Had trouble getting into the blog, and just succeeded at 8:55, so this will have to be very short.
In the footsteps of John the Baptist, the Marist is the voice of one crying in the wilderness of ignorance and poverty, announcing that Jesus is the Savior, and the source of all our strength as we day in and day out proclaim the "Good News". John put Jesus first, staying in the background yet with a sense of purpose and great moral courage, did his best to guide people and challenge them (as with King Herod). Our mission is the same today.
Bro. Rene
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Vocations Programs
In 1815, three men were ordained deacons: Jean-Marie Vianney (the saintly Cure of Ars), Jean-Claude Colin, founder of the Marist Fathers, and Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers and canonized in 1999. Little did the ordaining bishop know what power he was instrumental in unleashing on these three humble men. Little did they themselves suspect how the Holy Spirit would use them to restore the weakened Church in post-revolutionary France, and in the whole world, for that matter. Thousands flocked to Ars to confess their sins to the Cure who spent 16-18 hours a day in the confessional. The Marist Fathers brought the faith to Oceania, where it flourishes to this day. The Marist Brothers educate youth, particularly those most neglected, in 79 countries. The ripple effect from these ordinations continues to spread and invigorate the Church. In our day when it seems that the Church is "losing ground" due to it's own internal flaws, and as the target of rampant secularism and materialism, the example of these three men inspires hope and challenges us to deepen our faith and trust that somewhere people are being called, prepared, and strengthened to help overcome the erosion and reinvigorate the mission and purpose of the Church, i.e. to bring Christ and his message to all peoples.
The Marist Brothers have revitalized their efforts worldwide to invite young men to join the ranks of the sons of Champagnat, with much success in the Third World. Inspired by these efforts, increased activity to invite young Americans is taking place in our schools and on the web. The website, www.maristbr.com/vocationresources.php contains a wealth of exciting materials and programs for promoting a "culture of vocations". In addition to these resources, the very successful "personal approach", of simply chatting with young men, telling them what qualities they possess (most don't see these themselves), and inviting them to consider the exciting and adventuresome, as well as soul-satisfying life as a Brother, is being pursued more aggressively. It's a seed planting moment, but one that bears fruit in God's time. As with the three men we remember today, God works wonders in the most "unlikely" of candidates. We hope, we trust, we believe.
Bro. Rene
The Marist Brothers have revitalized their efforts worldwide to invite young men to join the ranks of the sons of Champagnat, with much success in the Third World. Inspired by these efforts, increased activity to invite young Americans is taking place in our schools and on the web. The website, www.maristbr.com/vocationresources.php contains a wealth of exciting materials and programs for promoting a "culture of vocations". In addition to these resources, the very successful "personal approach", of simply chatting with young men, telling them what qualities they possess (most don't see these themselves), and inviting them to consider the exciting and adventuresome, as well as soul-satisfying life as a Brother, is being pursued more aggressively. It's a seed planting moment, but one that bears fruit in God's time. As with the three men we remember today, God works wonders in the most "unlikely" of candidates. We hope, we trust, we believe.
Bro. Rene
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Saying Thank You
Was it just once instance, or is teaching children to say "thank you" disappearing from our culture? Last evening at a thriving ice cream estblishment, while standing near the serving windows enjoying my "Kiddie" almond joy cone, I witnessed a constant stream of families, coaches and youngsters in the 9-12 range come for a post-game treat, it appeared. What became glaringly obvious to me was that not one of these children said "thank you" when the parent or coach handed them their cup or cone and not one parent insisted on a "thank you." Only one parent told his son to say "thank you" to the teen who served the cup directly to him. There was definitely something missing. It may be a generational or family custom, but insistance on saying "thank you" even to (should be especially to) a parent was the order of the day. "Take nothing for granted...always express your gratitude" was a family value, and certainly ranks high among our Marist values. Perhaps in addition to "making Jesus known and loved", our mission must include some of these basic values and "civilities" that are being lost in the "me culture" of today.
Along these lines, it is an honor to offer a word of gratitude to three Board members who have completed their nine year terms and were appropriately thanked at last night's meeting: Jack Shaw, former president for at least four years, Heather Annaloro, and Arthur Richter, all of whom having served with fidelity and zeal; Tom Burkardt, who will remain on the Board, completed his two year term as chairman. To them, a hearty "thank you" for their dedication and selfless sharing of their skills and talents.
Bro. Rene
Along these lines, it is an honor to offer a word of gratitude to three Board members who have completed their nine year terms and were appropriately thanked at last night's meeting: Jack Shaw, former president for at least four years, Heather Annaloro, and Arthur Richter, all of whom having served with fidelity and zeal; Tom Burkardt, who will remain on the Board, completed his two year term as chairman. To them, a hearty "thank you" for their dedication and selfless sharing of their skills and talents.
Bro. Rene
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Purity of Heart
St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the youthful Jesuit who died while caring for victims of the Plague, and whose memory we commemorate today, was noted for his innocence and purity of heart. He has long been proposed as a model for youth and his intercession is sought by parents (and teens themselves) for the virtue of purity both of body and of heart. St. Marcellin was a strong proponent of the Presence of God and direct prayer for the preservation of "the angelic virtue", but the virtue of simplicity, being straightfoward and genuine, was also high on his list, and has indeed become a Marist characteristic and hallmark. Paul advised the young Timothy: "...turn from youthful desires (also translated "lusts") and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with purity of heart." (2 Tim 2:22). When we find a person who is pure of heart, it is as though we can see God living in that person's heart; God is reflected in his/her eyes and behavior. "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God." (Matt 5:1), yes, and blessed are we who can see God because of that pure heart.
Bro. Rene
Bro. Rene
Monday, June 20, 2011
Praying Constantly
We are already into the third week of June. The summer solstice is tomorrow, summer officially begins, and (ugh) the days will now start to get shorter. The cycle that has gone on for eons continues and there's no stopping it. It is up to us to adjust and adapt to the rhythm of life, the rhythm of the universe, the rhythm established by our ever constant, ever loving God. It boggles the mind to consider the intricacies of God's plan, the marvels of creation, the personal love of God for each one of us. It humbles us and at times leads to feelings of inadequacy or futility, as time after time, we find ourselves failing to live up to OUR expectations, especially with regard to prayer.
Fr. Ben Goeschel, C.F. R., has a book that might serve to put us back on track: Praying Constantly: Bringing Your Faith to Life. At one point he states, "We don't have to pray perfectly because Jesus constantly waits for us at the well. Jesus understands our prayers--those we utter and those we cannot give words to--infinitely better than we ever will." We are reminded that "The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart." Psalm 33 assures us that "the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him,/ upon those who hope for his kindness,/ to deliver them from death/ and perserve them in spirte of famine." (Ps 33: 18-19). There's no right or wrong; if we keep attempting to pray, if we are as constant as we in our human condition can be, then we will come to learn that God is the one who yearns for us, more than we for God, and we will find our love and our confidence, our peace and abiding joy cultivated, tilled and brought to a fruitful harvest. Let summer begin; God is there for the length of our days, "always and forever."
Bro. Rene
Fr. Ben Goeschel, C.F. R., has a book that might serve to put us back on track: Praying Constantly: Bringing Your Faith to Life. At one point he states, "We don't have to pray perfectly because Jesus constantly waits for us at the well. Jesus understands our prayers--those we utter and those we cannot give words to--infinitely better than we ever will." We are reminded that "The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart." Psalm 33 assures us that "the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him,/ upon those who hope for his kindness,/ to deliver them from death/ and perserve them in spirte of famine." (Ps 33: 18-19). There's no right or wrong; if we keep attempting to pray, if we are as constant as we in our human condition can be, then we will come to learn that God is the one who yearns for us, more than we for God, and we will find our love and our confidence, our peace and abiding joy cultivated, tilled and brought to a fruitful harvest. Let summer begin; God is there for the length of our days, "always and forever."
Bro. Rene
Saturday, June 18, 2011
A Father's Reflection
Yesterday's post contained an error: there were only six brothers celebrating their 60th anniversary, hence the total number of years is 1,020, not 1,140. I based my calculations on an inaccurate list.
Today Michael Randall shares an inspiring reflection on Fatherhood. May all Fathers be as blessed as Michael. Let us also remember that this day is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the Source of all Fatherhood and Love.
Bro. Rene
By Michael Randall, Associate Director for Development and proud dad!
If there are two “callings” in my life of which I am certain, it is the call to be a faithful husband and the call to be a loving father. With my wife by my side, being good parents to our children is central to our relationship. I love being a dad. It is truly one of God’s greatest blessings.
I love my kids unconditionally, but children are challenging. There are times when being a good dad is not easy. For the most part, my strength as an individual (as well as the support of a wonderful wife in Karen) gets me through the every day bumps. Trials like convincing Sam that broccoli is delicious and will make him jump as high as Spiderman or encouraging Cassie that she does not need to apply maple syrup as hair gel. My own constitution gets me through most days… most.
Other times, more challenging times, I realize I cannot do it alone. I find myself asking for the guidance of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Catholic Fathers. I think about his challenges as a Father to Jesus and how his sincere faith in God and his calling as the “head of household” to the Holy Family got him through even the darkest days.
We all have those dark days. For me, my darkest, most challenging days came as a young father, with a very sick child. Our Matthew Joseph was born with a rare disease that would push his little being to the limits and ultimately deliver him to paradise above. During his short eight months on earth, I reached out to Saint Joseph through daily prayer to get me through. Still to this day (most days), when the memories revisit, bringing with them the pain of loss, I find a bit of comfort in Saint Joseph and his strength as a father.
While we all have different definitions of our darkest days (my next “darkest day” could be taking a splinter out of Sam’s foot), I encourage you to have faith in your abilities as a father. Trust that God and his Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, want us all to succeed as good dads, to raise good Christian children, and to live out our days with a genuine commitment to our families, as Joseph did. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We, as fathers, cannot, and should not, be expected to face the darkest days alone. Ask Saint Joseph for his loving guidance.
On this father’s day we pray:
Saint Joseph, patron saint of Catholic Fathers,
Role model parent and source of strength,
Pray for us,
That we may continue to be good fathers to our children,
Raising them to be good people and faithful servants of your son.
Be with us in our darkest hours when we call out to you,
and in our daily routines as we face life’s little challenges.
Help us to answer the “call of fatherhood” with confidence and reverence.
Amen.
Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there! Remember to give your kid an extra squeeze today, they truly are a blessing; so are you!
Today Michael Randall shares an inspiring reflection on Fatherhood. May all Fathers be as blessed as Michael. Let us also remember that this day is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the Source of all Fatherhood and Love.
Bro. Rene
By Michael Randall, Associate Director for Development and proud dad!
If there are two “callings” in my life of which I am certain, it is the call to be a faithful husband and the call to be a loving father. With my wife by my side, being good parents to our children is central to our relationship. I love being a dad. It is truly one of God’s greatest blessings.
I love my kids unconditionally, but children are challenging. There are times when being a good dad is not easy. For the most part, my strength as an individual (as well as the support of a wonderful wife in Karen) gets me through the every day bumps. Trials like convincing Sam that broccoli is delicious and will make him jump as high as Spiderman or encouraging Cassie that she does not need to apply maple syrup as hair gel. My own constitution gets me through most days… most.
Other times, more challenging times, I realize I cannot do it alone. I find myself asking for the guidance of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of Catholic Fathers. I think about his challenges as a Father to Jesus and how his sincere faith in God and his calling as the “head of household” to the Holy Family got him through even the darkest days.
We all have those dark days. For me, my darkest, most challenging days came as a young father, with a very sick child. Our Matthew Joseph was born with a rare disease that would push his little being to the limits and ultimately deliver him to paradise above. During his short eight months on earth, I reached out to Saint Joseph through daily prayer to get me through. Still to this day (most days), when the memories revisit, bringing with them the pain of loss, I find a bit of comfort in Saint Joseph and his strength as a father.
While we all have different definitions of our darkest days (my next “darkest day” could be taking a splinter out of Sam’s foot), I encourage you to have faith in your abilities as a father. Trust that God and his Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, want us all to succeed as good dads, to raise good Christian children, and to live out our days with a genuine commitment to our families, as Joseph did. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We, as fathers, cannot, and should not, be expected to face the darkest days alone. Ask Saint Joseph for his loving guidance.
On this father’s day we pray:
Saint Joseph, patron saint of Catholic Fathers,
Role model parent and source of strength,
Pray for us,
That we may continue to be good fathers to our children,
Raising them to be good people and faithful servants of your son.
Be with us in our darkest hours when we call out to you,
and in our daily routines as we face life’s little challenges.
Help us to answer the “call of fatherhood” with confidence and reverence.
Amen.
Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there! Remember to give your kid an extra squeeze today, they truly are a blessing; so are you!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Marist Jubilee Celebration
First an apology for not indicating that there would be no Daily Bread on Friday. I was at Camp Marist with close to 100 students and faculty for part of our Leadership Training Program, Camp Champagnat. It was going very well when I left Friday evening and will conclude at noon today.
Also today, seventeen Marist Brothers will celebrating their Jubilees at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, Long Island, representing 1,140 years of Marist Consecrated Life. Brother Valerian T. Doiron, at age 97, close to 98, will be celebrating 80 years as a Marist Brother. Needless to say, this is a rare, almost unique milestone in American Marist history, or even in the global Marist World. Br. Bernard Curtin, reaches 75 years, another rarity, and four brothers have reached their 70th anniversary. Eight, their 60th, and four, their 5oth. One brother, his 25th, a mere "child" among these record-breaking veterans. Marists from all corners of the province will join the Jubilarians for a Mass of Thanksgiving, at which we will all renew our vows, and continue the feast over a fine meal. St. Marcellin left us an injunction in his Spiritual Testament, to "love our vocations, to be faithful and steadfast to them to the end with manly courage." He reminds us that "there are difficulties in leading the life of a good religious, but grace sweetens all their bitterness, Jesus and Mary will come to your aid, and besides life is soon over and eternity never ends." (The Spiritual Testament of Joseph Benedict Marcellin Champagnat). These brother jubilarians have taken these words to heart and serve as models for all Marists, vowed and lay. Ad Multos Annos!
Bro. Rene
Also today, seventeen Marist Brothers will celebrating their Jubilees at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, Long Island, representing 1,140 years of Marist Consecrated Life. Brother Valerian T. Doiron, at age 97, close to 98, will be celebrating 80 years as a Marist Brother. Needless to say, this is a rare, almost unique milestone in American Marist history, or even in the global Marist World. Br. Bernard Curtin, reaches 75 years, another rarity, and four brothers have reached their 70th anniversary. Eight, their 60th, and four, their 5oth. One brother, his 25th, a mere "child" among these record-breaking veterans. Marists from all corners of the province will join the Jubilarians for a Mass of Thanksgiving, at which we will all renew our vows, and continue the feast over a fine meal. St. Marcellin left us an injunction in his Spiritual Testament, to "love our vocations, to be faithful and steadfast to them to the end with manly courage." He reminds us that "there are difficulties in leading the life of a good religious, but grace sweetens all their bitterness, Jesus and Mary will come to your aid, and besides life is soon over and eternity never ends." (The Spiritual Testament of Joseph Benedict Marcellin Champagnat). These brother jubilarians have taken these words to heart and serve as models for all Marists, vowed and lay. Ad Multos Annos!
Bro. Rene
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