One of the more senior clergy, a witty and wise Scots gentleman, loaned me a DVD series with 48 half-hour lectures [!] on the history of England from the Tudors to the Stuarts. With the viewing of the introduction, I am hooked and fascinated. Though many of us may have heard about Mary, Queen of Scots, a Stuart, most of us are more familiar with Henry VIII, a Tudor.
Every once and awhile the newspapers surprise me with excellently written and cogent articles. Alas, as Tom Brokaw has recently opined, not in regard to politics: this type of reporting has become so partisan as to be a waste of most readers' time. However, this past week the local paper had two excellent articles both touching on habit and addiction. It is the rare family that does not have some kind of struggle with these 'issues.'
Though he is best known for his fascinating series CATHOLICISM, Chicago priest Fr Robert Barron also has a series of You Tube reflections. One of his latest was a brief reflection on the film documentary Bully. I have not seen it but certainly will because the problem of bullying, which has been around for centuries, is more often getting the serious attention it deserves.
Though I must admit I am not a soccer fan, the recent death at 25 of Italian soccer star Pietromarino Morosini during a televised game in Italy touched me.
Having been to Assisi a few times, I like to joke about the fact that St. Francis had an uncanny ability when it came to choosing real estate. Assisi itself is a lovely city perched on a hill. Nearby Cortona is enchanting with a little eremo [hermitage] among the trees and garden where Francis used to escape to pray. Mt. Alverna, where he received the stigmata in 1224, is beautiful with stunning views in every direction.
This weekend we are having nothing less than a sacramental explosion: two First Communion Masses as well as Confirmation. Since Bishop Garcia is on his ad limina [every five years'] visit to the Holy Father, Fr. Peter has been delegated to confirm our youth. The Church is handing on what has been handed to us and it is not just some philosophy or helpful hints for living but an encounter with the risen Jesus. As Leo the Great said centuries ago, "What was visible in our Redeemer has passed over into the sacramental mysteries."
Here it is, a lovely Easter celebration...and all I can think about is funerals. It has been my privilege in this parish to preside at many, if not most of them, in the past six years or so. It should be no surprise but many of our parishioners depart this life in their 90s--and in fairly good shape. What I find heartening is that people in Monterey still have funerals; in that city across the Monterey Bay, 80% do not. But there are some serious issues…
Perhaps I have been in denial for much of my priestly life but San Carlos Cathedral parish does appear to have a number of individuals and families who are sometimes overwhelmed with suffering. Not just one death but another family member departing very soon after; not just illness but financial trouble; not just accident but betrayal. I could go on.
During our recent parish retreat, one of our parishioners gave a personal reflection. He talked a bit about a serious health issue and then he shared how much he had profited from 'the two most underrated sacraments in the Church'—Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation. Sitting in the assembly, I could only agree.
Though it is not a holyday of obligation, this Monday is the Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It used to also be a national holiday, but March 19 is now Father's Day in Italy. It is strange to relate that St Joseph only began to be honored with a feast in the Church in the 10th century; since the Reformation he has become one of the most beloved saints in the calendar.
