News has reached the village that one of my mentors at Holy Cross in Brookline Fr. Thomas FitzGerald has been appointed Dean of the Seminary. Here is a link to the official announcement. This great news for the seminary. Fr. Tom will replace long time Dean Fr. Clapsis who will remain at the seminary as professor. We all wish Fr. Tom well in his new ministry at Holy Cross.
Photo from the Monastery
Here is a photo from the monastery. It is from their website and shows the old oratory. Once can see how different the setting is. The new oratory is much larger then the one pictured here. I believe that this room is now the refectory of the monastery.
Retreat
What a wonderful time I had on retreat. I would recommend to all that you take time to spend a day or two on retreat. As I blogged before I was off to Petersham for a day of rest and relaxation and charging of the spiritual batteries. What a wonderful place. The Monks of the Adoration deserve much thanks and prayers for all they do. The Divine Liturgy is very different at the monastery. It proves to me once again how liturgically diverse the church is. The Maronite rite is one of the 39 rites of the Roman Church of which the Latin rite is the largest and most known.
Aside from all of that, the time to just be in the presence was wonderful and much writing and reading was accomplished. I will try and post a taste of what I have been writing at a latter date.
Aside from all of that, the time to just be in the presence was wonderful and much writing and reading was accomplished. I will try and post a taste of what I have been writing at a latter date.
Weekend Recap
This was an unusually busy weekend here in the village. I have blogged before, I am the chaplain to the Dudley Fire Dept. Tow of the fire fighters lost their mother last week and Saturday was the funeral. Off to the cemetery after that then back to the rectory for a little office work and church cleaning. Yes, the priest cleans there church here. For the past few weeks I have had some much appreciated help, but I like to putter around in the church and get some things done. Still had some clean up from the bishops visit last weekend.
Sunday was the usual Liturgy, but this wired thing happened. A few months ago I started to preach without notes. I used to script my sermons out and then basically read them, I know no Billy Graham here but it worked for me. Then I decided to try no notes. It is much harder to preach that way I can tell you that. Anyway, as I finished the Gospel I got a whammy from the Holy Spirit and completely changed what I was going to say. I will post some thoughts on that latter on before I forget. After Liturgy I learned of the death of a longtime parish member. Michael was his name and he was just here last week. He did on the street near his house. The funeral will be latter this week. This will only be my third funeral since I have been here. Very sad news. Please remember Michael in your prayers as well as his family. Memory Eternal!
Last night brought Fr. Greg and Pres here for dinner. It was nice to have guests for dinner here at the rectory. I don’t entertain that much and it’s nice to be able to share a meal and conversation with others. Fr. Greg and Pres are great and I look forward to our next encounter.
Off on retreat for a couple of days this week for some much needed spiritual rest, and some other rest. I am off to the Maronite Monastery in Petersham, Massachusetts. I have been before but only for the day so this will be a nice change. Remember me this week please while I am on retreat as well as I prepare for the funeral.
St. Devenick
According to The Book of Saint Devenick (1961), St Devenick was one of the last missionaries to be sent out from St Ninian’s monastery at Whithorn to minister to the Picts. He penetrated as far north as Caithness where he worked among the wild Catti tribes. It is thought that for many years St Devenick laboured in the North East of Scotland and founded two churches, at Methlick and at Lower Banchory or Banchory-Devenick. St Devenick is comrnemorated at Methlick by a well situated at the north end of the Den of Ardo on the opposite bank of the river Ythan from the village. The well was said to have great powers of healing and annually on St Devenick’s Day (13November) it was the scene of pilgrimage.`St Devenick’s Fair’ took place annually on the second Tuesday of November for generations, and it was an important and well attended event in the life of the community. St Devenick died in the year 877 and is said to have expressed the wish to be buried in his church at Banchory-Devenick.
St. Brice
There is hope for me yet.
St. Brice was raised by St. Martin of Tours at Marmoutier and also known as Britius. He became a vain, overly ambitious cleric, holding Martin in great contempt. Despite Brice’s attitude, Martin was most patient with him, and in time, in great remorse, he asked Martin’s forgiveness for his attitude toward him. He succeeded Martin as Bishop of Tours in 397 but reverted to his old ways, neglected his duties, was several times accused of lackness and immorality. Though cleared of the latter charge, he was exiled from his See. He went to Rome and in the seven years of his exile there, repented and completely changed his life style. When the administrator of his See, in his absence died, he returned and ruled with such humility, holiness, and ability, he was venerated as a saint by the time of his death. His feast day is November 13th.
25th Sunday After Pentecost
Ephesians 4:1-7
Luke 10:25-37
I thought I would blog a little before I head up to the Church for Liturgy. This week on the Eastern Calendar, we begin the fast for St. Philip. This is Advent in the East. We prepare for the Birth of Christ with a fast period. As when we prepare for Easter, this is often called Christmas Lent. However, this fast is often not as severe as the Lent fast is.
So what is this fast all about? Why do we do this? We need to prepare for the Birth of Christ in the same way we would would prepare for anything. How much time do we spend getting ready for a date, or a vacation or some other thing that we might have to prepare for. Last weekend we had a visit from one of our bishops. We prepared for that visit for about 2 weeks. So why not spend some time in spiritual preparation for the coming of the King?
This is a difficult time of year for many people because of all of the celebrations that we will attend during this time of year. Stop and take a moment to prepare yourselves spiritually for the event.
Here are some suggestions:
Pray – Many of you pray I am sure, but set aside a specific time each day to pray for others less fortunate then yourself. There are many needs out there and we do not need to know all of them just pray for those in need.
Scripture reading – there are many sites on the web that list the readings for the week from Scripture. If you look at the website of my parish www.stmichaelorth.org there is a link to the weekly bulletin. Listed in the bulletin each week are the readings for the coming week. I will try and put more resources up this week on the website. Spend a 1/2 hour or maybe even 15 minutes each day with the Word of God.
Alms for the Poor – What a radical concept this is for many of us. There are a variety of ways that you can give to the poor. The Marine Corps League has the Toys for Tots campaign in many communities. Give a toy, or perhaps give some money to the local food bank, or maybe donate some food. Do something that you would not usually do.
Do all things quietly – Don’t make a lot of noise about what you are doing. Just do it and know that you did it and that’s all that is necessary. No need to let other know what you are doing, that’s not while we are doing these things.
Just some random thoughts to prepare for the Great Feast.
Happy Sunday!
St. Martin of Tours
Today is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours. St. Martin was born in Pannonia of pagan parents around the year 316. He gave up military life and was baptized. Soon after, he founded a monastery at Liguge in France where he led a monastic life under the direction of St. Hillary. He was ordained a priest and chosen bishop of Tours. He provided an example of the ideal good pastor, founding other monasteries, educating the clergy, and preaching the Gospel to the poor. He died in 397.
Veteran’s Day
Although celebrated yesterday today is Veteran’s Day. Take some time today to remember those who served in the armed forces of our country and those who are presently serving. Thank a Vet today for keeping us free.
Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch
A website has been set up for the historic meeting in Turkey latter this month. You can view it here:
