hermitage of the Marist Brothers.
Amazing that they built this place
with the sweat of their brow. It was Marcellin's way!)

This is what it means to be Marist (being part of Mary’s family). It means to invite others into this family -- a family with a spirit of humility, openness, and mercy. This literally is the ‘work of Mary’. This is probably what Colin meant when he talked about creating a new Church.

Tomorrow is free day -- to prepare for the trip to Rome. So, there'll be packing and things. Hopefully, a good run as well. Not sure how running will be in Rome. I'll miss the countryside. I'll do my best to keep the posts up -- for those interested, but I'm not sure about what the internet facilities will be like there.

Not So Quiet Quiet Day

(Can you see the kids in the background? About 65 of them are here They're from a Marist School somewhere here in France. And the Seniors are playing Bocci Ball.)

Our silent day today was not so silent. La Neyliere was invaded by seniors playing Bocci Ball, and by lots of children and young people from a Marist school. They came to prepare for what is called a 'profession of faith'. By the looks of their bags they’ll be here for months. While, the property is not quiet, the noise and energy around us reminds me that life goes on even when I am in this kind of sacred space of quiet days. Sacred space can’t really be confined. It’s where I/we find God. He was fairly easy to find in the play of both young and old.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Colin would be happy with the way the property he bought at La Neyliere is being used. It’s probably not exactly what his 1800 mind would have envisaged – but I thnk he would have seen what's happening here now as a kind of mission – except in this regard the folks are coming here instead of the missionaries going there. It’s a reverse Bugey experience! Frs. Bernd, Paul, and Jean-Bernard are a good missionary team along with the rest of the staff here in reaching out to every and anyone who comes through these doors.

(A portrait in oil of Fr. Colin in the Colin Museum.
It was painted by Marist Father Philipon, during Colin's life.)

The Marist missionary spirit lives on here as it does in all the places where Marists are.

Tomorrow is Fr. Bruce's birthday! We won't talk about how old he is, but he's gettin' up there. We'll have to toast him in St. Symphorien.


(Here's a picture of Fr. Bruce standing in front of the Marist Brothers
Cross outside St. Marcellin Champagnat's birthplace.
It has the names of all the places where Marist Brothers are --
it's a long list. Can't tell whether the cross is tall or Bruce is short.)

Luxury

Luxury was the thought that came to mind as I walking quietly and saying the rosary this afternoon. I am well aware of the luxury of this time that has been given to me by God, the community and by Fr. John. Who else besides religious can take 6 weeks in a gorgeous setting, sharing with ‘family’ members from all over the world, visiting sites family sites (Marist Sites)? Not many! Most are just trying to get by, to make ends meet, to find work, to solve family problems, to find a safe place to sleep tonight, etc.



(You don't see too many of these anymore, but this is a confessional in St. Jerome's Church in the Bugey Mountains. Fr. Colin heard many a
confession in this confessional during the three to four week mission.)



So, given the situation, I want to use this time responsibly and have a grateful heart for these weeks. I’ve used the time to pray for you (students at the Newman Center), my community members who are suffering, my family, my friends, and for my vocation which is upper most in my mind as I walk this Marist pilgrimage.

I’ve used this time to think about Colin and his herculean efforts to get the Society started. We honored him tonight by individually palcing flowers on his tomb in the Chapel. I’ve also used the time to think about St. Marcellin and his desire to teach young people about Christ – a ministry close to my heart. I’ve used the time to remember St. Peter Chanel’s seeming failure in mission, AND how God turned that seeming failure into something great (the conversion of the Island of Futuna) – like the Cross of Christ.

(Stain glass window of St. Peter Chanel's martyrdom
in the Chapel at the Seminary of Belley.)

In these next few days of prayer in La Neyliere (before we head to Rome) I will remember in a special way those who will be Confirmed at the Newman Mass on Sunday (17 May 2009). I will pray that the Spirit will strengthen you for the mission of living the Gospel everyday. Your desire to re-commit yourselves to Christ and the Church (hopefully under the banner of Mary) is an inspiration to us all. Thanks!