Today Williamstown is a quiet country village, but in days gone by, it was far much more. One of the local villagers, Monique Major, put together a 76 page pictorial essay for the 200th Anniversary of Williamstown. I scanned this wonderful document filled with pictures and various clippings etc., and posted it on the parish website: www.bvmparish.com. It is posted as a slide show on Flickr. (The cheapest way I could make it available for viewing and reading.) Take a look, and have a little read by visiting my Flickr posting. (See if you can identify the buildings in this websites header.) Make sure to manually control the slide show, and have it fill your whole monitor. This way you will be able to proceed at your own speed, and fully read and digest the clippings. Enjoy, here is the Link: Beautiful Historic Williamstown by Monique Major
This is the latest post from the National Catholic Reporter on Twitter: NCRonlineJohn Allen on pope’s new social encyclical: Fighting hunger, beefing up unions http://tinyurl.com/lbv8lqabout 5 hours ago from web.
It is sometimes difficult in our day and age for many to understand or appreciate how a young man could be called to the priesthood. It is a very special call to serve, and it also can be very difficult to resist. God always lets a person decide how to respond, but the call can be extraordinarily persistent. Take a look at this video from Paris, France. I think it might help. God calls and hopes we will respond with love, faith, and generosity of heart.
A few days ago I received an email entitled: The unforgettable Commencement Address. I was rushing out the door to a medical appointment when I clicked the email link and was confronted with these words: “I thought that you might enjoy reading this particular address to a graduating class.” Following were a few word of introduction to a man named Paul Hawken, who I had never heard of, and then a fairly long speech. I promptly filed the email in a folder entitled: Read at Leisure. A few days later, as I read the speech, I understood why it was labeled ‘unforgettable’. Here are just a few sentences that typify its unforgettableness:
“Ralph Waldo Emerson once asked what we would do if the stars only came out once every thousand years. No one would sleep that night, of course. The world would create new religions overnight. We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God. Instead, the stars come out every night and we watch television.”
Sometimes when I surf the various Catholic blogging sites, I am dismayed (even saddened) by the harsh critical words that Catholics use on one another. Living in a pluralistic society requires vigilance, if one hopes to remain true to one’s faith. But it seems that the pressure is just too much for some, and they turn to name calling, insults, and all types of derogation, as they strive for faithfulness. If we can’t be respectful of one another, what chance have we of witnessing to the world the Love of Christ? The planet we live on is very small, and the challenge we all face today is living together in love, forgiveness, and respect. This month America Magazine tackles this very issue. Although the article is written for and about the American Church, it still has relevancy in our Canadian context. The concluding paragraph is particularly relevant:
Bishop Gary Gordon has been the Bishop of the Diocese of Whitehorse since 2006. Hear his Call to mission, See his tour of the countryside, meet his dog Kelly, and enjoy a little bit of church in this part of beautiful Canada.
Yikes, I don’t like this editorial! (2009 America Magazine). I mean, I don’t want to hear this opinion because it sounds too much like reality. A reality that most of us, I suspect, don’t want to hear. When the stock market tumbled in September 2008 I wasn’t at all surprised. In fact, every bone in my body seemed to expect it.
More so today, than in the recent past, people discuss and explore ways of praying. Here is a You Tube video-conversation from Loyola Press - by two Christian women: Vinnie Hampton Wright and Alice Camille. In this short video we hear of their personal prayer life: devotional prayer, biblical prayer, liturgical pray, Ignatian Prayer, and about praying always.
Few priests and many parishes are making Catholics pretty scared. Where is it all heading? Will my parish survive, and if it does, what will it be like?
This evening there will be a communal celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick with Mass at St. Mary’s at 7:30pm. I came across this video on this very special sacrament and include the link here for those of you that are interested in understanding this sacrament a bit better: Link
Years ago I was a huge fan of Marshall McLuhan (Media is the Message), and Theilard DeChardin who wrote about Cosmic Consciousness (Noosphere). As I watched this Video by Professor Michael Wesch from Kansas State Univ., I couldn’t help but think of these two men. If you have High Speed and an hour of time, and are interested in exploring the Digital Age, specifically You Tube, then here is the video for you.
I captured a few pictures from the EWTN Broadcast of the Youth Rally with The Pope. It was a glorious meeting filled with African Music, Welcoming Messages, Youth Testimonies, and a short speech by Pope Benedict encouraging the youth to be faithful to their Christian Identity. He challenged the youth to make life long decisions and commitments - the true test of real maturity in every age: Dare to make definite decisions - life long commitments, and don’t give in to doubt, corruption, and hedonism. You are the seed - the seed of the new City, the New Jerusalem, he said, and the only way to grow the seed is to die to love. Bring to life the Holy City, the Pope challenged, as the crowds applauded enthusiastically. Towards the end of the event a young man in a wheel chair came on to the stage with the Pope and sang a moving song to Jesus My Friend. The young man appeared to have been crippled during the recent civil war, and as he sang I’m sure many a tear of thanksgiving and hope were shed as he made God’s love strong and visible.
John Allen who is following the Pope throughout Africa and attempting to give us a real feel and insight into what he sees, hears, and feels posted this on March 18, 2009. It tends to confirm what the Harvard Center reported in my previous post.
Benedict talks to journalists during his flight from Rome to Africa March 17. (CNS/ Reuters)
I wish the Pope had handled the condom question a little differently so that the condom controversy didn’t overshadow his African pilgrimage. But now that it has become front page news I’d like to get my two cents worth in on the topic as well. It sounds to me like the Pope might be on the right track about condoms when you read what the Director of the Aids Prevention Research Project at The Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies has to say. (This quote is from First Things)
On February 26th Pope Benedict XVI appointed Fr. Thomas Rosica (Basilian Priest) as a as a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Speaking to CNA, the priest said that he sees this as the Pope entrusting a special responsibility to the Church in Canada.
I recently read Fr. Richard Richard Rohr’s Book: Hope Against Darkness. (The Transforming Vision of St. Francis in an Age of Anxiety) Some of you might find it to be a particularly relevant given the upheaval in our world at the present time. It is also a good Lenten book, in my opinion.
This Sunday we read Mark’s account of the Transfiguration of Jesus on a mountain top. It is about a God who literally comes down the mountain to be with us - the mystery of the incarnation. I have posted a few thoughts I will share in this Sunday’s homily on my homily site: Fr. Bob’s Homilies
There is something very disconcerting for those of us in religious leadership positions when we read about John the Baptist that scrubby character who called the people not to the synagogues or temple, but out into the wilderness. John was certainly not a presentable figure in elite civil and religious circles, yet it was his honor to announce the Messiah and to baptize him. In some says Jesus is very much like him. Just before he begins his three year ministry he too goes to the wilderness, and when he returns he begins to denounce the hypocritical practices of many of the religious leaders, as he proclaims the Good News>
This past little while hasn’t been very uplifting. Problems abound in politics, economics, religion, and everywhere one looks. Pretty upsetting, confusing, and even depressing, if one keeps focusing and listening to the gloom and doom.
December 3rd was a scary day for me. At about 3:30 in the afternoon I developed heavy chest pain. Since I often experience muscle spasms even in the chest, I did not take it seriously at first. When the pain persisted I began to suspect it was more than a spasm. Around 6:30pm I walked into emergency at Glengarry Memorial Hospital in Alexandria, Ontario to discover that I was having a heart attack. Thanks to the emergency staff at the hospital I was quickly diagnosed and administered a clot-busting drug, and sent by ambulance to the Heart Institute in Ottawa where a stent was placed in a heart artery. The Doctor who preformed the procedure told me that the Doctor and nurses at Glengarry Memorial had saved my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you - I just don’t know what else to say, and I will always be grateful. As well, I am truly grateful to the Ottawa Heart Institute. Are we ever fortunate to have Canada’s best Heart Hospital in our own back yard. What a fantastic Institution!
For as long as anyone can remember the Ladies’ Guild of St. Mary’s Parish have held a tea in November. At one time, before the parish had a suitable hall, the tea was held in private homes. In those days, women from the parish would volunteer to host this annual event, and the women of the parish would bring their fine china, silver teapots and cutlery to serve tea, home baked cakes, cookies, squares, and special party sandwiches. Today, many years later, the Ladies’ Guild still sponsors the event in our small parish hall, and numerous women still provide the baked goods and sandwiches. (Years ago the Guild acquired the fine dishes to serve the tea.)
(My homilies will no longer be found on this site.) A few months ago I opened a free WordPress site to archive my homilies. It was an easy way of putting all my homilies in one place so that they would be easy to find and categorize. I started categorizing them according to the liturgical year: Ordinary Time, Advent, Lent, Easter, Christmas etc. etc.. The categorization is still a little rough and not quite completed, but I’m working on it when I have time.
Advent is the glorious season for memory and imagination. The kind of vivid imagination that enlivened our childhood. Parents and Grandparents have a wonderful opportunity to re-enter this mysterious and wondrous time again, by helping their young children explore God’s activities throughout history: Creation, Adam and Eve, Moses, King David, and all those biblical stories and events that prepare for the Birth of Jesus.
The New Liturgical Year begins next Sunday. As we Light the the first candle on the advent wreath, we will know that Christmas is almost here. Yikes, many will think - so much to do to get ready!! Here is a little video to remind ourselves what we are getting ready for, and some suggestions on how to do it. Enjoy!
Think back to the good old days when most Catholics and Protestants went to church each Sunday? These are often touted as the ‘golden days’ when few doubted God’s existence, and our churches were filled with generous contributors, and everyone, or almost everyone, professed to be Christian. Now think, was the world any more loving, honest, merciful, forgiving, than it is today. Maybe, but in my humble experience, I remember little evidence. When all were Christian, most felt quite satisfied with the status quo, and felt little challenge to explore and deepen faith.
Here is an excerpt from an article in Jewish Magazine on five cultural forces that challenge us today. It was written by Stephen Bertman a professor at the University of Windsor.
Thanksgiving is a time to take the time to explore and count. our blessings, so look around and I am sure that you will find more things to be thankful for than you ever thought possible. Life is such a glorious gift, and when it is lived with the love of God in our hearts all that we see and do in life is transformed. Bishop Fulton Sheen said something many years ago that will help me explain:
September 27, 2008By: frbobco Category: Uncategorized
This week’s Gospel is directed at men who believe themselves to be ‘God’s Best’ - ‘God’s Favorites’ - ‘God’s Important Leaders and Teachers’. The ‘chief priest’s and elder’s of the people’ who challenge Jesus’ authority in this week’s Gospel have inflated egos, and perceive Jesus to be nothing but a fraud because he associates with (sinners) prostitutes and tax collectors. We might say that their own sense of self-importance and worthiness blinds them to God’s ways and Jesus’ message, They judge only by appearances and their own inflated sense of self-worth and holiness.These are not humble holy people, but self-important querulous men, who consider others to be well beneath themselves in holiness and goodness.
Did you know that most of the world religions have a primary belief and teaching in common. If only we could all learn to put into practice the golden rule of all these religions.
The Golden Rule Across the World’s Religions Thirteen Sacred Texts - English Version
Baha’i Faith
Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.
Chief Fontaine insisted a number of times on the need for rebuilding the relationship between the Catholic Church in Canada with Native Peoples. He was addressing Canada’s Bishops.
Here is a little poem that I would like to share. I don’t know what it will mean to you, but I think it should be heard by all of us who live in this modern world. It is a good reminder that culture doesn’t always value that which is real and important in our lives.
September 13, 2008By: frbobco Category: Uncategorized
St. Paul tells all of us about the ‘make or break’ nature of love in our lives. He says:” If I do not have love, I am nothing.” (1Cor.13:2) We can have all kinds of wonderful gifts, but if we don’t receive and give love, life becomes meaningless, and we become meaningless and lost.
Education seems only to be only for those 30 or under. The older we get the likelihood of our taking University courses dwindles. What a shame that only the young have this luxury. However, there is a change in the wind these days all because of the internet or web.
Today is the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. When I read this prayer by this holy man, the founder of the Jesuits, I became very uncomfortable. Could I pray this prayer, I pondered? Yes, I thought, but parts of it I would not really mean. In fact, I would be praying just the opposite in the next breath.
July 10, 2008By: frbobscorner Category: Uncategorized
Having a wonderful time. Here are the links to some of the pictures I have uploaded to flickr. They are not very organized, but you can see what I have been up to, and where I’ve been taking in the sights:
The six hour flight from Montreal to Zurich was uneventful and ordinary, but the short flight from Zurich to Geneva was a blur of people, rushing crowds,moving sidewalks, and even a short underground train ride with passengers transferring to various flights crammed body to body in what looked like Toronto or Montreal Metro subway cars. People rushed from the cars onto the platform to security inspection lines in a frenzied blur when we arrived at the dis-embarking station. Most seemed to know where they were going, but I had no idea whether or not I was at the right transfer station. Fortunately, luck was with me, and I was at the right place and made my connection just in time. The flight to Geneva only took 30 minutes on a flight heading for Moscow. After a fretful 20 minute wait for my baggage from Montreal. I was sure my baggage would be delayed, but it magically appeared and I was through customs in two minutes. I was greeted by my sister (Louise) and brother-in-law. Bert (brother-in-law) said a quick word of welcome as he was heading Khazistan for four days.
Religion is a bad word in certain quarters of our society, and the world at large. Some people say: “Religion causes too much pain and tragedy. I’ll have nothing to do with it. It should be eradicated.” Here’s a response from a religious sister to this very question. I think it proves helpful in forming our own personal response to those that write religion off. How do you respond to those that believe that religion is a bad thing for the world?
I read a book by Cardinal Ratzinger two years ago, and I feel it gives a real insight into the present Pope, and the direction he would like our modern liturgy to go in. Here is a good article on the book
This weekend I am preaching on two very significant, if not the most significant Christians responsible for the spread of Christianity after the Ascension of Jesus. This weekend we celebrate the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul.
This weeks Gospel (Matt. 10:26-33[show]Matthew 10:26-33
Have No Fear
[26]"So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. [27]What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. [28]And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.(1) [29]Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?(2) And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. [30]But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. [31]Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. [32]So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, [33]but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (ESV)
Footnotes
1. [10:28] Greek ‘Gehenna’
2. [10:29] Greek ‘assarion’, Roman copper coin (Latin ‘quadrans’) worth about 1/16 of a ‘denarius’ (which was a day’s wage for a laborer)
) is about being sent to bring the good news. It is not a request, but a command. Jesus’ disciples resisted anyway. If we truly understand and celebrate and live the Eucharist, we understand Jesus’ command and realize that it is just what we do, if we are Christian. Here are two quotes from the 49th Eucharistic Congress that is going on in Quebec City this weekend that should help clarify what I mean when I say, “It is just what we do.”
The Canadian Catholic Bishops along with the Bishop’s from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Scotland, England &Wales, and the U.S. have just sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper encouraging him and the Leaders of the upcoming G8 Conference to deepen their commitments and actions to reduce global poverty and address global climate change:
One of the more popular videos on the Internet from the Eucharistic Congress in Quebec, City was from June 19th - Catechesis by the most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Bishop of Imus, Philippines.
“If we are to live out the search for real hope in pluralistic, democratic societies, we need to recognise that not all people share our views or even our deepest convictions. Some people could be tempted to describe this as relativism but that would not be correct. We can recognise people’s differences without saying that our differences are unimportant. This is precisely why we need to have space in our societies for proper dialogue where nobody is prevented from expressing his or her convictions simply to conform to somebody’s idea of political correctness. True dialogue respects everybody’s integrity. Genuinely strong people have no fear of other people’s views, so they feel able to allow people of radically different convictions to speak freely. They are happy to hear what others have to say.”Read the full text
My view of the world constantly vacillates between the extremes of optimism and pessimism, as I journey through the modern world. On the one hand there seems to be a new effort on the part of many to live together on this small planet. Human rights, cultural diversity and respect, new avenues of communication fostered by technology, and the new ‘green thinking’ give me great hope.
The weather was just right today in Cornwall. The sun rose early in clear blue skies. For me, it was the day to say good bye to a long-time friend, and the weather made it so much easier. A refreshing breeze of the kind that one enjoys by the sea, kept the cathedral sized church of St. Columban’s, comfortable, despite the overflow of people who gathered.
I am posting a few recent pictures of Fr. Gary Ostler in no specific order etc. When I have time I will post an album.Please check back in a week or so.
It seems as if there is an international effort to respond to those that have seen a UFO, and believe in aliens from outer space. Recently France, Belgium, and the U.K., and a few other countries have released or are about to release their secret dossiers on this very subject. This week the Vatican waded into this highly controversial topic on May 14 with an interview in L’Osservatore Romano with Fr. Funes S.J., the director of the Vatican Observatory. Why Now? Maybe it is to counter all the debate out there and prove that there is really nothing, or maybe, just maybe, there really is proven life in outer space, and we are not alone. If you would like to hear what Fr. Funes had to say, and you may be surprised, here is a link to the CNS which covered the story. Better still, here is a translation of the interview on frroderick.com.
As the Benedict XVI processed into the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on Wednesday evening for evening prayer, he wore an ermine trimmed half-cape. Why does he want to dress like this, I wondered? Isn’t this the Pope that reminds us that liturgy should de-focus the person, and draw us into the worship of a God we cannot see? Yet, here he was definitely drawing my attention to his attire, and thus the man.
HMWN (online radio) hosts a weekly broadcast entitled ‘Bread for the Journey’ to help Catholics prepare for the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress. In her April 3rd broadcast, online host Sharon DiCecco, included 22 minutes from Bishop Paul André’s November 2007 Cornwall Conference on the Eucharistic Congress. The segment was entitled, ‘Walking with Jesus’. (Press ‘Ctrl key’ while hovering mouse over picture and left click to go to website) The program is archived, so you can hear it when ever you want. Of course, you can also listen live to this broadcast and many others.
April 11, 2008By: frbobscorner Category: Spirituality
Prayer can take many methods and forms. One way of praying is called “Imaginative Contemplation”, or “Ignatian Contemplation”. Using this method of prayer you allow your imagination which you use in daydreaming and creative projects to take you on a spiritual journey.
In a powerful little booklet (pastoral letter) entitled, The Need for Conversion, the ‘Social Affairs Commission of the ‘Canadian confidence of Catholic Bishop’s’ challenged Canadians this March 2008 to take a hard realistic look at the way that we, as Canadians, are treating our planet. “Are we not like the prodigal son”, they ponder, “who asked his father for his inheritance and then left home and proceeded to waste it (Luke 15:11-32[show]Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
[11]And he said, "There was a man who had two sons. [12]And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. [13]Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. [14]And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. [15]So he went and hired himself out to(1) one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. [16]And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
[17]"But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! [18]I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. [19]I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."’ [20]And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. [21]And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’(2) [22]But the father said to his servants,(3) ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. [23]And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. [24]For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
[25]"Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26]And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. [27]And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ [28]But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, [29]but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. [30]But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ [31]And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. [32]It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’" (ESV)
Footnotes
1. [15:15] Greek ‘joined himself to’
2. [15:21] Some manuscripts add ‘treat me as one of your hired servants’
3. [15:22] Greek ‘bondservants’
)?” Commenting on our excessive need for more and more, the Bishops observe that we are mismanaging the Garden of Eden: “In our drive to earn more, to possess more, to consume always more, we have sacrificed a great deal to the economic almighty, which has become like the substance of modern life. We have mismanaged the Garden of Eden entrusted to us.”
Easter this year is: Sunday March 23 As you may know;
Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20).
If the people of Canada are like me, they really don’t know what is best for Afghanistan. There are so many conflicting pieces of information that it is like a giant jig-saw puzzle that seems impossible to figure out and put together. About two and a half weeks ago the Canadian bishops called for more transparency, but I don’t think our government heard them:
February 08, 2008By: frbobscorner Category: Uncategorized
Some of you may have noticed that you could not find frbobscorner.com. While doing some maintenance on the website, I erased some very important files. For a while I thought I had lost everything, and would have to start from scratch. Fortunately, my server, ‘Host I Can’ was able to search their archives, and restore the site. I am ever so grateful. Now I am trying to put into place a procedure to keep all my posts etc.. safe. Apologies to all of you for disappearing for a while.
This year’s Lenten Message reflects on the practice of almsgiving, which represents a specific way to assist those in need and, at the same time, an exercise in self-denial to free us from attachment to worldly goods.
The fourth commandment tell us that we should honor our father and mother. It is good to be lovingly reminded of what this means, as a parent ages. Here is a little video that is sure to touch your heart:http://parentswish.com/site01/big.html
Strange as this title may be, it does not condone sin, but points to moments of conversion. The following is an excerpt from an email sent by Sr. Joan Chittister to subscribers to Benetvision.
It is hard to appreciate or visualize the vibrancy of the Catholic Church in Africa. This little youtube video speaks a thousand words about what is happening in terms of conversions, vocations, liturgy, age of congregations, etc.. I believe it was taken in the Sudan, and it illustrates the dynamism of the faith, and causes one to wonder how this will impact the universal church. The faith is definitely young and alive in this part of Africa as portrayed in the video - it is indeed a thousand words.
Strange as this title may be, it does not condone sin, but points to moments of conversion. The following is an excerpt from an email sent by Sr. Joan Chittister to subscribers to 
