>
> John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
>
> He was a natural motivator.
>
> If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
>
> Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it!
> You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"
>
> He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood
> I choose to be in a good mood."
>
> Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.
> Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.
> "Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
> "Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.
>
> You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."
>
> I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
>
> Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.
>
> After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.
>
> I saw him about six months after the accident.
> When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?"
> I declined to see his wounds, but I did a sk him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.
>
> "The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."
>
> "Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked
> He continued, "..the paramedics were great.
> They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."
>
> "What did you do?" I asked.
> "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'."
>
> Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
>
> He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.
> Attitude, after all, is everything.
>
> Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.
> After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Franciscans International
From March 1-18, 2009, I was preaching in Singapore (Lion City) and Malaysia to SFO’s and Franciscan Friars. While there I heard Sr Denise Boyle offer two presentations about Franciscans International. I learned more than I ever knew about this most important ministry of our Franciscan Family’s world-wide joint efforts for greater justice, peace and care of creation.
Sr. Denise is a Franciscan Sister from Dublin, Ireland. She was a missionary in Australia for 15 years and in Zimbabwe, Africa, for ten years. Now Sr. Denise is the Executive Director of Franciscans International with offices at the United Nations in New York, at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and in Bangkok, Thailand.
For the last five days (April 1-5, 2009), I have been driving Sr Denise Boyle to visit six different Franciscan groups from Wheaton and to Manitowoc WI.
Sr. Denise was President of the Board of Directors of FI (Franciscans International) and several months ago was elected to be Executive Director of FI. The purpose of her Chicago area visit was to make face to face contact with the groups of Sisters and Friars who have been supporting FI. I continued to learn more about FI as we visited the Franciscan Sisters of Charity in Manitowoc, WI, the Felician Sisters on Peterson Ave in Chicago, the Franciscan Sisters in Wheaton IL, the Friars in the formation Friary at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park, the School Sisters of St Francis of Milwaukee, and the Joliet Franciscan Sisters. Palm Sunday, Sr. Denise and I participated in Mass at St Peter’s in the Loop where she meet many Friars. I then drove her to Midway Airport for her flight back to New York and then on to Geneva, Switzerland.
Franciscans International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with General Consultative status at the UN, uniting the voices of Franciscan brothers and sisters from around the world. FI operates under the sponsorship of the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF) and serves all Franciscans and the global community by bringing spiritual, ethical, and Franciscan values to the United Nations and international organizations.
FI closely follows the tradition of St Francis and Saint Clare, striving to put Franciscan ideals into practice at the international level. FI is guided by the Saints' loving concern for the poor, care of creation, and peacemaking. As the poorest people are being exploited in systemic ways, and global peace is increasingly threatened, Franciscan commitment is needed more urgently than ever.
Franciscans around the world run schools, hospitals, Justice and Peace offices, shelters, and specialize in many services for the poor. The programs at FI bring grassroots Franciscans to the United Nations forums in New York and Geneva, influencing international human rights standards and bringing witness to human rights violations.
Franciscans International is supported by the freewill offerings of Franciscan communities and our partners. A large part of our funding comes from individuals who support Franciscan work for human rights, care for creation, and peacemaking.
Mission Statement of FI: Franciscans International works at the UN and international organizations to influence decision makers on behalf of the most vulnerable.
Vision Statement of FI: We are men and women who are committed to the ideals of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. As St. Francis once addressed the social leaders of his time with the challenge of peace, so today we are called to engage policy makers and world leaders at the United Nations for the work of justice, peace, the care of creation, and the promotion of human rights.
History of FI: The seedlings of Franciscans International sprouted in 1982 when two Franciscans, a sister from the United States and a brother from Malta, saw the potential for effective Franciscan input at the United Nations. Aware of the indispensable role of NGOs in UN decision-making, the two suggested the idea to their respective Justice and Peace Committees. The idea of Franciscans at the UN was met with approval and excitement. It quickly grew into a common project of the Franciscan Family and an interfamilial Preparatory Committee was organized for this future ministry. This Committee prepared the FI Vision Statement centered on three main goals: raising awareness of the interconnectedness of all creation, and thus stressing the need to care for creation – both human and environmental;
promoting peace; voicing concern for the world’s poor.
While gathering strength and momentum within the Franciscan Family between 1982 and 1989, Franciscans International was officially recognized as a non-governmental organization (NGO) by the UN Department of Public Information (DPI) in 1989. After further organizational work, smoothing out a membership plan, and opening an office in New York, FI was approved for NGO Category 1 Status. This was a major step for Franciscans International.
Having General Consultative Status (Category 1) with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) enables FI to participate in all activities of the Council through written and oral statements. This means that FI is able to be present at UN World Conferences and their Preparatory Committees, General Assembly special sessions, the UN Commission and Sub-Commission on Human Rights, and the committees that monitor States’ compliance with specific international treaties. Furthermore, this status gives FI a critical responsibility to provide technical expertise and advice to governments and the UN Secretariat. Thus, FI was challenged to strengthen ties with Franciscan brothers and sisters in the field, often in developing countries, to enable meaningful contributions to UN forums.
In 1997, Franciscans International expanded to Geneva, Switzerland, where we concentrate on the promotion and protection of human rights and their civil, cultural, economic, political, and social manifestations.
A key shift in our short history took place in 1999 when the Conference of Franciscan Family (CFF) redefined the notion of membership for FI. As opposed to maintaining select membership in which individuals or groups choose to become members of FI through contributions, the CFF approved a more inclusive membership policy. All Franciscans within the jurisdiction of the CFF are automatically members of FI. Therefore, FI provides a service to all Franciscans based on their need for access to the international community, research, or advocacy to address a local challenge. This membership change has implications for funding – we are funded by voluntary contributions from members of the Franciscan Family. Often, those who need our services the most cannot help support us financially. Contributions from Franciscan communities in the developed world enable us to serve the friars and sister from poverty stricken areas of the world.
Though our history remains brief, we have made great strides in the growth of FI and are reaching a peak of effectiveness, attaining a strong reputation both in NY and Geneva, Bangkok, Thailand, and strengthening our visibility as a service within the Franciscan Family.
SFO’s (Secular Franciscan Order) are members of Franciscan International as are all Franciscans. I would encourage you to learn more and to keep informed of FI’s efforts (our efforts) for Justice, Peace and Care for Creation. Check FI’s web site: www.FranciscansInternational.org.
Peace and Everything Good!
Sr. Denise is a Franciscan Sister from Dublin, Ireland. She was a missionary in Australia for 15 years and in Zimbabwe, Africa, for ten years. Now Sr. Denise is the Executive Director of Franciscans International with offices at the United Nations in New York, at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and in Bangkok, Thailand.
For the last five days (April 1-5, 2009), I have been driving Sr Denise Boyle to visit six different Franciscan groups from Wheaton and to Manitowoc WI.
Sr. Denise was President of the Board of Directors of FI (Franciscans International) and several months ago was elected to be Executive Director of FI. The purpose of her Chicago area visit was to make face to face contact with the groups of Sisters and Friars who have been supporting FI. I continued to learn more about FI as we visited the Franciscan Sisters of Charity in Manitowoc, WI, the Felician Sisters on Peterson Ave in Chicago, the Franciscan Sisters in Wheaton IL, the Friars in the formation Friary at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park, the School Sisters of St Francis of Milwaukee, and the Joliet Franciscan Sisters. Palm Sunday, Sr. Denise and I participated in Mass at St Peter’s in the Loop where she meet many Friars. I then drove her to Midway Airport for her flight back to New York and then on to Geneva, Switzerland.
Franciscans International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with General Consultative status at the UN, uniting the voices of Franciscan brothers and sisters from around the world. FI operates under the sponsorship of the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF) and serves all Franciscans and the global community by bringing spiritual, ethical, and Franciscan values to the United Nations and international organizations.
FI closely follows the tradition of St Francis and Saint Clare, striving to put Franciscan ideals into practice at the international level. FI is guided by the Saints' loving concern for the poor, care of creation, and peacemaking. As the poorest people are being exploited in systemic ways, and global peace is increasingly threatened, Franciscan commitment is needed more urgently than ever.
Franciscans around the world run schools, hospitals, Justice and Peace offices, shelters, and specialize in many services for the poor. The programs at FI bring grassroots Franciscans to the United Nations forums in New York and Geneva, influencing international human rights standards and bringing witness to human rights violations.
Franciscans International is supported by the freewill offerings of Franciscan communities and our partners. A large part of our funding comes from individuals who support Franciscan work for human rights, care for creation, and peacemaking.
Mission Statement of FI: Franciscans International works at the UN and international organizations to influence decision makers on behalf of the most vulnerable.
Vision Statement of FI: We are men and women who are committed to the ideals of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. As St. Francis once addressed the social leaders of his time with the challenge of peace, so today we are called to engage policy makers and world leaders at the United Nations for the work of justice, peace, the care of creation, and the promotion of human rights.
History of FI: The seedlings of Franciscans International sprouted in 1982 when two Franciscans, a sister from the United States and a brother from Malta, saw the potential for effective Franciscan input at the United Nations. Aware of the indispensable role of NGOs in UN decision-making, the two suggested the idea to their respective Justice and Peace Committees. The idea of Franciscans at the UN was met with approval and excitement. It quickly grew into a common project of the Franciscan Family and an interfamilial Preparatory Committee was organized for this future ministry. This Committee prepared the FI Vision Statement centered on three main goals: raising awareness of the interconnectedness of all creation, and thus stressing the need to care for creation – both human and environmental;
promoting peace; voicing concern for the world’s poor.
While gathering strength and momentum within the Franciscan Family between 1982 and 1989, Franciscans International was officially recognized as a non-governmental organization (NGO) by the UN Department of Public Information (DPI) in 1989. After further organizational work, smoothing out a membership plan, and opening an office in New York, FI was approved for NGO Category 1 Status. This was a major step for Franciscans International.
Having General Consultative Status (Category 1) with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) enables FI to participate in all activities of the Council through written and oral statements. This means that FI is able to be present at UN World Conferences and their Preparatory Committees, General Assembly special sessions, the UN Commission and Sub-Commission on Human Rights, and the committees that monitor States’ compliance with specific international treaties. Furthermore, this status gives FI a critical responsibility to provide technical expertise and advice to governments and the UN Secretariat. Thus, FI was challenged to strengthen ties with Franciscan brothers and sisters in the field, often in developing countries, to enable meaningful contributions to UN forums.
In 1997, Franciscans International expanded to Geneva, Switzerland, where we concentrate on the promotion and protection of human rights and their civil, cultural, economic, political, and social manifestations.
A key shift in our short history took place in 1999 when the Conference of Franciscan Family (CFF) redefined the notion of membership for FI. As opposed to maintaining select membership in which individuals or groups choose to become members of FI through contributions, the CFF approved a more inclusive membership policy. All Franciscans within the jurisdiction of the CFF are automatically members of FI. Therefore, FI provides a service to all Franciscans based on their need for access to the international community, research, or advocacy to address a local challenge. This membership change has implications for funding – we are funded by voluntary contributions from members of the Franciscan Family. Often, those who need our services the most cannot help support us financially. Contributions from Franciscan communities in the developed world enable us to serve the friars and sister from poverty stricken areas of the world.
Though our history remains brief, we have made great strides in the growth of FI and are reaching a peak of effectiveness, attaining a strong reputation both in NY and Geneva, Bangkok, Thailand, and strengthening our visibility as a service within the Franciscan Family.
SFO’s (Secular Franciscan Order) are members of Franciscan International as are all Franciscans. I would encourage you to learn more and to keep informed of FI’s efforts (our efforts) for Justice, Peace and Care for Creation. Check FI’s web site: www.FranciscansInternational.org.
Peace and Everything Good!
“In God We Trust”
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim tribute to patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness—these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. . . . reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles.”
– George Washington
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.”
–Thomas Jefferson
“[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.”
– John Adams
“...The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ ”
– Benjamin Franklin
“Were my soul trembling on the wing of eternity, were this hand freezing to death, were my voice choking with the last struggle, I would still, with the last gasp of that voice, implore you to remember the truth: God has given America to be free.”
– Patrick Henry
“And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
– Abraham Lincoln
“Let us look forward to the time when we can take the flag of our country and nail it below the Cross, and there let it wave as it waved in the olden times, and let us gather around it and inscribed for our motto: ‘Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever,’ and exclaim, ‘Christ first, our country next!’ ”
– Andrew Johnson
“We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation, without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic. Where we have been the truest and most consistent in obeying its precepts, we have attained the greatest measure of contentment and prosperity.”
– Franklin Roosevelt
“Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no prompting of the conscience. Without God, we’re mired in the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
– Ronald Reagan
– George Washington
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.”
–Thomas Jefferson
“[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.”
– John Adams
“...The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ ”
– Benjamin Franklin
“Were my soul trembling on the wing of eternity, were this hand freezing to death, were my voice choking with the last struggle, I would still, with the last gasp of that voice, implore you to remember the truth: God has given America to be free.”
– Patrick Henry
“And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
– Abraham Lincoln
“Let us look forward to the time when we can take the flag of our country and nail it below the Cross, and there let it wave as it waved in the olden times, and let us gather around it and inscribed for our motto: ‘Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever,’ and exclaim, ‘Christ first, our country next!’ ”
– Andrew Johnson
“We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation, without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic. Where we have been the truest and most consistent in obeying its precepts, we have attained the greatest measure of contentment and prosperity.”
– Franklin Roosevelt
“Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no prompting of the conscience. Without God, we’re mired in the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
– Ronald Reagan
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!
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