This month we remember and celebrate the important Catholic Dogma of the Communion of Saints. This dogma reminds us that we are all saints in God's reign by our baptism. The Church is a continuing communion of people here now and those who have gone before us. We are all Graced as God's children. All called to continue to share the love that God has given us in a life of Grace.
As Augustinian we remember that some of us now and in history have been called to deepen their baptism by following the Rule of Our Holy Father Augustine. We stop this month to remember, and give thanks and praise for the gift that we all are to one another in community here on earth and from heaven above.
I would like to remember and give thanks to all our saints here and now in the AIHM.
Bishop Timothy for his gift of humility in service to leadership and his trust in me and our Order and providing an ecclesiastical home for us in which to minister and worship. Like Augustine said, "for you I am bishop, with you I am Christian." Tim, I think you and Augustine will make great pals in heaven someday.
Brother John Bartholomew for his gift of keeping us all grounded. There is no pretense in him. He is the real deal and keeps us all honest in the face of reality. He has a real mystic soul, too.
Our Oblate brother Casey for his gentle spirit. He has shown us all that love is quiet but strong. He is a gift of real joy. Joy shows the true presence of God in our midst. ( And his partner David for his gift of support to us all. David, you are more Augustinian than you may realize and a vital part of our fraternity.)
Sister Sharie Marie, who reminds me of many of the gifts that Monica must have given to her son. You have a depth of wisdom that comes from the special vocation of motherhood. Your support of your brothers and sisters is very important to me.
Sister Lyngine Dominique-Marie, who also brings a great joy and laughter to our communio. She has a smile that can wipe away all the fears and anxieties of daily life and reminds us that God's love really can conquer anything. The support and understanding you bring have become a real bedrock this past year.
Father Christopher Ambrose who has chosen his patron name well. Like Ambrose you have a theological mind that is keen but not beyond the understanding of those to whom you minister. You make your reflections pastorally relevant. Your gift of spiritual and theological reflection blend well into the history of Augustinian theological thought and serve us all well.
May Our Holy Father Augustine and Mother Monica and all our brother and sister friars share their gift of prayer with us as we continue the journey they once trod until we meet them in the New Jerusalem. Amen
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Benefactors
Today, October 13, is the commemoration of all deceased benefactors of the Order. As Augustinians we are especially mindful that we walk this journey together with others. Our charity, poverty, and obedience, as Augustinians, is linked to the charity that we show others in our community and our ministry. Augustine taught that love covers a multitude of sins.
Our love for our family, friends, and those who were good to our community does not stop when our journey on this earth ends, for it continues into God's Kingdom. Some of the benefactors whom we remember today include:
1. Dorothy Menna, my mother, who was a great emotional and financial supporter of our community in its early days.
2. Michael Dunn, a dear friend to our community who God called home much to early, but we now have his help in heaven.
3. Fr. Kevin, a Roman priest who was a great financial benefactor for many years in the beginning of our journey.
Our benefactors list includes all of the deceased relatives of our Oblates and Friars as well. As Augustinians we are mindful that we are products from where we come and are always grateful for the emotional and spiritual support of our family and friends who made it possible for us to say yes to God on our day of promises, reception, or profession.
I remember one day during my novitiate with the OSA when my mother was visiting. My novice Master told my mother, after she questioned something that he was doing with us, that I belonged to them now. A true Italian mother, she reminded HIM that if it were not for her, I would not be with them, that I was her son and ALWAYS would be "hers." Mom, help me never to forget those words of wisdom with our own members!
As our Mother Monica taught us, remember these souls at the altar of God!
Our love for our family, friends, and those who were good to our community does not stop when our journey on this earth ends, for it continues into God's Kingdom. Some of the benefactors whom we remember today include:
1. Dorothy Menna, my mother, who was a great emotional and financial supporter of our community in its early days.
2. Michael Dunn, a dear friend to our community who God called home much to early, but we now have his help in heaven.
3. Fr. Kevin, a Roman priest who was a great financial benefactor for many years in the beginning of our journey.
Our benefactors list includes all of the deceased relatives of our Oblates and Friars as well. As Augustinians we are mindful that we are products from where we come and are always grateful for the emotional and spiritual support of our family and friends who made it possible for us to say yes to God on our day of promises, reception, or profession.
I remember one day during my novitiate with the OSA when my mother was visiting. My novice Master told my mother, after she questioned something that he was doing with us, that I belonged to them now. A true Italian mother, she reminded HIM that if it were not for her, I would not be with them, that I was her son and ALWAYS would be "hers." Mom, help me never to forget those words of wisdom with our own members!
As our Mother Monica taught us, remember these souls at the altar of God!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Belated thoughts on the Solemnity of Augustine
It has taken me a week or so to reflect and comprehend all that happened on our Annual Chapter two weekends ago. Besides the wonderful celebration of new life: a new professed friar and three new novice friars, something more important happened.
One of our novices shared this thought with me that is so at the heart of the Augustinian gift to the Church:
"the retreat really made a huge difference in how I pray---changing it from duty to relationship. That isn't something I've experienced. So, thank you for that gift."
It causes me to pause and to be grateful for our AIHM Order and know that our form of common life and living of the Rule is making a difference, however small in the life of the Body of Christ.
One of our novices shared this thought with me that is so at the heart of the Augustinian gift to the Church:
"the retreat really made a huge difference in how I pray---changing it from duty to relationship. That isn't something I've experienced. So, thank you for that gift."
It causes me to pause and to be grateful for our AIHM Order and know that our form of common life and living of the Rule is making a difference, however small in the life of the Body of Christ.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Solemnity of the Dormition and Assumption of the BVM
HAPPY FOUNDER'S DAY to the AIHM Community!
August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption is the Birthday of the Order of Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This year we celebrate our fourteenth anniversary.
The Feast of the Dormition and Assumption of Our Blessed Mother is a celebration for all of humanity. It shows to all generations that God is faithful to the covenant. Mary lived her life trusting in God's mercy and love from her childhood to the events of the Annunciation, to Cana, Calvary, the Upper Room, and finally her dormition (falling asleep). She trusted that God would be faithful.
God was faithful. God did not spare her pain, trial, disappointment. But was with her through it all as well as in the joy and tribulation. Mary was very aware that God was present in her life of quiet prayer and quiet leadership in the early community of believers. And God was faithful granting her the gift as the NEW EVE. Assumed into heaven, she goes to prepare a place of welcome for us with her Son who has opened the gates of eternity.
The lesson for us: persevere in faith, hope, and love. Fourteen years ago two simple young men formed this "new community" of Augustinians. Told it would never work, told it was not a fit, fourteen years later we prepare to welcome a new professed friar and three new novice friars: men, women, gay, straight, white, brown. After fourteen years and some times of dormition, we too, as AIHM brothers and sisters are having a share in the assumption promise of our God!
"Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!"
*On a personal note, I want to offer God thanks especially through the prayers of Mary, Our Mother of Grace, St. Joseph, St. Rita, and my own saintly deceased mom and dad for the gift of a new job and career. Today, on the great Vigil, I was offered a position on a Middle School math faculty for a very good public school district in Delaware. The compensation and benefits are making me very happy and grateful. The past two years of struggle with Master's degree study, state certification, and personal loss have yielded great rewards. God is faithful and marvelous are God's works!!!!
August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption is the Birthday of the Order of Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This year we celebrate our fourteenth anniversary.
The Feast of the Dormition and Assumption of Our Blessed Mother is a celebration for all of humanity. It shows to all generations that God is faithful to the covenant. Mary lived her life trusting in God's mercy and love from her childhood to the events of the Annunciation, to Cana, Calvary, the Upper Room, and finally her dormition (falling asleep). She trusted that God would be faithful.
God was faithful. God did not spare her pain, trial, disappointment. But was with her through it all as well as in the joy and tribulation. Mary was very aware that God was present in her life of quiet prayer and quiet leadership in the early community of believers. And God was faithful granting her the gift as the NEW EVE. Assumed into heaven, she goes to prepare a place of welcome for us with her Son who has opened the gates of eternity.
The lesson for us: persevere in faith, hope, and love. Fourteen years ago two simple young men formed this "new community" of Augustinians. Told it would never work, told it was not a fit, fourteen years later we prepare to welcome a new professed friar and three new novice friars: men, women, gay, straight, white, brown. After fourteen years and some times of dormition, we too, as AIHM brothers and sisters are having a share in the assumption promise of our God!
"Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!"
*On a personal note, I want to offer God thanks especially through the prayers of Mary, Our Mother of Grace, St. Joseph, St. Rita, and my own saintly deceased mom and dad for the gift of a new job and career. Today, on the great Vigil, I was offered a position on a Middle School math faculty for a very good public school district in Delaware. The compensation and benefits are making me very happy and grateful. The past two years of struggle with Master's degree study, state certification, and personal loss have yielded great rewards. God is faithful and marvelous are God's works!!!!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Solemnity of Peter and Paul, Apostles
Our Holy Father Augustine wrote, "Now, if the line of bishops who succeed one another is to be considered, with how much certainty and advantage do we begin with Peter? He was the figure of the whole Church, and our Lord said to him, 'Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail over it.' " letter 53 2-3
What is this rock of Peter? A man who denied Jesus, hid in fear, and was obstinate in opening the community to the uncircumcised. And, a man whose love for his God led him to chains and the cross in imitation of his Lord.
Upon what do we place our hearts, our lives? A one Godhead Trinity of Persons bound in love, manifesting that love incarnate in Jesus, God made human, a love that reached into our greatest fear-death, conquering with new life, and continuing to grow and invite into the Trinity of love, through the Spirit, all persons until the end of the ages. That is the legacy of Peter and Paul. They were the first ambassadors of this invitation. They showed us the ultimate answer to the challenge of this love.
God builds upon the imperfect and fallible nature of our humanity with the virtues of the gifts of faith, hope, and love. It is the gift of God's loving life in us that the gates of hell can not overcome. The love of God is infallible and perfect. Our participation and growth in that love is what defines the Church, and our Order's part in it.
Peter and Paul did not always agree on the particulars of how the faith was to grow and spread, or even who and how should initiation be offered, but they both put their lives up for the love and growth of the community to which they ministered, and we honor them BOTH for this. As Christians, may we focus more on what we hold in common rather than what separates us, acknowledge God's supremacy of love and mercy, and respect our differences and diversity of gifts.
I echo the prayer of St. Augustine for my bishop and all bishops, " Lord, teach me what to teach, and teach me what I should hold fast."
What is this rock of Peter? A man who denied Jesus, hid in fear, and was obstinate in opening the community to the uncircumcised. And, a man whose love for his God led him to chains and the cross in imitation of his Lord.
Upon what do we place our hearts, our lives? A one Godhead Trinity of Persons bound in love, manifesting that love incarnate in Jesus, God made human, a love that reached into our greatest fear-death, conquering with new life, and continuing to grow and invite into the Trinity of love, through the Spirit, all persons until the end of the ages. That is the legacy of Peter and Paul. They were the first ambassadors of this invitation. They showed us the ultimate answer to the challenge of this love.
God builds upon the imperfect and fallible nature of our humanity with the virtues of the gifts of faith, hope, and love. It is the gift of God's loving life in us that the gates of hell can not overcome. The love of God is infallible and perfect. Our participation and growth in that love is what defines the Church, and our Order's part in it.
Peter and Paul did not always agree on the particulars of how the faith was to grow and spread, or even who and how should initiation be offered, but they both put their lives up for the love and growth of the community to which they ministered, and we honor them BOTH for this. As Christians, may we focus more on what we hold in common rather than what separates us, acknowledge God's supremacy of love and mercy, and respect our differences and diversity of gifts.
I echo the prayer of St. Augustine for my bishop and all bishops, " Lord, teach me what to teach, and teach me what I should hold fast."
Friday, June 8, 2007
"...In All Things, Charity"
The title above is from a famous quote of Our Holy Father, St. Augustine, "In essentials, unity, in non-essentials diversity, in all things charity."
Recently, Father Ragheed, pastor of the Chaldean Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit in Mosul, Iraq, was murdered with three sub-deacons after celebrating together Holy Mass, the sacrament of LOVE. Martyred by religious intolerants bent on hate after years of persecution in a land that seems to thrive on intolerance and hatred.
But, the deeper truth of our God is revealed in the following letter and deseves, no...NEEDS to be heard:
Here is a translation of a letter written posthumously to Father Ragheed Aziz Ganni by a Muslim friend of his who is a professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Father Ragheed and three deacons were shot and killed in Mosul, Iraq, on Sunday after Mass.
* * *
In the name of the compassionate and merciful God,
Ragheed, my brother,
I ask your forgiveness for not being with you when those criminals opened fire against you and your brothers. The bullets that have gone through your pure and innocent body have also gone through my heart and soul.
You were one of the first people I met when I arrived to Rome. We met in the halls of the Angelicum and we would drink our cappuccino in the university's cafeteria. You impressed me with your innocence, joy, your pure and tender smile that never left you.
I always picture you smiling, joyful and full of zest for life. Ragheed is to me innocence personified; a wise innocence that carries in its heart the sorrows of his unhappy people. I remember the time, in the university's dining room, when Iraq was under embargo and you told me that the price of a single cappuccino would have satisfied the needs of an Iraqi family for a whole day.
You told me this as if you were feeling guilty for being far away from your persecuted people and unable to share in their sufferings …
In fact, you returned to Iraq, not only to share the suffering and destiny of your people but also to join your blood to the blood of thousands of Iraqis killed each day. I will never forget the day of your ordination [Oct. 13, 2001] in the [Pontifical] Urbanian University … with tears in your eyes, you told me: "Today, I have died to self" … a hard thing to say.
I didn't understand it right away, or maybe I didn't take it as seriously as I should have. … But today, through your martyrdom, I have understood that phrase. … You have died in your soul and body to be raised up in your beloved, in your teacher, and so that Christ would be raised up in you, despite the sufferings, sorrows, despite the chaos and madness.
In the name of what god of death have they killed you? In the name of which paganism have they crucified you? Did they truly know what they were doing?
O God, we don't ask you for revenge or retaliation. We ask you for victory, a victory of justice over falsehood, life over death, innocence over treachery, blood over the sword. … Your blood will not have been shed in vain, dear Ragheed, because with it you have blessed the soil of your country. And from heaven, your tender smile will continue to light the darkness of our nights and announce to us a better tomorrow.
I ask your forgiveness, brother, for when the living get together they think they have all the time in the world to talk, visit, and share feelings and thoughts. You had invited me to Iraq … I dreamed of that visit, of visiting your house, your parents, your office. … It never occurred to me that it would be your tomb that one day I would visit or that it would be verses from my Quran that I would recite for the repose of your soul …
One day, before your first trip to Iraq after a prolonged absence, I went with you to buy souvenirs and presents for your family. You spoke with me of your future work: "I would like to preside over the people on the base of charity before justice" -- you said.
It was difficult for me to imagine you a "canonical judge" … And today your blood and your martyrdom have spoken for you, a verdict of fidelity and patience, of hope against all suffering, of survival, in spite of death, in spite of everything.
Brother, your blood hasn't been shed in vain, and your church's altar wasn't a masquerade. … You assumed your role with deep seriousness until the end, with a smile that would never be extinguished … ever.
Your loving brother,
Adnam Mokrani
Rome, June 4, 2007
Professor of Islamic Studies in the Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture,
Pontifical Gregorian University
Recently, Father Ragheed, pastor of the Chaldean Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit in Mosul, Iraq, was murdered with three sub-deacons after celebrating together Holy Mass, the sacrament of LOVE. Martyred by religious intolerants bent on hate after years of persecution in a land that seems to thrive on intolerance and hatred.
But, the deeper truth of our God is revealed in the following letter and deseves, no...NEEDS to be heard:
Here is a translation of a letter written posthumously to Father Ragheed Aziz Ganni by a Muslim friend of his who is a professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Father Ragheed and three deacons were shot and killed in Mosul, Iraq, on Sunday after Mass.
* * *
In the name of the compassionate and merciful God,
Ragheed, my brother,
I ask your forgiveness for not being with you when those criminals opened fire against you and your brothers. The bullets that have gone through your pure and innocent body have also gone through my heart and soul.
You were one of the first people I met when I arrived to Rome. We met in the halls of the Angelicum and we would drink our cappuccino in the university's cafeteria. You impressed me with your innocence, joy, your pure and tender smile that never left you.
I always picture you smiling, joyful and full of zest for life. Ragheed is to me innocence personified; a wise innocence that carries in its heart the sorrows of his unhappy people. I remember the time, in the university's dining room, when Iraq was under embargo and you told me that the price of a single cappuccino would have satisfied the needs of an Iraqi family for a whole day.
You told me this as if you were feeling guilty for being far away from your persecuted people and unable to share in their sufferings …
In fact, you returned to Iraq, not only to share the suffering and destiny of your people but also to join your blood to the blood of thousands of Iraqis killed each day. I will never forget the day of your ordination [Oct. 13, 2001] in the [Pontifical] Urbanian University … with tears in your eyes, you told me: "Today, I have died to self" … a hard thing to say.
I didn't understand it right away, or maybe I didn't take it as seriously as I should have. … But today, through your martyrdom, I have understood that phrase. … You have died in your soul and body to be raised up in your beloved, in your teacher, and so that Christ would be raised up in you, despite the sufferings, sorrows, despite the chaos and madness.
In the name of what god of death have they killed you? In the name of which paganism have they crucified you? Did they truly know what they were doing?
O God, we don't ask you for revenge or retaliation. We ask you for victory, a victory of justice over falsehood, life over death, innocence over treachery, blood over the sword. … Your blood will not have been shed in vain, dear Ragheed, because with it you have blessed the soil of your country. And from heaven, your tender smile will continue to light the darkness of our nights and announce to us a better tomorrow.
I ask your forgiveness, brother, for when the living get together they think they have all the time in the world to talk, visit, and share feelings and thoughts. You had invited me to Iraq … I dreamed of that visit, of visiting your house, your parents, your office. … It never occurred to me that it would be your tomb that one day I would visit or that it would be verses from my Quran that I would recite for the repose of your soul …
One day, before your first trip to Iraq after a prolonged absence, I went with you to buy souvenirs and presents for your family. You spoke with me of your future work: "I would like to preside over the people on the base of charity before justice" -- you said.
It was difficult for me to imagine you a "canonical judge" … And today your blood and your martyrdom have spoken for you, a verdict of fidelity and patience, of hope against all suffering, of survival, in spite of death, in spite of everything.
Brother, your blood hasn't been shed in vain, and your church's altar wasn't a masquerade. … You assumed your role with deep seriousness until the end, with a smile that would never be extinguished … ever.
Your loving brother,
Adnam Mokrani
Rome, June 4, 2007
Professor of Islamic Studies in the Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture,
Pontifical Gregorian University
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
We Were Wrong...Looking forward to the Feast of Our Lady of Grace, June1
The Augustinian Feast of Our Lady of Grace is Friday, June 1. This Lady of Grace day is a day when our postulants and novices make their petitions to advance in formation with the Order, praying with Our Mother of Grace for the gift of the Holy Spirit to trust God and say yes to God's will in their lives.
This feast day I will also pray for a special grace for our country. The theme of forgiveness and the asking to be forgiven one's wrongs is central to an Augustinian spirituality of religious life. (Rule, Ch. 6) Our country needs to be able to say that we were wrong and ask forgiveness.
We were wrong about Sadam as a real and immediate threat to our security. We were wrong about WMDs. We were wrong about terrorist connections. We were wrong in thinking we could provide a better way of life. We were wrong to have replaced Sadam's torture camps with our own.
Perhaps why part of the outcry against the war is lacking luster is because it is hard for Americans to admit that we can be wrong. Our men and women in uniform have, for the very most part, served with courage and honor, but we were wrong in asking them to fight this war. There is no lack of support for the troops in wanting them home now!
Vietnam taught us that America will not always win, and Iraq might be teaching us that America will not always be right. We were wrong. We need to ask forgiveness, try to make amends to the Iraqi people and our own military, and learn from our failure, forgive ourselves, and move on.
Our Lady of Grace, help us see the value of true contrition and use the gifts of the Spirit of Wisdom and Right Judgement. Amen.
This feast day I will also pray for a special grace for our country. The theme of forgiveness and the asking to be forgiven one's wrongs is central to an Augustinian spirituality of religious life. (Rule, Ch. 6) Our country needs to be able to say that we were wrong and ask forgiveness.
We were wrong about Sadam as a real and immediate threat to our security. We were wrong about WMDs. We were wrong about terrorist connections. We were wrong in thinking we could provide a better way of life. We were wrong to have replaced Sadam's torture camps with our own.
Perhaps why part of the outcry against the war is lacking luster is because it is hard for Americans to admit that we can be wrong. Our men and women in uniform have, for the very most part, served with courage and honor, but we were wrong in asking them to fight this war. There is no lack of support for the troops in wanting them home now!
Vietnam taught us that America will not always win, and Iraq might be teaching us that America will not always be right. We were wrong. We need to ask forgiveness, try to make amends to the Iraqi people and our own military, and learn from our failure, forgive ourselves, and move on.
Our Lady of Grace, help us see the value of true contrition and use the gifts of the Spirit of Wisdom and Right Judgement. Amen.
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