Puebla Visit and Mexico City

Greetings good people! Well this was a week of traveling in Mexico for me.  I took the bus from Queretaro to Puebla with one of our brothers, Juan Pablo.  The bus ride was about 4 hours and the buses here in Mexico are quite good.  They provide a little snack, some water, headphones to watch movies (all in Spanish) and they all have WIFI.  So, if you have work to do, or just want to relax, it's a good way to go, and the seats are much more comfortable than airplane seats!  When I arrived in Puebla, I was shown around the house and made myself comfortable in my room.  There are 5 members living in Puebla right now, but the house is quite big.  After Evening Prayer, Juan Pablo took me on a tour of the downtown area.  The city really has a "Spanish" feel to it.  The architecture, colors, streets, all resemble many cities in Spain.  After the night tour, I went on a tour of the pyramids the next day.  The story is pretty interesting.  The Franciscans were trying to convert the Indians who worshipped many other God's.  The Franciscans convinced the Indians that "Mary" was like the God of the Moon. So when building the Church, the pyramids were already there in honor of the God of the Sun, and so the Church represented the place of honor for the God of the Moon.  In many ways, that is part of this culture here in Mexico, there is always something "underneath" what is really happening.  Needless to say, climbing to the top to see the Church was indeed an act of will and faith! Another priest from the US was also visiting during my time there, so another day, three of us went on one of the open air bus tours of the city.  It was great to see the city during the day too.  While I was there I celebrated Mass and had a chance to connect individually with each of the Brothers.  It was good for me to be there and to support the Brothers in their studies and work.  It was also a chance for me to practice my Spanish with other members of my community besides the people with whom I live.  Again, the understanding is great, it's the formulating of sentences that becomes difficult!  Here are some pictures of Puebla:

Cathedral in Puebla

Government Building in Puebla

 

Panoramic View from Church on top of Pyramid

Pyramids

Church dedicated to Mary

Volcano in the distance

Park in el Centro

 

After my visit in Puebla, I took the bus to Mexico City.  Luckily the bus dropped me off only a few blocks away from my hotel.  I had a great suite for a very reasonable price! I walked around most days and just took in the sights.  I was in Mexico City for Thanksgiving, and so that day was a little lonely for me.  I did call family and had a few texts, but it's not the same as being in someone's home enjoying the company of one another and eating turkey, stuffing, potatoes and many more Thanksgiving delicacies. I will not make that mistake next year.  Even though we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Mexico, I will cook a turkey and share this part of our culture with our Mexican Brothers.... and if they don't like it, they can always put salsa on it!

 

I did get a chance to re-visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  It was great to be back there again.  I first visited this place back in the summer of 1993.  I did have a few flashbacks while I was there, but they were all good memories for me.  I prayed in each of the Chapels and took in the history, devotion, and depth of this place that it has for the people of Mexico and many other countries.  There were many pilgrims there from Mexico and many other foreign tourists.  I think I heard about 10 different languages while I was there.  I was glad to be back, but I must admit I did not experience the sense of "awe" that I did on my first visit.  I guess the whole Guadalupe story was new for me back then, so it made a significant impact on my life.  I guess living the important aspects of this story since my first encounter of it in 1993 made it seem more like an "old shoe" rather than a new and exciting experience.  It was comfortable to be there and I was happy to be there, but I was not excited as I was the first time I was there.  Comfortable is good!  I return to Queretaro tomorrow.  I was glad for the time to travel and to experience other parts of Mexico during this trip.  Who knows, one day I might actually make it to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta!  Some pics from my time in Mexico City:

Angel

Front of the New Basilica

Clock in the Plaza

Original Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe taken from a rolling escalator

Statue in honor of St. John Paul II

Chapel of Juan Diego

Chapel at Tepeyac

Image of Juan Diego before Bishop telling the story of the Lady

Scene of Indigenous presenting offerings to Nuestra Senora

Another Image

The Guadalupe Story on the Chapel of Tepeyac

I hope you all have a great week.  This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent.  May we all wait in joyful hope!

 

Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Saludos y felicidades mis amigos! Ojala que todoss son buenos  para Uds.

Well I returned from my trip to the US.  I actually did miss being in Mexico! And... I was feeling like I needed to speak Spanish.  I have to admit that after not speaking Spanish for almost two weeks (although a relief) I felt like I slid back on my progress.  It took a few days to get back into the swing of things.  It was a good feeling to know that the Brothers missed me too! When I returned, I did not have to attend classes and again, that was a relief but I also missed the rhythm of my day.  I did have to play "catch up" with many things so having the time was a blessing.  Saturday was a busy day for me as I had a meeting with the people working on the educational project, I cooked dinner, and I had to prepare my homily for today.  It was good to be busy. 

Right now I am in Puebla.  I am visiting the other community of Marianists here in Mexico. I hope to have many pictures to share with you.  I will also head to Mexico City for a few days-it is on the way home to Queretaro.  Again, hopefully a time for many  photos and many experiences. I look forward to my time here with the community to share more time with them and for them to get to know me better and for me to know them as well.  I will probably make another trip here in the new year simply to be present to them and listen to their needs and concerns.  Please pray for us, there are many needs and concerns here in Mexico!

I will tell you of my adventures when I return to Queretaro, for now, here are two homilies I gave this week.  Enjoy!

Homily, November 20, 2015

Holy places are important to the life of believers.  Today in Scripture, both from the Old and New Testament God’s Word illustrates the importance of holy places in the life of believers.  Yes, as Jesus indicated in Luke’s Gospel, the Temple is a house of prayer and as we saw in the book of Maccabees, if anything profanes this house of prayer then we need to ritualize a rededication of this house of prayer.  People do have a theology of “place”.  A “place” of worship is important because it provides believers with a home and a way of life.  In places of worship we do certain things that we do not do other places and we also refrain from doing things in places of worship that we would do in other every day places.  For example, where else do we Catholics genuflect but in a Church before a tabernacle?  The answer is nowhere.  We normally celebrate the sacraments of initiation in a Church and nowhere else.  It would not be appropriate to yell and scream real loud as we would in a soccer stadium.  It would not be appropriate to engage in certain behaviors in a Church that would be appropriate in a bar or a club.  A place of worship is important because it teaches us reverence, respect, decorum and that life is not all about us, but should be focused on God. 

Judas Maccabees led the people of Israel in consecrating the Temple after many pagan rituals were performed in this sacred place.  The people lost their ways and they permitted rituals and events that were contrary to Jewish Law to occur in the holiest of places, the Temple.  The rededication was a reminder to the people that the altar was an important symbol in the life of the people.  The altar was a reminder of the covenant between God and his people.  The altar needed to be rededicated and so did the people.  Jesus found himself in a similar situation when he encountered merchants buying and selling things for worship in the Temple area making this place less a place of worship and more of a place of economic gain.  The people forgot that in the Temple we do certain things and refrain from doing other things because it is a holy place.  This past weekend I was in the United States and we celebrated a rededication of the novitiate chapel and living quarters as a reminder that in that place members of the Marianist community do certain things and refrain from doing other things.  The Novitiate is a holy place where holy things need to be remembered and reinforced in order for a novice to discern life in the Marianist community.

So, place is important.  Places of worship are important.  They should honor and reflect the majesty and splendor of God, but Saint Paul also reminds us that our bodies are a Temple.  Our bodies are a dwelling place for the Spirit of God, so that in our bodies there are things that we need to do, and things we need to refrain from doing.  If only we would really believe the words of St. Paul and the scripture readings today as we think about our own bodies.  What we put into our bodies are important.  We honor God when we honor our bodies.  When we profane our bodies, we need to rededicate ourselves so that our bodies become a place of worship.  So, what do I mean?  We honor our bodies by the way we eat, sleep, rest, and exercise.  The Catholic version of life is moderation.  So, we should eat in moderation.  Consume alcohol in moderation.  Sleep in moderation.  Rest in moderation.  Exercise in moderation.  All of these areas of life keep our body, our temple holy.  When we abuse any of these areas in excess, we need to rededicate ourselves.  Research today indicates that close to seventy percent of illness and chronic sickness can be linked to a poor diet.  Change your diet and you can change your life.  Change your diet and you can stop spending money on medication because your body, your temple will heal itself eventually.  It demands a sacrifice on our part, but that’s where sacrifice happens, in a Temple.  If we can honor a “place” for worship, we should honor the best place of worship, our bodies.  Our bodies should reflect and honor the majesty and splendor of God, for our bodies, our lives, is the greatest gift that God gave us to be in this world.

Yes, today is about the Temple, a place of worship and honoring that place as holy, but it is also about ourselves and honoring the place where the Spirit dwells in our lives.  The Temple is a place of prayer.  Our bodies are a place of prayer.  Let us honor both today as we honor the God who created us so that we might be holy as God is holy.

                                       Homilia 20 de Noviembre

Lugares sagrados son importantes para la vida de los creyentes. Hoy en la Escritura, tanto desde el Antiguo y el Nuevo Testamento Dios Palabra ilustra la importancia de los lugares sagrados de la vida de los creyentes. Sí, Jesús indicó en el Evangelio de San Lucas, el templo es una casa de oración y como vimos en el libro de los Macabeos, en todo caso profana esta casa de oración y luego tenemos que ritualizar una nueva dedicación de esta casa de oración. La gente tiene una teología del "lugar". Un "lugar" de la adoración es importante porque proporciona a los creyentes con una casa y un modo de vida. En los lugares de culto que hacemos ciertas cosas que no hacemos otros lugares y también nos abstenemos de hacer las cosas en los lugares de culto que haríamos en otros lugares cada día. Por ejemplo, cuando más tenemos los católicos hacen genuflexión, pero en una Iglesia ante un sagrario? La respuesta está en ninguna parte. Normalmente celebramos los sacramentos de iniciación en una Iglesia y en ninguna otra parte. No sería apropiado que gritar y gritar bien fuerte como lo haríamos en un estadio de fútbol. No sería conveniente llevar a cabo ciertos comportamientos en una Iglesia que sería apropiado en un bar o un club. Un lugar de culto es importante porque nos enseña reverencia, respeto, decoro y que la vida no tiene que ver con nosotros, pero debe centrarse en Dios.

 

Judas Macabeos condujo la gente de Israel en la consagración del Templo después de muchos ritos paganos se realizaron en este lugar sagrado. Las personas perdieron sus formas y permitieron rituales y actos que eran contrarias a la ley judía que se produzca en el más sagrado de los lugares, el Templo. La dedicación fue un recordatorio a la gente que el altar era un símbolo importante en la vida de las personas. El altar era un recordatorio de la alianza entre Dios y su pueblo. El altar debía ser dedicado de nuevo y también lo hizo el pueblo. Jesús se encontró en una situación similar cuando se encontró con los comerciantes compra y venta de cosas para el culto en la zona de Temple haciendo de este lugar menos un lugar de culto y más de un lugar de la ganancia económica. La gente se olvidó de que en el templo hacemos ciertas cosas y abstenerse de hacer otras cosas, porque es un lugar santo. Este pasado fin de semana estuve en los Estados Unidos y celebramos una nueva dedicación de la capilla y de vida noviciado trimestres como un recordatorio de que en ese lugar los miembros de la comunidad marianista hacer ciertas cosas y se abstengan de hacer otras cosas. El noviciado es un lugar sagrado donde las cosas santas deben ser recordadas y reforzado para que un novicio de discernir la vida en la comunidad marianista.

Así, el lugar es importante. Los lugares de culto son importantes. Deben honrar y reflejar la majestad y esplendor de Dios, pero San Pablo también nos recuerda que nuestros cuerpos son un templo. Nuestros cuerpos son una morada para el Espíritu de Dios, para que en nuestro cuerpo hay cosas que tenemos que hacer y cosas que tenemos que abstenerse de hacerlo. Si tan sólo pudiéramos realmente creer las palabras de St. Paul y las lecturas de hoy cuando pensamos en nuestros propios cuerpos. Lo que ponemos en nuestros cuerpos es importantes. Honramos a Dios cuando honramos a nuestros cuerpos. Cuando profanamos nuestro cuerpo, tenemos que volver a dedicarnos de manera que nuestros cuerpos se convierten en un lugar de culto. Así que, ¿qué quiero decir? Honramos a nuestros cuerpos por la forma en que comemos, el sueño, el descanso y el ejercicio. La versión católica de la vida es la moderación. Por lo tanto, debemos comer con moderación. Consuma alcohol con moderación. Dormir con moderación. Descanse en la moderación. El ejercicio con moderación. Todas estas áreas de la vida mantener nuestro cuerpo, nuestro santo templo. Cuando abusamos de cualquiera de estas áreas en exceso, tenemos que dedicarnos a nosotros mismos. La investigación actual indica que cerca del setenta por ciento de la enfermedad y la enfermedad crónica puede estar vinculado a una mala alimentación. Cambie su dieta y usted puede cambiar su vida. Cambie su dieta y usted puede dejar de gastar dinero en medicina debido a que su cuerpo, su templo se curará con el tiempo. Se exige un sacrificio de nuestra parte, pero eso es donde el sacrificio ocurre, en un templo. Si somos capaces de honrar a un "lugar" para la adoración, debemos honrar el mejor lugar de culto, nuestros cuerpos. Nuestros cuerpos deben reflejar y honrar la majestad y el esplendor de Dios, porque nuestros cuerpos, nuestras vidas, es el mayor regalo que Dios nos dio para estar en este mundo.

Sí, hoy es sobre el templo, un lugar de culto y honor a ese lugar tan santo, pero también se trata de nosotros mismos y en honor al lugar donde el Espíritu habita en nuestras vidas. El templo es un lugar de oración. Nuestros cuerpos son un lugar de oración. Honremos tanto hoy como se honra al Dios que nos ha creado para que nosotros pudiéramos ser santos como Dios es santo.

Solemnity of Christ the King

Good morning Church! Today we celebrate the feast of the Christ the King.  This feast is important because it not only tells us something about who Jesus is, but it also marks the end of the liturgical year.  Next week we begin to observe the season of Advent, can you believe it? As we celebrate this day, we transition from one liturgical year to another and begin a new cycle of readings for our growth in faith.  So, why is this feast so important?

This is a relatively new feast for us in the Church.  This feast was proposed by Pope Pius XI in 1925.  During this time in the history of the world, many nations were being ruled by dictators, military regimes, and communist rulers.  The Pope wanted to insure that nations would see that the Church was free to organize, that leaders would respect the name of Jesus, and that the faithful would know that even though they belong to a particular nation, that it is Jesus Christ who reigns in their heart.  These same reasons some ninety years later are still true today.  Our world has changed drastically since 1925 and yet many of the same issues remain the same.  In many nations there remains a lack of respect for the Church, many leaders do not lead their nations through the eyes of faith, and many individuals do not want anyone to have authority over their hearts and wills, they want to make decisions based solely on how these decisions effect themselves personally.  So, I think we need this feast now, more than ever, Amen?

In celebrating this feast, we celebrate Jesus who was born, suffered, died, and rose again.  We celebrate Jesus who came to understand his mission in life in preaching the Kingdom of God.  When we celebrate this feast, we celebrate the hope that is given to each of us to be members of this kingdom, a kingdom of hope, justice, love and peace.  Who wants to be a member of this kingdom?  Turn to the person next to you and say, I want to be a part of this kingdom.

In the Gospel reading today from John’s Gospel, we hear the words we normally hear on Good Friday.  It’s the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate.  Pilate is not really sure what to do with Jesus, but Jesus is in charge here.  He knows that his kingdom is not of this world.  The translation in English I think provides a vivid image of Jesus’ mission.  Pilate asks if Jesus is a king and Jesus responds, “You say I am a king.  For this I was born and for this I came into the world to testify to the truth.”  Those words are very powerful because to me it shows that Jesus knew his purpose in life.  Do you?  Do you know your purpose in life? When we know our purpose in life, it gives our lives meaning.  So many people, both young and old, do not know their purpose in life.  When we know our purpose we are determined.  When we know our purpose, we can bear the many challenges in life.  When we know our purpose we can sacrifice, we can handle setbacks, we can endure boring days.  When we do not know our purpose, our “for this I was born” then everything is difficult and an obstacle to our happiness.  Jesus knew his purpose, do you know your purpose?

So Jesus is our king and he is a king who is not like all the other earthly rulers.  His vision of leadership is one that supports the values of the kingdom of God.  Jesus is a king that is humble, a servant, and a truth teller.  Those qualities are very different from most leaders who are in power today, Amen? So when we ask Jesus to be king of our lives we must act in the same way.  To be humble means to know what you can do and what you cannot do.   It means having a realistic view of yourself.  Being humble is a good thing.  Do you want to be humble?  Repeat after me…. I want to be humble.  Being a servant means putting other people’s needs before your own.  It means that you know that your life is a life of service and that when we serve others we become changed.  Service is good for the soul, it provides meaning in our lives.  Being a servant is a good thing.  Do you want to be a servant, well then repeat after me, I want to be a servant….. Finally, Jesus tells the truth.  He speaks the truth in love.  He affirms others, but he also says what needs to be said for the good of the community.  He does not shy away from telling the truth even when it is difficult to say.  He does not let the idea of being popular interfere with telling the truth.  Telling the truth is difficult, but as Scripture says, “the truth will set you free.”  Amen?  Telling the truth is a good thing.  Being a truth teller is difficult but necessary for our lives.  Do you want to be a truth teller? Then repeat after me, I want to be a truth teller.  Excellent, you are all on the way to being Kingdom people.  Turn to the person next to you and say, “ I am a Kingdom person”

And so, today we celebrate Jesus as our king.  We are reminded that Jesus knew his purpose in life and that he was a king very different from the leaders of his time.  If Jesus is to reign in our lives, in our hearts, in our Church and in our world, we too must humble, servants and truth tellers.  In this way we honor Jesus, who is our king, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  This feast prepares us to end this liturgical year and begin a new liturgical year.  May our new year make us Kingdom people who always testify to the truth and honor the king who is “robed in splendor and majesty”. May our testimony bring others closer to our king and bring us closer to discovering our own purpose, our own “for this I was born”.  Amen?

Buenos días Iglesia! Hoy celebramos la fiesta de Cristo Rey. Esta fiesta es importante porque no sólo nos dice algo acerca de quién es Jesús, sino que también marca el final del año litúrgico. La próxima semana comenzamos a observar el tiempo de Adviento, ¿puedes creerlo? Al celebrar este día, hacemos la transición de un año litúrgico a otro y empezamos un nuevo ciclo de lecturas para nuestro crecimiento en la fe. Así que, ¿por qué es tan importante esta fiesta?

Esto es relativamente una nueva fiesta para nosotros en la Iglesia. Esta fiesta fue propuesta por el Papa Pío undécimo en mil novecientos veinte cinco. Durante este tiempo en la historia del mundo, muchas naciones estaban siendo gobernados por dictadores, los regímenes militares y gobernantes comunistas. El Papa quiso asegurar que las naciones se ven que la Iglesia tenía la libertad de organizarse, que los líderes respetarían el nombre de Jesús, y que los fieles sabrían que a pesar de que pertenecen a una nación en particular, que es Jesucristo, que reina en su corazón. Estas mismas razones unos noventa años más tarde siguen siendo cierto hoy en día. Nuestro mundo ha cambiado drásticamente desde  mil novecientos veinte cinco y, sin embargo muchos de los mismos problemas siguen siendo los mismos. En muchos países sigue habiendo una falta de respeto por la Iglesia, muchos líderes no llevan a sus naciones a través de los ojos de la fe, y muchas personas no quieren que nadie tenga autoridad sobre sus corazones y voluntades, que quieren tomar decisiones basadas únicamente en cómo estas decisiones afectan personalmente. Por lo tanto, creo que tenemos que esta fiesta ahora, más que nunca, Amén?

Al celebrar esta fiesta, celebramos a Jesús que nació, sufrió, murió y resucitó. Celebramos a Jesús que vino a entender su misión en la vida en la predicación del Reino de Dios. Cuando celebramos esta fiesta, celebramos la esperanza de que se le da a cada uno de nosotros para ser miembros de este reino, un reino de la esperanza, la justicia, el amor y la paz. ¿Quién quiere ser un miembro de este reino? Giro a la persona a tu lado y decir, yo quiero ser parte de este reino.

En la lectura del Evangelio de hoy del Evangelio de San Juan, escuchamos las palabras que normalmente escuchamos el Viernes Santo. Es el diálogo entre Jesús y Pilato. Pilato no es realmente seguro de qué hacer con Jesús, pero Jesús está a cargo aquí. Él sabe que su reino no es de este mundo. La traducción en Inglés creo que ofrece una imagen viva de la misión de Jesús. Pilato le pregunta si Jesús es un rey y Jesús responde: "Tú dices que yo soy rey. Yo para esto he nacido y para esto he venido al mundo: para dar testimonio de la verdad. "Esas palabras son muy poderosas porque para mí muestra que Jesús sabía que su propósito en la vida. ¿Uds saben? ¿Conocen su propósito en la vida? Cuando sabemos que nuestro propósito en la vida, que da sentido a nuestras vidas. Así que muchas personas, jóvenes y viejos, no conocen su propósito en la vida. Cuando conocemos nuestro propósito estamos decididos. Cuando conocemos nuestro propósito, podemos asumir los muchos retos en la vida. Cuando conocemos nuestro propósito podemos sacrificar, podemos manejar reveses, podemos soportar días aburridos. Cuando no sabemos nuestro propósito, nuestro "para esto he nacido", entonces todo es difícil y un obstáculo para nuestra felicidad. Jesús sabía que su propósito, ¿saben ustedes que su propósito?

Así que Jesús es nuestro rey y él es un rey que no es como todos los demás gobernantes terrenales. Su visión de liderazgo es uno que apoya los valores del reino de Dios. Jesús es un rey que es humilde, un sirviente, y una persona que dice la verdad. Esas cualidades son muy diferentes de la mayoría de los líderes que están hoy en el poder, Amén? Así que cuando le pedimos a Jesús para ser el rey de nuestras vidas tenemos que actuar de la misma manera. Ser humilde significa saber lo que puede hacer y lo que no puede hacer. Significa tener una visión realista de sí mismo. Ser humilde es una buena cosa. ¿Quieres ser humilde? Repite después de mí…. Quiero ser humilde. Ser un sirviente significa poner las necesidades de otras personas antes de su cuenta. Esto significa que usted sabe que su vida es una vida de servicio y que cuando servimos a los demás somos transformados. El servicio es bueno para el alma, que proporciona significado en nuestras vidas. Ser un sirviente es una buena cosa. ¿Quieres ser un sirviente? pues bien repetir después de mí, quiero ser un sirviente ... .. Por último, Jesús dice la verdad. Habla la verdad en amor. Afirma que otros, pero también dice lo que hay que decir por el bien de la comunidad. Él no tiene miedo de decir la verdad, incluso cuando es difícil de decir. No deja que la idea de ser popular interfiere con decir la verdad. Decir la verdad es difícil, pero como dice la Escritura, "la verdad les libertara." Amén? Decir la verdad es una buena cosa. Al ser una persona que dice la verdad es difícil pero necesario para nuestras vidas. ¿Quieres ser una persona que dice la verdad? A continuación, repita después de mí, quiero ser una persona que dice la verdad. Excelente, todos ustedes están en el camino a ser el pueblo del Reino. Giro a la persona a tu lado y decir: "Yo soy una persona del reino"

Y así, hoy celebramos a Jesús como nuestro rey. Se nos recuerda que Jesús sabía que su propósito en la vida y que él era un rey muy diferente de los líderes de su tiempo. Si Jesús es reinar en nuestras vidas, en nuestros corazones, en nuestra Iglesia y en nuestro mundo, nosotros también debemos humillarnos, sirvientes y dicen la verdad. De esta manera honramos a Jesús, que es nuestro rey, que es el Alfa y la Omega, el principio y el fin. Esta fiesta nos prepara para poner fin a este año litúrgico y comenzar un nuevo año litúrgico. Que nuestro nuevo año nos la gente del reino de Dios que siempre dan testimonio de la verdad y el honor del rey que está "vestida de esplendor y majestad" hacer. Que nuestro testimonio acercar a otros a nuestro rey y nos acercan a descubrir nuestro propio propósito, nuestro propio "para esto he nacido". ¿Amén?

Visit to Florida and Dayton

Buenos Dias mis amigos! Well, I spent the last week in Florida and it was a great time for me. 
As I mentioned before, the first part of my trip I was in the Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale area to witness a Wedding of a former student of mine at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory.  It was great to be with Andy and Jackie on their special day.  We spent some time together on Thursday finalizing plans for the rehearsal, catching up, and discussing future possibilities.  I went to bed that night grateful for the job both of their parents did in raising them, and a little proud of my school and the part it played in helping Andy grow up into the man that he is today.  I had an opportunity to visit the school and see many of my former colleagues and friends.  Its always good to see so many people who had a positive influence in my life over the years.  I lived and worked in Hollywood from 1992-1996 and again from 2000-2008, and there are many faculty/staff people still at the school who knew me when I was much younger and actually still like me! We had the rehearsal on Friday afternoon and all went well.... the Wedding party had 27 people in total! The dinner followed at the culinary school for Miami Dade College which was located in downtown Miami.  The restaurant overlooked the city and the view from the 8th floor was spectacular.  The Wedding was held on Saturday evening and all looked stunning.  The ceremony itself was beautiful and classy.  Since both sets of parents have an American father and a Latina mother, I prayed the Eucharistic prayer in Spanish.... so glad I had plenty of practice up until that point.  The reception was held in an old bank building which is now used for parties and receptions.  You had to go to an old time, gold plated, tellers window in order to get your drink.  Let's just say, I made several withdrawals that night! I went to the Wedding with my good friend Carol and we had a great time talking, dancing, and catching up with other C-M alums who also attended the Wedding.  I was so grateful to be part of this important day and honored that I was asked to play a small role in the beginning of Andy and Jackie's marriage.  Lot's of hugs, kisses and well wishes were expressed all night long.

After the Wedding I drove up to Orlando to visit with my dad.  My dad just moved into an Assisted Living Center and so it was good that I was able to be there with him while everything was still new.  I was able to tie up some loose ends from the move which was a help to my two other brothers who really did the lion's share of work for this move.  We had a good time together.  I met some of the people with whom he shares meals, purchased a new phone and new plan for him, and showed him how to turn on and off the TV about 25 times!  We do have a good time together, and I think he really appreciates when I call him or visit him.  This visit was a bit more difficult because usually when I visited in the past, I stayed in the apartment with him.  This time I had to stay in a hotel, so many of the more "informal" things that occur when we are just hanging out together did not happen.  During the visit I was also able to visit with my brother Jimmy and his family on two occasions.  It was great spending a few hours each day with them.  So, my time in Orlando was spent visiting, and traveling in the car because my dad's place is about a 40 minute car ride to my brother's house.  It was good to see my niece's and nephew and catch up with them about their coming's and going's. 

Right now I am in Dayton, OH.  Today we begin Provincial Council meetings.  I arrived Friday eve and was part of the celebration at the Novitiate where they blessed the house and consecrated the Chapel.  During this weekend, there was also a meeting for our younger members of our community who are in various stages of formation.  It was great to spend time with them and hear of their struggles and successes as they continue to discern Marianist religious life.  The weather here has been pretty chilly! I went from 85 degree weather in Florida to 40s and 50s here in Dayton.  Needless to say, my suitcase was packed with all different types of clothing.  I have been able to get outside and walk around the property and spend some time doing little things here and there that needed to be completed.  I look forward to our meetings over the next 2 days and will have an opportunity to report on the next stages of the educational project.  So, all in all, things are good.  I actually miss praying and speaking in Spanish, and I hope that I am not getting rusty right now!!!!

As always, any good experience we have in life is usually a result of being around good people.  I was definitely around really good people over the past 8 days, so I had a really good experience! All for now, will write again once I return to Mexico.  Muchos abrazos.

Halloween/All Saints/All Souls

Aloha amigos! Well, I seem to be getting into a late posting pattern here.  I have great intentions during the weekend, but then find myself busy with many things, so I don't always have the time nor energy to sit down and think about the past week.  Well, it was a very interesting and busy past week.  Some highlights:

1) Meeting last weekend:
As I indicated in my last post we had a meeting of all the Brothers in the Sector last Saturday to discuss the future educational project, formation, and vocations.  The meeting went well.  Well, I found out during this week that I made yet another language fauxpaux  during the meeting.  As part of the evaluation process I handed out 4 questions for each of the Brothers to reflect on and then share with the larger group.  The first question was a "standard" question we might ask in the US...." From what you heard during our time together, what excites you the most?". Simple enough question... well when I translated excited I used the word excited which is only used in Spanish when referring to sexual excitement!!!!! While the Brothers were reflecting on the question, several brothers asked me what I meant by the first question.  At the time I was thinking to myself, well this is an fairly simple and straightforward question, why all the discussion and questions?  Well, after learning about my fauxpaux, their hesitancy to answer the question made total sense to me.  Needless to say, I had a good and needed laugh at that situation!!!

2) School
This past week was a good week at school but I still find myself having days where I understand everything and days when I feel like I don't even know one word in Spanish! We had a fun time in our conversation class and on Friday we took a field trip in the Centro to view altars that were being constructed in honor of El Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead, or for us Gringos, All Souls Day).  They really celebrate this day in a big way.  There is even a "Mercado" (market) in the Centro for Los Muertos.  All the vendors set up shop on the 29th of October and they finish selling their wares on Nov 2nd.  Some pictures of some altars and the Mercado follow.  Each of the altars are created in honor of usually one person and the altars are arranged with personal items of the deceased, symbols that represent the deceased, some food (and tequila), flowers, skulls, candles and many other objects. We had a great time looking at all the altars and going through the Mercado looking at all the items for sale.

Altar at the School

Altar in honor of Junipero Serra

Altar in a Government Building

More of the Altar above

Mercado de los Muertos

Mercado

Mercado

Mercado

 

 

Halloween is not a big holiday in Mexico, but the American influence is starting to come to Mexico.  So in the Mercado you can also find some things for Halloween, but Trick or Treating has not really made its way to Mexico yet.... but dressing up in costumes has begun to become popular.

 

3) Meeting with the Architect

We had another meeting with the architect to revise plans for the school.  This was a lengthy and confusing meeting.  All of the items we wanted included from the previous meeting did not make it into the new proposed budget, so.... we will have to wait for a new budget, but the conversation and dialogue was a good one to have, it helped clarify some of the differing opinions we have internally about the project.  It is always better to talk about these things prior to the construction company starts pouring cement!!!!  If you've ever been involved in construction before you know that the word "change order" is almost like a curse for the project and for the budget!

 

4) Sunday, Feast of All Saints

I had the 8:30am Mass at the big Chapel in the colonia. It was packed!!! I was ready, but still nervous, especially with all the people gathered for the Mass.  One of our older American priests ( Fr. Quentin) just returned from leading a retreat for one of our Brothers who will profess Final Vows at the end of January.  Fr. Quentin concelebrated with me.  He is a former Superior General of my community and really a Marianist legend and hero for many.  So, needless to say, I was feeling even a little more pressure! Well, things went well, and all the Brothers told me they really enjoyed my homily.  Fr. Quentin told me how impressed he was and he stated that what I did on Sunday, it took him three years in Mexico to do.  Well....I think he might have been exaggerating, but I did appreciate the compliment none the less. 

 

5) Last Day of Classes

Today was my last day of classes at the Language School.  I completed 7 weeks of classes over the past 10 weeks. I still have much to learn, but I am ready to just keep learning by practicing and making mistakes.  I completed the mid intermediate level of Spanish.  I enjoyed my time at the school and do feel like I've learned a lot, but I am also tired of the commute each day and the time it takes me away from the community.  I will need to be spend more time with the Brothers and more time on the property especially as we begin the construction process. 

 

I will be headed back to the US for two weeks to witness a Wedding in Florida of an alum of Chaminade-Madonna, then I will visit my father in Orlando.  He just moved into an Assisted Living Center today, so the timing of my visit will be good for him and for me to see him in his new environment.  I will end my time in the US back in Dayton for Provincial Council meetings.  I will try and post and keep you updated during my trip.  I'm sure there will be plenty to report. 

 

So, as usual, here is my homily for Todos Los Santos (All Saints)

 

Today is one of my favorite feast days in the Church calendar.  Today we celebrate the many men and women who have gone before us in faith who have lived a life that the Church states is worthy of example.  There are so many faith filled men and women who have lived ordinary lives but have done extraordinary things because of their love for the Lord.  They have become known as saints.  Now there are thousands of men and women who are “official” saints, but you and I probably know many other men and women who have lived ordinary lives but have done extraordinary things because of their love for the Lord.  I imagine that each of us here could think of several people among our friends and relatives whom we would consider as saints.  Amen?

And so, who is a saint?  A saint is a friend of God.  A person who is committed to doing the right thing for the right reasons.  A person who looks out for others, who considers others needs before their own, who sacrifice and who try to see the goodness in others.  This description certainly sounds like a parent and grandparent…Amen?  We are all called to be saints. Yes, it is important to reflect upon the lives of people such as St. Francis, St. Dominic, St. Ignatius, St. Therese, St. Terese, Mother Teresa, and many others who are sharing love with God in heaven, but today we should think about ourselves, and how we can be the saints that God wants us to be.

So, how can we grow in holiness?  How can we be holy as God is holy.  The reading today give us a glimpse into how to live a life of holiness.  Do you want to be holy?  Say Amen if you want to be holy.  Repeat after me, I want to be holy!!

The first reading provides us with a wonderful image.  An image of all those who are redeemed because of their belief in Jesus Christ. They are wearing white- the image of the baptismal garment and they have remained faithful to Jesus through trial and tribulation.  They can’t help but praise God because of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who shed his blood for us.  When I imagine this scene, I think of my mother and grandmothers who are now deceased, but who have remained faithful to Jesus through trial and tribulation, through the joys and pains of life, who sacrificed much for their family and are now singing the praises of God in heaven.  When I think of this feast I think of my mom and grandmothers.  Who do you think of?

In the first letter of John, we are reminded that all of us are God’s children because God first loved us.  We are God’s children now, we do not know what the future will hold for any of us.  We should rejoice in knowing that as children of God we have a special relationship with God as our parent and Jesus as our brother.  When we know we are loved and part of a family, we then can act in a way that celebrates this special relationship.  When we know we are God’s children, nothing can separate us from that special relationship. Even hardship and death does not separate us from this special relationship.  When I think of some of the saints in my life who encountered many trials and painful deaths I think of Br. Charles Roggemann, Br. George Dury, Fr. Richard Knuge, Fr. John McEnhill, Fr. Michael Barber.  These men, even in their suffering, knew that they were God’s children and lived their lives with that message.  When I think of this feast, I think of these men.  Who do you think of?

And finally, if we are to be saints, then we are to live our lives as people who follow the Beatitudes as proclaimed in the Gospel of Mark.  Saints are people who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who suffer, who hunger and thirst for justice, who are merciful, who are pure of heart, who work for peace, who are persecuted, and who are injured because of their faith.  Saints are people who live out the beatitudes and who know in their lives that they have seen glimpses of the reign of God, by comforting the sorrowful, and living a life of humility, mercy, and service because they see God in their daily lives and work to bring peace to every situation.  When I think of people who live the Beatitudes in their life I think of people like my Aunt Alice, Laura Friscia, Becky Swofford, Carol LaMont, Dianne Mistelkse, Joanne Bolooki, Br. Tom Pieper, Br. Brandon Paluch, Sr. Nicole Trahan.  Unlike the others who remind me of saints, this list is of living saints.  People who live ordinary lives and who try to do extraordinary things for God.  There are Beatitude people all around us.  I am sure you have some in your family and in this Church.  Who do you think of when you think of Beatitude people?

So, I am so glad that the Church celebrates this day of men and women who show us how to live a life of holiness.  Some saints are “official” but most saints are not.  They are our friends, family members, co-workers, members of our Church or religious community.  Saints know that they are counted among the redeemed, know that they are children of God, and know that the only way to follow Jesus is to live out the Beatitudes.  I know many saints.  I think you do too.  Turn to the person next to you and ask them, “Do you want to be a saint?” The answer for all of us should be, Yes…I am already on my way! Amen!

Hoy en día es una de mis fiestas favoritas en el calendario de la Iglesia. Hoy celebramos los muchos hombres y mujeres que nos han precedido en la fe que han vivido una vida que los estados de la Iglesia es digno de ejemplo. Hay tantos hombres y mujeres de fe llena que han vivido vidas normales, pero lo han hecho cosas extraordinarias debido a su amor por el Señor. Ellos han llegado a conocerse como santos. Ahora hay miles de hombres y mujeres que son santos "oficiales", pero tú y yo probablemente sabemos muchos otros hombres y mujeres que han vivido una vida normal, pero lo han hecho cosas extraordinarias debido a su amor por el Señor. Me imagino que cada uno de nosotros podríamos pensar de varias personas entre nuestros amigos y parientes quienes consideraríamos como santos. Amén?

Y por eso, que es un santo? Un santo es un amigo de Dios. Una persona que se ha comprometido a hacer lo correcto por las razones correctas. Una persona que cuida de los demás, que se considera a las necesidades de otros antes que las propias, que se sacrifican y que tratan de ver la bondad en los demás. Esta descripción ciertamente suena como un padre y abuelo ... Amén? Todos estamos llamados a ser santos. Sí, es importante reflexionar sobre la vida de las personas, tales como San Francisco, Santo Domingo, San Ignacio, Santa Teresa, Santa Terese de Jesus, la Madre Teresa, Padre Chaminade y muchos otros que están compartiendo el amor con Dios en el cielo, pero hoy debemos pensar en nosotros mismos, y cómo podemos ser los santos que Dios quiere que seamos.

Así que, ¿cómo podemos crecer en santidad? ¿Cómo podemos ser santos como Dios es santo. La lectura de hoy nos dan una visión de cómo vivir una vida de santidad. ¿Quieres ser santo? Decir Amén si quieres ser santo. Repita después de mí, quiero ser santo !!

Las primeras invitaciones de lectura nos proporciona una imagen maravillosa. Una imagen de todos los que son redimidos por su creencia en Jesucristo. Se trata de llevar blanco- la imagen de la prenda bautismal y se han mantenido fieles a Jesús a través de pruebas y tribulaciones. No pueden dejar de alabar a Dios por Jesucristo, el Cordero que derramó su sangre por nosotros. Cuando me imagino esta escena, pienso en mi madre y abuelas que ya han fallecido, pero que han permanecido fieles a Jesús a través de prueba y tribulación, por medio de las alegrías y los dolores de la vida, que sacrificó mucho por su familia y ahora están cantando las alabanzas de Dios en el cielo. Cuando pienso en esta fiesta pienso en mi mamá y abuelas. ¿Qué piensas de?

En la primera carta de Juan, se nos recuerda que todos somos hijos de Dios, porque Dios nos amó primero. Somos hijos de Dios, no sabemos lo que nos depara el futuro para ninguno de nosotros. Debemos alegrarnos de saber que como hijos de Dios tenemos una relación especial con Dios como nuestro padre y Jesús como nuestro hermano. Cuando sabemos que somos amados y parte de una familia, entonces podemos actuar de una manera que celebra esta relación especial. Cuando sabemos que somos hijos de Dios, nada puede separarnos de esa relación especial. Incluso las dificultades y la muerte no nos separa de esta relación especial. Cuando pienso en algunos de los santos en mi vida que se encontraron con muchas pruebas y muertes dolorosas, pienso en Br. Charles Roggemann, Br. George Dury, P. Richard Knuge, P. John McEnhill, P. Michael Barber. Estos hombres, incluso en su sufrimiento, sabían que eran los hijos de Dios y vivieron sus vidas con ese mensaje. Cuando pienso en esta fiesta, creo que de estos hombres. ¿Qué piensas de?

Y, por último, si hemos de ser santos, entonces debemos vivir nuestras vidas como personas que siguen las Bienaventuranzas como se proclama en el Evangelio de Marcos. Los santos son personas que son pobres de espíritu, que lloran, que sufren, que tienen hambre y sed de justicia, que son misericordiosos, que son puros de corazón, que trabajan por la paz, que son perseguidos, y que se lesionan debido a su fe. Los santos son personas que viven fuera de las bienaventuranzas y que saben en sus vidas que han visto destellos del reino de Dios, por consolar a los tristes, y vivir una vida de humildad, la misericordia y el servicio porque ven a Dios en su vida cotidiana y trabajar para lograr la paz en todas las situaciones. Cuando pienso en la gente que vive las bienaventuranzas en mi vida Pienso en personas como mi tía Alice, Laura Friscia, Becky Swofford, Carol LaMont, Dianne Mistelkse, Joanne Bolooki, Br. Tom Pieper, Br. Brandon Paluch, Sr. Nicole Trahan. A diferencia de los otros que me recuerdan a santos, esta lista es de los santos vivientes. Las personas que viven vidas comunes y que tratan de hacer cosas extraordinarias para Dios. Hay gente Bienaventuranzas nuestro alrededor. Estoy seguro de que ustedes tienen un poco en su familia y en esta Iglesia. ¿De Quién piensa que cuando se piensa en la gente Bienaventuranzas?

Por lo tanto, estoy muy contenta de que la Iglesia celebra este día de hombres y mujeres que nos muestran cómo vivir una vida de santidad. Algunos santos son "oficial", pero la mayoría de los santos no son. Ellos son nuestros amigos, familiares, compañeros de trabajo, miembros de nuestra Iglesia o comunidad religiosa. Santos saben que se cuentan entre los redimidos, saben que son hijos de Dios, y saben que la única manera de seguir a Jesús es vivir las Bienaventuranzas. Sé que muchos santos. Creo que tú también. Gire a la persona a tu lado y preguntarles, "¿Quieres ser un santo?" La respuesta para todos nosotros debe ser, Sí ... Yo ya estoy en mi camino! ¡Amén!