October 14, 2018
ST. OSCAR ARNULFO ROMERO, PRAY FOR US
Today, Sunday, October 14th Pope Francis will canonize two influential and faithful priests into official Saints of the Church; Blessed Pope Paul VI and Blessed Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador. I had the opportunity not only to visit the hospital of the Divine Providence where St. Oscar Romero was martyred, but also to celebrate Mass at the very altar where his blood was spilled. We will have a Mass of Thanksgiving in Spanish at 7pm Sunday, October 21, 2018 in honor of St. Oscar Romero. Join us please!
My visit was with the youth of my first assigned parish of St. Brigid, Westbury. Every year the Youth Minister from St. Brigid held a pilgrimage for youth and adults sponsored by the CFCA (Children’s Foundation for Children and Aging). The purpose of the trip was to see and experience true poverty where many families of St. Brigid originated from and still do today, including our own from St. Ignatius.
When we arrived at the chapel where St. Oscar Romero died while celebrating Mass, I could not help but think about Good Friday and where Jesus spilled his blood on the cross for us out of love.St. Romero did the same out of love for his Church and his Country. I decided to enter the chapel as we would enter our church for Good Friday. I wore red vestments for the occasion. While I prostrated on the floor, all knelt in silence. It was an incredible, indescribable moment in being at the altar where this great man was martyred and thinking about the life of a man who gave himself to Jesus for the souls of his people in need.
Archbishop Romero was born on August 15, 1917. He was ordained a Priest in 1942. After earning a doctorate in ascetical theology, he returned home and became a parish priest and rector of an Inter-diocesan seminary. He was appointed Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, in 1977.
St. Romero was considered a “safe choice” at the time of the violent Civil War in his country. He refused to make waves against the government in any way, even though it was accused of kidnapping and murdering its own people, for fear of communism. It did not matter if they were guilty or innocent. The Church hierarchy often sided with governing forces at the time, for fear of a communist takeover.
It was not until three weeks after his appointment as archbishop, that Romero was shaken and transformed by the murder of his good friend, Jesuit Father Rutilio Grande, a vigorous defender of the rights of the poor. Five more priests were assassinated in the Archdiocese of San Salvador during Romero’s years as its shepherd.
When a military junta seized control of the national government in 1979, Archbishop Romero publicly criticized the US government for backing the junta. His weekly radio sermons, broadcast throughout the country, were regarded by many as the most trustworthy source of news available. St. Romero’s funeral was celebrated in the plaza outside the cathedral and drew an estimated 250,000 mourners. His tomb in the cathedral crypt soon drew thousands of visitors each year. On February 3, 2015, Pope Francis authorized a decree recognizing Oscar Romero as a martyr for the faith. His beatification took place in San Salvador on May 23, 2015.
St. Oscar Romero is called the Model Pastor and the Model Bishop for us all. As one Salvadoran woman described him, Archbishop Romero “is not ours but he is St. Romero of the Americas, now he is going to be St. Romero of the world." Following Jesus always requires choices. Romero’s fiercest critics conveniently dismissed his choices as politically inspired. He shows us how an incarnational faith must be expressed publicly. Pray for the people of El Salvador and all Salvadorans of our parish today. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
Today, Sunday, October 14th Pope Francis will canonize two influential and faithful priests into official Saints of the Church; Blessed Pope Paul VI and Blessed Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador. I had the opportunity not only to visit the hospital of the Divine Providence where St. Oscar Romero was martyred, but also to celebrate Mass at the very altar where his blood was spilled. We will have a Mass of Thanksgiving in Spanish at 7pm Sunday, October 21, 2018 in honor of St. Oscar Romero. Join us please!
My visit was with the youth of my first assigned parish of St. Brigid, Westbury. Every year the Youth Minister from St. Brigid held a pilgrimage for youth and adults sponsored by the CFCA (Children’s Foundation for Children and Aging). The purpose of the trip was to see and experience true poverty where many families of St. Brigid originated from and still do today, including our own from St. Ignatius.
When we arrived at the chapel where St. Oscar Romero died while celebrating Mass, I could not help but think about Good Friday and where Jesus spilled his blood on the cross for us out of love.St. Romero did the same out of love for his Church and his Country. I decided to enter the chapel as we would enter our church for Good Friday. I wore red vestments for the occasion. While I prostrated on the floor, all knelt in silence. It was an incredible, indescribable moment in being at the altar where this great man was martyred and thinking about the life of a man who gave himself to Jesus for the souls of his people in need.
Archbishop Romero was born on August 15, 1917. He was ordained a Priest in 1942. After earning a doctorate in ascetical theology, he returned home and became a parish priest and rector of an Inter-diocesan seminary. He was appointed Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, in 1977.
St. Romero was considered a “safe choice” at the time of the violent Civil War in his country. He refused to make waves against the government in any way, even though it was accused of kidnapping and murdering its own people, for fear of communism. It did not matter if they were guilty or innocent. The Church hierarchy often sided with governing forces at the time, for fear of a communist takeover.
It was not until three weeks after his appointment as archbishop, that Romero was shaken and transformed by the murder of his good friend, Jesuit Father Rutilio Grande, a vigorous defender of the rights of the poor. Five more priests were assassinated in the Archdiocese of San Salvador during Romero’s years as its shepherd.
When a military junta seized control of the national government in 1979, Archbishop Romero publicly criticized the US government for backing the junta. His weekly radio sermons, broadcast throughout the country, were regarded by many as the most trustworthy source of news available. St. Romero’s funeral was celebrated in the plaza outside the cathedral and drew an estimated 250,000 mourners. His tomb in the cathedral crypt soon drew thousands of visitors each year. On February 3, 2015, Pope Francis authorized a decree recognizing Oscar Romero as a martyr for the faith. His beatification took place in San Salvador on May 23, 2015.
St. Oscar Romero is called the Model Pastor and the Model Bishop for us all. As one Salvadoran woman described him, Archbishop Romero “is not ours but he is St. Romero of the Americas, now he is going to be St. Romero of the world." Following Jesus always requires choices. Romero’s fiercest critics conveniently dismissed his choices as politically inspired. He shows us how an incarnational faith must be expressed publicly. Pray for the people of El Salvador and all Salvadorans of our parish today. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
October 7, 2018
CONTINUING OUR MISSION-THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE WHERE WE ARE-$1,231,645.28 WHERE WE NEED TO BE- $1,500,000
As we inch closer toward our Capital Campaign goal, work on the parking lot continues. My hope is that by the time you read this column, the project will be completed! Thank you for patience and flexibility during this time. Due to the weather and other conditions in the lot, the project took longer than expected. Doesn’t an issue happen at home, work or school that tries your patience?
In light of all that is going on in our country, our Church and on social media, we can easily lose patience with one another. Jesus said “By your patience you will save your soul”. In an article I read on Catholic Exchange.com by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV, here are 5 simple suggestions that can help us with building patience within ourselves and each other.
FIRST-PRAY
Pray not only for the charming ones we love, but pray also for the person who irritates you or can be a thorn in your side.
SECOND-HUMILITY
When you are tempted to look down on a person, think about your own egregious actions and God’s mercy towards you. This will help you look upon that person with a different set of eyes. We seem to live in a country that points fingers, but has no mercy.
THIRD-ACT CONTRARY TO YOUR IMPULSIVENESS-AGERE CONTRA
In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius Loyola, writes about agere contra. This is a short Latin phrase to go against. The next time you feel tempted to be impatient, unkind, cold, or downright mean to a person who presses your buttons, do the opposite. A smile, kind word, nice gesture-even a small gift is pleasing to God. This conquering of self is difficult. But once done, this is a victory and a sign of God’s grace in your life.
FOURTH-PATIENCE WITH YOURSELF
Sometimes we are so concerned with perfection, that we lose sight of being kind to our- selves. When we are not kind to self, we act out against everyone else. While we all sin, this should not discourage us from starting again. The Founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, Venerable Bruno Lanteri expressed it in two short words, and these two words say it all: Nunc coepi, meaning now I begin. In other words, after we fall or fail in one way or another, we should get up, dust ourselves off, launch ourselves into the loving arms of God the Father (the image of Saint Therese of Lisieux), and simply start anew! Trust in God’s grace.
FIFTH-PATIENCE WITH GOD
God’s ways are not always our ways. Instead of fighting with God when things don’t go your way, ask him to help you to trust in his infinite love, care and plan for you. Beg our lady, who stayed at the cross watching Jesus suffering and die, to help you to have great trust and patience in God’s plan for your life.
Our next Continuing Our Mission projects are the rectory roof and a new organ! Thank you for your contributions! If you have not donated yet, think of doing so. No gift is ever too small! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
As we inch closer toward our Capital Campaign goal, work on the parking lot continues. My hope is that by the time you read this column, the project will be completed! Thank you for patience and flexibility during this time. Due to the weather and other conditions in the lot, the project took longer than expected. Doesn’t an issue happen at home, work or school that tries your patience?
In light of all that is going on in our country, our Church and on social media, we can easily lose patience with one another. Jesus said “By your patience you will save your soul”. In an article I read on Catholic Exchange.com by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV, here are 5 simple suggestions that can help us with building patience within ourselves and each other.
FIRST-PRAY
Pray not only for the charming ones we love, but pray also for the person who irritates you or can be a thorn in your side.
SECOND-HUMILITY
When you are tempted to look down on a person, think about your own egregious actions and God’s mercy towards you. This will help you look upon that person with a different set of eyes. We seem to live in a country that points fingers, but has no mercy.
THIRD-ACT CONTRARY TO YOUR IMPULSIVENESS-AGERE CONTRA
In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius Loyola, writes about agere contra. This is a short Latin phrase to go against. The next time you feel tempted to be impatient, unkind, cold, or downright mean to a person who presses your buttons, do the opposite. A smile, kind word, nice gesture-even a small gift is pleasing to God. This conquering of self is difficult. But once done, this is a victory and a sign of God’s grace in your life.
FOURTH-PATIENCE WITH YOURSELF
Sometimes we are so concerned with perfection, that we lose sight of being kind to our- selves. When we are not kind to self, we act out against everyone else. While we all sin, this should not discourage us from starting again. The Founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, Venerable Bruno Lanteri expressed it in two short words, and these two words say it all: Nunc coepi, meaning now I begin. In other words, after we fall or fail in one way or another, we should get up, dust ourselves off, launch ourselves into the loving arms of God the Father (the image of Saint Therese of Lisieux), and simply start anew! Trust in God’s grace.
FIFTH-PATIENCE WITH GOD
God’s ways are not always our ways. Instead of fighting with God when things don’t go your way, ask him to help you to trust in his infinite love, care and plan for you. Beg our lady, who stayed at the cross watching Jesus suffering and die, to help you to have great trust and patience in God’s plan for your life.
Our next Continuing Our Mission projects are the rectory roof and a new organ! Thank you for your contributions! If you have not donated yet, think of doing so. No gift is ever too small! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor
September 30, 2018
WE ARE ONE IN THE SPIRIT, WE ARE ONE IN THE LORD
In our Sunday Gospel from Mark, we read that the youngest apostle (John, the brother of James) has the loudest voice. Jesus called these two the “Sons of Thunder” (see Mark 3:17) John seems to be moti- vated by a holy zeal to stop others who are doing good without the disciples’ authorization. John tells Jesus that he came across a man casting out demons in the name of Jesus—but he is “not one of us” and John thinks he should be silenced. Exorcists of this sort were common in antiquity. We see in the Gospel of Luke how James, the other brother, shows a similar intolerance toward a Samaritan who refused the hospitality of Jesus and his disciples. James calls for fire from Heaven to come down upon him. In the Book of Acts of the Apostles, the seven sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva have a rude surprise when they try to cast out demons in the name of “Jesus whom Paul preaches” (Acts 19:11-20).
Jesus does not accept this attitude at all. As their leader, he is certainly aware of the demands on loyal- ty needed to keep his group of Middle Eastern men together. However, Jesus wants to expand the boundaries of loyalty and include those working toward the same goals, like the person working to free another person, from the oppression of the devil. Jesus is telling his disciples that whenever good work is done in service of others, it should not be stopped. This volunteer is on their side and will not be inclined to speak against Jesus and his ministry.
This reminds me of how our Church has changed toward other Christians who worship and serve in our midst. When my parents grew up, you would not even dare to enter into a Protestant church because it was considered sacrilegious.
We felt that the Protestants were on the wrong side of history and were in error in their teachings. The Church has evolved, however, since the Second Vatican Council, where the Church recognizes that Christ is also in the other churches, not only our own. In the Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintgratio, the Church recognizes the wounds caused by historic division between other Christians and herself. The documents states that “large communities became separated from the Catholic Church of which both men are to blame.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC #187) We cannot blame those who are born today for the problems of today, not of their own making. “Those who are Baptized, no matter in what Church, are incorporated into the Body of Christ. They therefore, have a right to be called Christians and with good reason are accepted as brothers (sisters) in the Lord, by the Children of the Catholic Church” (CCC 818). Many elements of holiness and truth are found outside the Catholic Church such as the Word of God, the life of grace, hope, faith and charity; and the gifts of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 819) All of these gifts lead us to Christ and call of Christian Unity.
To honor our perseverance for unity, Joe Samodulski and I take part in an ecumenical breakfast meeting once a month with the pastors and some of the outreach coordinators of Holy Family, Our Lady of Mercy, Trinity Lutheran, St. Stephen’s Lutheran, Holy Trinity Episcopal, Hicksville United Methodist, and the Graffiti Church. We discuss the issues of our community and how best to work together as one body of Christ. We host different Worship Events in Advent, Christian Unity Week and during Lent. Please check the bulletin for announcements and try to come and join us because they are not against us, they are for us! Currently, we are working on a project to have a shelter for the Homeless. More details to come at a later date.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God! St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
In our Sunday Gospel from Mark, we read that the youngest apostle (John, the brother of James) has the loudest voice. Jesus called these two the “Sons of Thunder” (see Mark 3:17) John seems to be moti- vated by a holy zeal to stop others who are doing good without the disciples’ authorization. John tells Jesus that he came across a man casting out demons in the name of Jesus—but he is “not one of us” and John thinks he should be silenced. Exorcists of this sort were common in antiquity. We see in the Gospel of Luke how James, the other brother, shows a similar intolerance toward a Samaritan who refused the hospitality of Jesus and his disciples. James calls for fire from Heaven to come down upon him. In the Book of Acts of the Apostles, the seven sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva have a rude surprise when they try to cast out demons in the name of “Jesus whom Paul preaches” (Acts 19:11-20).
Jesus does not accept this attitude at all. As their leader, he is certainly aware of the demands on loyal- ty needed to keep his group of Middle Eastern men together. However, Jesus wants to expand the boundaries of loyalty and include those working toward the same goals, like the person working to free another person, from the oppression of the devil. Jesus is telling his disciples that whenever good work is done in service of others, it should not be stopped. This volunteer is on their side and will not be inclined to speak against Jesus and his ministry.
This reminds me of how our Church has changed toward other Christians who worship and serve in our midst. When my parents grew up, you would not even dare to enter into a Protestant church because it was considered sacrilegious.
We felt that the Protestants were on the wrong side of history and were in error in their teachings. The Church has evolved, however, since the Second Vatican Council, where the Church recognizes that Christ is also in the other churches, not only our own. In the Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintgratio, the Church recognizes the wounds caused by historic division between other Christians and herself. The documents states that “large communities became separated from the Catholic Church of which both men are to blame.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC #187) We cannot blame those who are born today for the problems of today, not of their own making. “Those who are Baptized, no matter in what Church, are incorporated into the Body of Christ. They therefore, have a right to be called Christians and with good reason are accepted as brothers (sisters) in the Lord, by the Children of the Catholic Church” (CCC 818). Many elements of holiness and truth are found outside the Catholic Church such as the Word of God, the life of grace, hope, faith and charity; and the gifts of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 819) All of these gifts lead us to Christ and call of Christian Unity.
To honor our perseverance for unity, Joe Samodulski and I take part in an ecumenical breakfast meeting once a month with the pastors and some of the outreach coordinators of Holy Family, Our Lady of Mercy, Trinity Lutheran, St. Stephen’s Lutheran, Holy Trinity Episcopal, Hicksville United Methodist, and the Graffiti Church. We discuss the issues of our community and how best to work together as one body of Christ. We host different Worship Events in Advent, Christian Unity Week and during Lent. Please check the bulletin for announcements and try to come and join us because they are not against us, they are for us! Currently, we are working on a project to have a shelter for the Homeless. More details to come at a later date.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.
May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God! St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
September 23, 2018
CONTINUING OUR MISSION-THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
WHERE WE ARE- $1,228,029 WHERE WE NEED TO BE- $1,500,000
Here are your dollars at work. Our new parking lot has begun! Thank you to all who are contributing to this worthwhile endeavor. If you have not yet contributed to our Campaign and would like to, please contact our business office at the rectory (516) 931 -0056 Ext. 118. It is never too late. Every dollar that you contribute will be matched by our Diocese up to 1.5 Million Dollar. This is truly a gift.
Thank you for being patient and doing what you can to arrive at church during this time. Perhaps you had to park a little further than usual. When something like this happens, we can make our extra walk into a prayer, like the rosary, offering it for someone in need! Our next capital project will be the roof of the rectory which is in need of repair from all the rain we have been having over this past year. Stay Tune!
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST PIO-PADRE RECEIVING THE STIGMATA OF CHRIST
This past Thursday September 20, 2018, marked the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Padre Pio receiving what is called the Stigmata of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Stigmata are the five major wounds that Christ received on his hands, in his feet and in his side from the experience of his passion, crucifixion and death. A few saints have been given this gift as a sign of their union with the crucified Christ.
St. Pio, as a Capuchin priest, received the Stigmata on September 20, 1918. St. Pio’s stigmata showed how he lived the passion of Christ in a mystical way. The wounds of Christ appeared on his body while he was praying before a crucifix. Padre Pio’s wounds helped him to understand the cosmic power of the Catholic Mass, the unbloody representation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and a relationship between a holy living of the priesthood and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Although painful like Christ’s wounds, the stigmata helped Padre Pio to be a Doctor of Mercy in the confessional and a Doctor of Mercy for all those who faced all types of traumas of life. St. Pio’s wounds gave him a unique understanding of how to heal the wounds of the Church throughout History. As we contemplate his wounds, may we think about what in life has wounded us and ask Padre Pio’s intercession to help heal them. May we also ask St. Pio to help heal the wounds of our Church during this time of hurt and uncertainty. (For More Information See Bishop Barres’ Video on below - Padre Pio – Reflection (English)
We pray: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we thank you for the Holy Witness of your priest, St. Pio and the gift of the Stigmata you gave him. We ask St. Pio’s intercession that the wounds and traumas of survivors of abuse and the wounds of the entire Church may be touched by the glorified wounds of the risen Christ. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God St. Ignatius Loyola pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor
WHERE WE ARE- $1,228,029 WHERE WE NEED TO BE- $1,500,000
Here are your dollars at work. Our new parking lot has begun! Thank you to all who are contributing to this worthwhile endeavor. If you have not yet contributed to our Campaign and would like to, please contact our business office at the rectory (516) 931 -0056 Ext. 118. It is never too late. Every dollar that you contribute will be matched by our Diocese up to 1.5 Million Dollar. This is truly a gift.
Thank you for being patient and doing what you can to arrive at church during this time. Perhaps you had to park a little further than usual. When something like this happens, we can make our extra walk into a prayer, like the rosary, offering it for someone in need! Our next capital project will be the roof of the rectory which is in need of repair from all the rain we have been having over this past year. Stay Tune!
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST PIO-PADRE RECEIVING THE STIGMATA OF CHRIST
This past Thursday September 20, 2018, marked the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Padre Pio receiving what is called the Stigmata of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Stigmata are the five major wounds that Christ received on his hands, in his feet and in his side from the experience of his passion, crucifixion and death. A few saints have been given this gift as a sign of their union with the crucified Christ.
St. Pio, as a Capuchin priest, received the Stigmata on September 20, 1918. St. Pio’s stigmata showed how he lived the passion of Christ in a mystical way. The wounds of Christ appeared on his body while he was praying before a crucifix. Padre Pio’s wounds helped him to understand the cosmic power of the Catholic Mass, the unbloody representation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and a relationship between a holy living of the priesthood and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Although painful like Christ’s wounds, the stigmata helped Padre Pio to be a Doctor of Mercy in the confessional and a Doctor of Mercy for all those who faced all types of traumas of life. St. Pio’s wounds gave him a unique understanding of how to heal the wounds of the Church throughout History. As we contemplate his wounds, may we think about what in life has wounded us and ask Padre Pio’s intercession to help heal them. May we also ask St. Pio to help heal the wounds of our Church during this time of hurt and uncertainty. (For More Information See Bishop Barres’ Video on below - Padre Pio – Reflection (English)
We pray: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we thank you for the Holy Witness of your priest, St. Pio and the gift of the Stigmata you gave him. We ask St. Pio’s intercession that the wounds and traumas of survivors of abuse and the wounds of the entire Church may be touched by the glorified wounds of the risen Christ. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God St. Ignatius Loyola pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor