2010
I Thirst
We had just finshed Mass at the Novitiate of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta.
This weekend we mark the 13th anniversary of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s death in 1997. It seems like she is with us more profoundly than ever these days.
In 1980, as a young priest, I got to go to Calcutta to introduce Engaged Encounter to that part of India.
While there, it was my joy to celebrate Mass at the novitiate of the Missionaries of Charity.
Mother Teresa came to the sacristy after Mass and we spoke for a few minutes.
Here we are in the picture after Mass with some visitors from Canada and Father, now Bishop, Lumen Monteiro, CSC. I am on the far left.
Mother Teresa had an experience in 1946 on the train to Darjeeling, India, in which the Lord communicated His thirst for her to go and meet Him on the streets of Calcutta in the “poorest of the poor.” She followed this call and changed the world. She asked her sisters to place two words next to the crucifix in their chapels around the world, “I Thirst!” They are the Words our dying Lord whispered from the Cross.
I love her simple spirituality expressed in these few words:
“The fruit of Silence is Prayer;
The fruit of Prayer is Faith;
The fruit of Faith is Love;
The fruit of Love is Service;
The fruit of Service is Peace and Joy”
Have you had an experience of God calling you to a vocation, or a Call within a Call? Do you have any Mother Teresa experiences of her personally or her influence on your life you can share? We would love to hear them.
2010
“What’s in a Word?”
O.K. my desk is never this neat, but I wanted you to see the red dictionary that keeps my computer monitor at the right height and reminded me about the importance of our words.
Our blog posts are meant to share with you thoughts about our faith and everyday life. Well, one of the ways that we share our faith at Holy Cross Family Ministries is through the written word.
This week I’ve been scrutininzing word choices along with co-workers Marie and Bob. Together we’ve been updating the Father Peyton Cause web-material.
This whole process reminded how much words really do matter.
How about you?
1. Have you found yourself looking for the right word to say in an email, text, or letter?
2. How about wishing you had chosen a different set of words in a conversation?
It happens to us all. But, when’s the last time that you sat down to peacefully and prayerfully write some of your thoughts about life?
You might be surprised to see how fruitful this can be….and as you do…. begin with a prayer…a prayer to help discover God’s Word within you.
Because it’s in God’s Word…. that we find the words to say and write…words that give comfort and joy and hope to those in need— even ourselves.
God bless,
Fr. David
2010
Into the Streets
It was in the early nineties that Fr. Willy Raymond, CSC, our National Director for Family Theater but Director of Campus Ministry at Stonehill College then, who proposed a radical idea of sending first year college students into the streets during their first week on campus. The thinking was to provide a service experiences that would challenge and teach them to be agents of social change committed to the creation of a just and compassionate world. On Monday, August 30, 2010 seven hundred first year Stonehill College students fanned out into the communities around the college to participate in this program. We were privileged to have 20 first year students from the college come to the Fr. Peyton Center for a tour, to learn about some volunteer opportunities at the ministry and to spend a hour putting together rosary packets that would eventually be sent out world-wide in response to the requests that we receive daily for free rosaries. I recall my own volunteer experience while a student at Stonehill (1958-1962) going to the Paul Dever State School in Taunton, MA to teach special need students. Volunteering is all about making a difference sometimes large sometimes small. Maybe you are making that difference today or made a difference in days gone by. Would welcome hearing about your volunteer activities.
2010
Crossings:Stonehill College Student Ministers
Parade Magazine August 22, 2010 listed Stonehill College Easton MA on its A-list of private schools that provide a big-league education. “Private schools like Stonehill encourage more contact between professors and students”. Parade could have added that Stonehill College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross also encourages greater contact between students through Crossings, student ministers available to listen
, answer questions or just spend time with other students in their respective residence halls. I met some Crossing students at the Fr. Peyton Center. They came for a presentation about our ministry and to pray the Rosary using a video called Rosary Stars. In the video, Chris Kramer a Canadian actor reads a meditation, offers a personal reflection and prays one of the decade of the Rosary. He speaks of his conversion and return to the Church and his initial reluctance to share his conversion and faith with his peers and friends. I thought of these students and the challenges they will face in giving public witness to their faith on a college campus where faith and religion can be very private. My time with the students and their enthusiasm for their ministry confirmed for me why Stonehill is on Parade Magazine’s A-list but not just because Stonehill provides a big-league education but because it also offers Crossings: Stonehill College Student Ministers.
2010
My Brother André
Brother André, CSC
BE HUMBLE, the scriptures we hear at Mass today teach us – not just for today, but for everyday. BE HUMBLE, BE YOURSELF BEFORE GOD, BE TRULY FREE! ¨Humble yourself … and you will find favor with God.¨ – Sirach, 3: 18.
In today´s world, who takes humility seriously? And even if we want to be humble and try to be, it seems so elusive. We need a model like soon to be canonized Brother André Bassette. CSC, the Wonderworker of Montreal who died in 1937. Hundreds and hundreds were healed physically, and many thousands more, spiritually, through his intercessory prayer with his dear friend and big brother, Saint Joseph.
More than anything else, he shows us what it is to be truly humble. Because he was humble, he found favor with God. We worship an Amazing God Who Himself finds humility is so beautiful. He found it in Brother André. He found it in our Mother Mary. He heard their prayers.
Blessed Brother André will be canonized in Rome on October 17, by Pope Benedict XVI. Celebrate his humility with us in your prayer!
Get to know Brother André better: visit http://www.saint-joseph.org/en_1001_index.php
There is a major celebration in Montreal too,October 30. If you would like to attend either event, you might like to join our tours. If so, please get in touch with us.
2010
“What’s Your Sign?”
Here in the Boston area– we’re known for our confusing roadways, NASCAR-like driving, and either a paucity or as you can see an overabundance of road signs.
But what about “off-road?” Do we pick up our heads long enough to see and hear God’s signs?
If you’re like me sometimes it takes an “off the chart’s” barrage from God.
It seems that in past 24 hours God thinks I need some extra-help.
See what you think…..
1) At the subway station a woman told me about her conversion from drugs to sobriety and asked me to pray for her on her birthday September 14th which is The Exultation of the Cross.
2) Later a good friend I had been wondering about and hadn’t spoken with in months called my parent’s home on a day I’m not normally there– to talk about life, faith, and of course sports.
I was still uncertain about what was going on until….
3) A man who had called to tell me of Fr. Peyton’s intercession for his Dad, sent me a book….the first chapter is called: “Signs and Wonders.”
And, these were just the things I can remember.
God tells us to ask for and to be ready for “signs”….big or small they help to lift our spirits in our faith journey’s.
So how about it….what’s your sign?
Feel free to write in.
God bless,
Fr. David
p.s. How many signs can you make out in the picture?
2010
A Pound of Mom is Worth a Ton of Priest
Mother of Saint Augustine, still praying for us all."My work is done, I am ready to go home." Monica to her son Augustine.
In central America there is a saying, “A pound of Mother is worth a ton of priest.” I do not mean to disrespect priestly ministry but simply to state:
2010
Time for Retreat
It’s late at
night. I am just finishing up what I have to do to make it possible for me to be on retreat this week. Why do such a thing? Because even though what I do for ministry is help families to pray the Rosary together, I get worn out and need a break to go off and talk to the Lord and, more importantly, listen to the Lord on Retreat. I need to allow God to keep converting me, and Mary to keep teaching me to say “yes”.
It requires a change of place, if possible, and certainly a change of attitude. What is important on Retreat is prayer (and plenty of sleep) and allowing the Scriptures to speak to me anew in words I am already familiar with. It never fails. God has more to teach me. God is not through with me yet. I’ll pray for you while on Retreat. Been on Retreat lately yourself?
2010
While your own little world spins…
After my little world was spinning…yes, “little” after you start turning in as to what others have going on in their own little world. After spending a long day at one of the best hospitals in Boston - Childrens Floating with one of my daughters, I didnt realize until I stepped outside the hospital and sat down to reflect and next to me was a mother with her 5yr old Melissa and her 3month old baby. As i glazed at everything that was surrounding me, i couldnt help to notice Melissa who asked me about my little green shoe on my key chain that says “I love Jesus”. i said this is my lucky shoe Melissa, every where i go it comes with me. Melissa mom couldnt help to smile as she replies back HE gives me streghth. I introduced myself to Colleen and asked are you here for one of the kids? she says yes. Her daughter Melissa is suffering from Lukemia, all of the sudden the overwhelming feeling i was feeling with my own daughters was slowly going away after listening about Melissa’s condition. I than realize on my way home we sometimes think the world is crumbling down on us, but little do we know the person next to you might be carrying a heavier burden. Have you taken the time to slow down and stepped out of your own little world and say to the person next to you my name is such, how are you feeling today?
2010
Gospel, Constitution and Construction
How about those plans to build a mosque near the World Trade Center explosion? Many people are very angry about it. Some even demand that it be stopped by the government.
I can appreciate the emotion, but folks, this is the United States. There was a time not long ago when some U.S. communities tried to block Catholic Churches from being built. I know of a parish church in a small town in the Midwest that was built in the 1920s between two homes, so that it not be burnt down. Indeed in many places in the world this threat to Christians is still the case. The U.S. State department has been promoting religious tolerance, how would it look if we banned a place of worship on our own shores.
On a civic level, the U.S. Constitution in its genius anticipates these moments when public opinion would threaten individual rights, especially the rights of free expression of religion. The founding fathers knew what it was like to live in societies where there was not freedom of religion. In those societies religion was often used to uphold tyranny, corrupting both faith and government.
On a faith level, Jesus said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He did not say, “Do unto others as they did/do unto you.” He did not qualify exceptions as to who qualified as a worthy “other.” In fact at every turn Jesus indicated that our most other other was another brother in God the lover’s eyes. And so he called:
- Samaritans good
-
Occupying Pagan Soldiers people of faith
-
Tax collectors and Prostitutes close to the kingdom of God
-
Convicted thieves people who would be with him in paradise
We will show strength not by finding a way to prevent this, but by standing by inalienable rights, by standing for the golden rule and by witnessing that Christians have nothing to fear, if we are true to our most sacred beliefs both civic and religious, even when we find doing so distasteful or offensive in the short run.
2010
Let the light shine!
I know I am a bit strange in that I don´t mind a long plane flight. It gives me time for solitude, for some study and work, and, especially for prayer and reflection. I appreciate the space particularly when I have been on the road for a long time, as today: more than two months in our missions in Europe. These weeks have been time to listen and to learn; to ponder how our Family Rosary mission can help the New Evangelization. Let the light of Jesus shine! Let the Lord and Our Holy Mother bring their children home, uniting all thing in Christ!
I find myself thinking of Father Peyton. What would he do now and how would he do it?
So many people that I have met have said the same thng. He was a holy man. He was so humble. He was so totally in love with Mother Mary and so completely focused on the mission.
He was empty of himself to that he himself became the mission and the light shone through him.
Lord, give us this same spirit today!
2010
MEMORARE
Father Patrick Peyton, CSC's favorite prayer>
August 20 is the feast of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. At age 16 he entered the monastery after convincing his 5 brothers, 2 uncles and 30 friends to accompany him. Soon he was elected abbot. We remember him today, nine hundred years later, as a great preacher, religious reformer, doctor of the Church and chief poet in praise of Mary the Mother of the Savior. He wrote the beautiful prayer that is still popular today and was the favorite prayer of Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, CSC.
Remember, Oh most gracious virgin Mary,
That never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence we fly unto you, oh Virgin of Virgins, our mother, to you do we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful.
Oh mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer them. Amen.
One day as he entered a cathedral the beautiful chanting of the Salve Regina so moved him that Saint Bernard added the heart rending and radiant ending: “Oh clement, oh loving , oh sweet Virgin Mary.”
“O Clemens, O Pia, O Dulcis, Virgo Maria.”
2010
“The Narrow Gate”
“Can I make it through?”
Lot’s of people ask that question everyday.
They’re many “gates” that we need to pass through.
Some are architectural like turn-styles in subways, others psychological like taking the chance on calling someone that owe a call, and still others spiritual like believing in the power of prayer.
This Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 13:22-30) talks about the narrow gate of faith.
It reminded me of a walk from Stonehill College’s campus to our office at Holy Cross Family Ministries.
When you’re a distance away it’s hard to make out the opening or gate. But, the closer you get the easier to see the goal.
But still we’re left wondering can I make it through?
“Can I let go of my ‘baggage’ and steer a true course?”
The answer is: we can– if we rely on Jesus and the people He sends our way.
All the steps that we take to get closer to God and each other matter. (Including the one that led you to this Family Rosary webpage.)
Here are the basics:
1. Believe in God’s plan and love for you.
2. Trust that He wants you to make it through whatever challenges you’re facing now–keep those feet moving.
3. And, follow wherever Jesus leads.
That’s the way to make it through the “Narrow Gate.”
Peace,
Fr. David
2010
The Prayer of Imitation
How do young people, or any people, learn to pray? I think it is the same way people learn to talk: by imitation. If the young are around those who acknowledge God several times a day and talk to God from the heart, then they will learn to do the same. Likewise, if young people are around those who speak Spanish, then they will pick up Spanish as a way of communicating. We all know how the really young are like sponges, soaking up all they hear and see, and repeating some choice sayings often at inappropriate times!
In this picture, I’m not sure whether the dog is imitating the boy or the boy is imitating the dog! Maybe it doesn’t matter. But I do think that modeling prayer for the young is the best way to teach them. It’s a lot better than dropping them off for CCD lessons while parents go off to get a donut and then forget about the need for attending Mass together. The young learn by imitation! What do you think?
2010
Family and Prayer
Toni with her family
Sometimes you might wonder how to gather your family together to celebrate an important milestone in someone’s life or perhaps to just be together for a weekend. Toni and her family lived an ideal weekend. They had just that: a celebration and a get together. Toni and her family lived the Notre Dame Sumer Retreat at the University of Notre Dame. They came to celebrate Toni’s birthday and to enjoy the beauty of the Notre Dame campus all the while participating in the conferences, liturgies and Rosary procession at the retreat.
Family and prayer certainly go hand and hand. As we know so well from Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, CSC who believed in the words, “The family that prays together stays together.”
Perhaps you might consider joining us for the retreat next year. Bring this invitation to members of your family and let us kow how we can assist you in registering for the reteat. Next August will be here before you know it.
2010
You See LA
Los Angeles from The Getty
Last week I had three sets of visitors, friends from Holy Cross and my parents from Illinois. I took my friends to the Getty Art Center in West Los Angeles. In addition to an incredible art collection housed in amazing architecture, the museum offers panoramic views of the vast Los Angeles plane leading to the ocean.
While I live so close to the Getty, it seems I only go when I am entertaining guests. Visitors often help us see our own lives and surroundings in a different light. Appreciating the beautiful and good, but also sometimes making us aware of the needs and limitations of a given area.
Throughout his public ministry, Jesus went about relying on the hospitality of others in the regions he visited. Some where able to see in a new way, others too stuck in routines. Welcome the guests that pass your way, welcome the views they might lead you to.
2010
St. Joseph – Real Estate Agent
House for sale
Should a small statue of St. Joseph be buried upside down to help sell a house? During a recent conversation in our staff dining area it was remarked that an employee beat out a second employee by selling her house in three days instead of five days. In the excitement of selling her house in three days the employee forgot to unearth the statue of St. Joseph as custom required and had to sheepishly return to the new home owner and ask if she could retrieve the buried statue. Our Development Director shakes his head but admits it seems to work. A group of real estate agents came to our center for an event and several inquired if we carried St. Joseph kits. We did and they were popular before the housing crisis but no longer do. From the conversation of burying St. Joseph to help sell a house we moved to the practice of hanging Rosary beads on a clothes line or placing a statue of Mary on the window sill facing out to insure that the bride’s wedding day is not rained upon. Have your heard of such practices? Have you tried these or others and did they work for you?
2010
See you in Madrid! World Youth Day 2011!
Word Youth Day, Madrid, August 16-21, 2011
It is time that the whole Christian world know about World Youth Day 2011 that is set to take place in Madrid, Spain, August 16-21 of next year. It is time to encourage young people around the world to come and be part of the two or three million Christians present for the event. It will be a wonderful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, presided over by His Holiness Benedict XVI: an important moment of grace for the Church in Spain and the whole world.
Family Rosary will be well represented. We are hard at work preparing activities for the pilgrims. Perhaps it is better said that we are preparing ¨La Casa de María, the House of Mary¨, a place where Our Holy Mother will receive her children, teaching them to pray with Her and leading them to Her Son. It will be a place of welcome and gathering to talk and share a cold drink in the Madrid summer heat, to enjoy an evening of musical meditation and to be sent forth for a mission of evangelization utilizing contemporary media.
We hope to see you there!
Check out the official World Youth Day webpage! www.madrid11.com
2010
Men in Blue, Dodger Blue that is
Presentation of Dodger shirt to Fr. Willy After Vigil Mass at Dodger Stadium
For two years now it has been my privilege to celebrate Mass with some of the Dodgers staff and players before the game. Visiting teams also are welcome at the Mass.
IN THIS PHOTO:
- Manager Joe Torre, All-star player and legendary manager of the New York Yankees, is pictured on the far left. He is a regular at Mass and knows that I am an unconverted Red Sox fan first and foremost. He is no longer with the Yankees and I am far from Fenway so we can be brothers here at Dodger Stadium.
- Brian Golden, in the center, is a columnist and one of the organizers of the liturgy, and a good friend.
- Manny Mota, in baseball cap, is the legendary former Pittsburgh Pirate and teammate of the late, revered Roberto Clemente.
- Finally, our lector is Dodger outfielder and all-star Andre Ethier. Just last week he and his wife Molly welcomed their second child and second son Retton to the world.
- Vince Scully, the premier sports announcer in the nation is also a regular and one of the lectors at Mass.
- Billy DeLury, Advisor in Charge of Team Travel, is sacristan. DeLury and Scully moved from Brooklyn with the Dodgers in 1958.
- Is it okay for a Red Sox Fan to be hanging out with the former Yankee Manager? What do you think?
2010
Teenagers and Driving
Parents of TEENAGERS! I’m sure you can relate to this feeling. My daughter is currently studying to get her license and i cant help to appreciate my mother even more for the great job she did with me! I cant believe my little girl who once sat in a car seat is now going to be behind the wheel!!! I’m trying to keep calm cool and collective, but i still cant help worrying about her safety, who will she be driving with, where she will be driving to, just to mention a few. I guess I’m still thinking she is still attached to my umbilical cord 
. I thought i had it tough when she was little but it’s the other way around the older they get the more complex are the challenges. Any suggestion for when she starts asking me for my car keys!?
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Discovery Family Rosary
