Sunday, March 29, 2009
One Friar's experience of living in Alaska in winter:
My experience among the Athabaskan people confirmed my calling to be a Friar Minor. So many of their values resonate with our basic values; namely, respect and reverence for all people, respect for creation, respect for diversity, working to meet one’s basic needs, simplicity of life (not possessed by money), importance of fostering and preserving a family spirit (communion of life), interdependence and collaboration, hospitality (a welcoming spirit), honesty in recognizing and embracing one’s woundedness and brokenness (ongoing conversion), humor and sharing one’s life and story which is the fruit of reflection on one’s own life experience, wasting time with each other (a ministry of presence), expressing gratitude (to recognize and to affirm people’s contributions).
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
HARMONY - Knowing our oneness
HARMONY
Knowing our oneness, we live in harmony with one another.
A heartwarming story about a female dog that lovingly mothers six orphan kittens makes the national news. Perhaps the underlying message for people is that harmony is always possible because it's not about looking the same or sounding the same. It's about knowing our oneness and letting our unique qualities enhance our relationships.
People from different backgrounds often have different ideas about the same subject. Yet a diversity of ideas can lead to a hybrid idea--one that is a combination of the best of all ideas, a divine plan.
All was created by God and called good. So harmony is the norm when we interact with one another as we were created to act--with love and understanding, with compassion and consideration.
"May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you
to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus."
--Romans 15:5
Knowing our oneness, we live in harmony with one another.
A heartwarming story about a female dog that lovingly mothers six orphan kittens makes the national news. Perhaps the underlying message for people is that harmony is always possible because it's not about looking the same or sounding the same. It's about knowing our oneness and letting our unique qualities enhance our relationships.
People from different backgrounds often have different ideas about the same subject. Yet a diversity of ideas can lead to a hybrid idea--one that is a combination of the best of all ideas, a divine plan.
All was created by God and called good. So harmony is the norm when we interact with one another as we were created to act--with love and understanding, with compassion and consideration.
"May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you
to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus."
--Romans 15:5
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thirteen Benefits of Reading Aloud to a Child
Wally Amos Messenger of Inspiration of Chip & Cookie www.unclewallys.com
On the back of his business card are "Thirteen Benefits of Reading Aloud"
Reading is a child's first subject. Reading aloud is Early Childhood Development.
1. Develops language skills
2. Improves listening comprehension
3. Increases the child's attention span
4. Builds vocabulary
5. Exposes the child to good grammer
6. Exposes the child to new experiences and information
7. Stimulates the imagination
8. Stimulates brain development
9. Promotes higher critical thinking skills
10. Creates a bond between the child and the reader
11. Builds confidence and self-esteem
12. Teaches values
13. It's fun for everyone
On the back of his business card are "Thirteen Benefits of Reading Aloud"
Reading is a child's first subject. Reading aloud is Early Childhood Development.
1. Develops language skills
2. Improves listening comprehension
3. Increases the child's attention span
4. Builds vocabulary
5. Exposes the child to good grammer
6. Exposes the child to new experiences and information
7. Stimulates the imagination
8. Stimulates brain development
9. Promotes higher critical thinking skills
10. Creates a bond between the child and the reader
11. Builds confidence and self-esteem
12. Teaches values
13. It's fun for everyone
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Singapore: Franciscan Presence
I have been in Singapore for two weeks. One week was spent in Malaysia with thirty Franciscan Friars in Malacca, Malaysia. I preached their retreat on the Rule of 1223 of St. Francis that all Friars Minor still live by. The Rule begins and ends with the words that the Rule and Life of the Friars Minor (the Lesser Brothers) is this: To observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, without anything of one's own. and in chastity. For 800 years men throughout the world have lived this life in brotherhood showing that the Gospel life of peace and joy, love and forgiveness, of service and ministry to all is not only possible, but desirable.
Here in Singapore, there are thirty Friars of various ethic backgrounds: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Ski Lankan. Their age is from 28 to 53. I was the old man in their
midst at 68 years old. I am living in their formation house on the property of their one parish here in Singapore. It is a very creative, only five year old, award-winning space for worship and gathering, in and outside the church where a piazza provides for gatherings of all sorts. Under the piazza is a Columbarium for 6000 remains of their beloved deceased. It is decorated with art, flowing water, sits for reflection and prayer, and where soft religious music continuously plays.
Seven thousand people worship here at St. Mary's Franciscan Church each weekend.
I have sat in the midst of the woshipers for the last two Sundays. All pick up an OCP Breaking Bread hymnal from Portland Oregon publisher. Different choirs at each of the five masses. These Asian faces carry names like Joe, Susan, Gwen, Janet, Paul, David, Candy, Monica, etc. Children everywhere.
One of the Singaporean additions to words is the syllable "lah" that is added to words: Okaylah! Sit downlah! Thank youlah! There was a young man in church today who was wearing a tee-shirt with some ten words with "lah" added to the end. And I did have my camera-lah!
The food is incredible! My taste buds have been jumping with excitement since I arrived. Everything is available: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Malay, Filipino, Indonesian, Thai, Indian, etc. Instead of a fork and knife, the custom here is to use a fork in the left hand and table spoon in the right hand.
I have met most of the 35 Secular Franciscans of the four Fraternities here in Singapore. Population: 4.8 million people. 177,000 Catholics. 30 parishes. On Archbishop. I am a Spiritual Assistant for a Fraternity of lay Franciscans in Crystal Lake, IL northwest of Chicago. So I was so happy to met several times with the SFO's here in Singapore. ---- time for supper. Be well. I return to Chicago on March 18 with great memories of people, sights, foods, Friars,.... Peace!
Here in Singapore, there are thirty Friars of various ethic backgrounds: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Ski Lankan. Their age is from 28 to 53. I was the old man in their
midst at 68 years old. I am living in their formation house on the property of their one parish here in Singapore. It is a very creative, only five year old, award-winning space for worship and gathering, in and outside the church where a piazza provides for gatherings of all sorts. Under the piazza is a Columbarium for 6000 remains of their beloved deceased. It is decorated with art, flowing water, sits for reflection and prayer, and where soft religious music continuously plays.
Seven thousand people worship here at St. Mary's Franciscan Church each weekend.
I have sat in the midst of the woshipers for the last two Sundays. All pick up an OCP Breaking Bread hymnal from Portland Oregon publisher. Different choirs at each of the five masses. These Asian faces carry names like Joe, Susan, Gwen, Janet, Paul, David, Candy, Monica, etc. Children everywhere.
One of the Singaporean additions to words is the syllable "lah" that is added to words: Okaylah! Sit downlah! Thank youlah! There was a young man in church today who was wearing a tee-shirt with some ten words with "lah" added to the end. And I did have my camera-lah!
The food is incredible! My taste buds have been jumping with excitement since I arrived. Everything is available: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Malay, Filipino, Indonesian, Thai, Indian, etc. Instead of a fork and knife, the custom here is to use a fork in the left hand and table spoon in the right hand.
I have met most of the 35 Secular Franciscans of the four Fraternities here in Singapore. Population: 4.8 million people. 177,000 Catholics. 30 parishes. On Archbishop. I am a Spiritual Assistant for a Fraternity of lay Franciscans in Crystal Lake, IL northwest of Chicago. So I was so happy to met several times with the SFO's here in Singapore. ---- time for supper. Be well. I return to Chicago on March 18 with great memories of people, sights, foods, Friars,.... Peace!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Hello from Singapore!
I am here with the Friars from March 1-18 to preach their Custody Retreat.
There are 30 Friars in this Custody, attached to the Province of Australia.
Singapore has a population of 4.5 million people. The Catholic Population in this city-state-country numbers 177,000 with 30 parishes, 70 diocesan priests, 67 religious priests, 98 Religious Brothers, 189 Religious Sisters. The OFM’s arrived here 50 years ago.
I am living in their Formation House with twelve friars.
The Guardian, Council Member and Head of Formation is Clifford Augustine OFM, who lived at St Peter’s in the Loop for two years while taking classes at CTU. The retreat for the Custody will be in Malaysia – a four
Hour bus ride from Singapore. The 90 degrees and 97 percent humidity is a welcome change from Chicago’s winter.
For more info on the Custody go to their website: http://www.franciscans.sg/ The friars are most hospitable and welcoming.
Please remember the retreat in your prayers – March 9-13. Peace!
There are 30 Friars in this Custody, attached to the Province of Australia.
Singapore has a population of 4.5 million people. The Catholic Population in this city-state-country numbers 177,000 with 30 parishes, 70 diocesan priests, 67 religious priests, 98 Religious Brothers, 189 Religious Sisters. The OFM’s arrived here 50 years ago.
I am living in their Formation House with twelve friars.
The Guardian, Council Member and Head of Formation is Clifford Augustine OFM, who lived at St Peter’s in the Loop for two years while taking classes at CTU. The retreat for the Custody will be in Malaysia – a four
Hour bus ride from Singapore. The 90 degrees and 97 percent humidity is a welcome change from Chicago’s winter.
For more info on the Custody go to their website: http://www.franciscans.sg/ The friars are most hospitable and welcoming.
Please remember the retreat in your prayers – March 9-13. Peace!
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