Yesterday was a real exciting day for us as we launched the CHRISTA Apostolate website! There were a couple hiccups, but I guess that's to be expected. All in all after a tinkering here and there, it got launched thanks to our computer science expert (!!) and can be found at www.christaapostolate.org.
In addition to the launch of our website, I'm also pleased to announce we are holding our first set of faith workshops in Hamburg. The theme is Gebet: Heilung & Befreiung.
For me, this is a basic course, which I believe will be regularly offered. It's basic in this sense that it's core to what we as Catholics need to be doing. We need to pray if we're going to be a faithful, Christian people. One cannot simply say I am Catholic but not have an interior life. What I mean by this I will unpack in the workshops.
The course is also fundamental. In the course, we teach people how to pray. It is a way of prayer, not the only way of prayer. I think that people will enjoy this also because Christian prayer, ultimately, when you do it well can open you up to receive Christ in a very unique way.
And truth be told that how we pray is not often discussed or taught. We teach our children to pray fundamental Catholic prayers, but are we as adults also conscious of our own interior life? Do we take care of it, as we take care of say, maybe our bodies?
If we shower to clean ourselves, should we also not in some way find a way to refresh ourselves when it comes to our souls? This is the point of the workshops. My hope is that CHRISTA will introduce in a beautiful way how we can cultivate a love for prayer, how we can pray more intentionally, and also to show us how can the Catholic church support our spiritual growth and needs?
21 August 2019
26 September 2018
An Introduction: CHRISTA and Healing
My PhD project and research involves developing a theology of healing. I investigate the texts of Hl. Hildegard of Bingen as a foundation and will also examine contemporary theological and philosophical scholars and works who treat this theme. From this, I will develop a theology of healing for the purposes of using this as a foundation for how CHRISTA conceptualizes and approaches healing.
I was once told, "A good theology is one that can be used." I wholeheartedly agree!
Therefore, it is my intent to apply this theology and to refine it in a way that would be truly useful, practical, and good for the soul.
"Good for the soul" does not mean it will be easy -- as healing is a process. And like any other NGO, we have our own way of addressing how and what we mean when we say 'good for the soul.' But I believe our ways will be effective and meet unmet and ignored needs. More importantly, we will know the fruits of our work according to the transformation of the people we would be serving -- all in relationship with God.
If we are talking about 'healing' (and concepts associated with it), what do we mean by healing in a theological sense? CHRISTA, after all is a religious NGO, and approaches healing in a spiritual sense -- not in a direct service, psychotherapeutic capacity. We have an explicit spiritual objective aimed at the salvation of souls. What does healing look like if we are talking about salvation? Is this a relevant question for modernity?
As I do my research, I find that I am unsatisfied with concepts I am dealing with -- 'Healing,' 'Sin,' 'Sickness' -- none of these have a proper nor elaborate understanding in the Roman Catholic church. This is a fair assessment as the current scholarly literature and basic Catholic texts available for your everyday layperson demonstrates.
The laity are left to adopt general understandings as they are presented to them by the Church OR to a concept of healing that is related to a post-Christian approach that is in fact secular instead of Christian.
Our understanding of healing in the Catholic church has not been sufficiently elaborated upon, let alone theologized ... and 'healing' is primarily taken for granted.
One of the reasons I love Hildegard is because she was sehr praktisch in how she theologized and philosophized. By our standards today, we often fail to understand her, and therefore, misunderstand what she is saying mistaking perceived idiosyncrasy for in reality, sheer brilliance.
Hildegard understood the connection between one's relationship with God and woundedness. In other words, the health of a person was intimately tied to their relationship with God. This requires a lot of unpacking, as Hildegard can easily be misunderstood. But what we find within her thought and system is one that ultimately has an actual answer and response to healing that we can actually implement. What this response is will become clear as our apostolate develops.
Not bad for someone from the medieval period!
17 September 2018
Feast Day of Hl. Hildegard von Bingen (17 September)
Today is the feast day of one of the greatest women in the Latin church, Hl. Hildegard von Bingen, and arguably, in the West. No other woman prior to the twelfth century and from the West created as many texts as is credited to St. Hildegard.
Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a German foundress of two Benedictine monasteries. Through her gift as a visionary mystic, she is responsible for three major theological and philosophical texts: Scivias (Scito vias domini, or Know the Ways of God), Liber vitae meritorum (Book of Life's Merits), and Liber divinorum operum (or The Book of Divine Works).
Hildegard is a core saint for the CHRISTA Apostolate. This is because her approach to healing will be a foundational base for CHRISTA. And as my research is showing, her thinking is not only relevant to the modern Catholic church of today but ... desperately needed.
Many non-Hildegardian scholars profess she is too idiosyncratic, problematic, and that her Latin was insufficient. In reality, none of this actually makes sense on account of a number of factors. I would say a primary counter to these bogus and unfounded propositions are that the scholars suggesting such things, don't actually understand her thinking. Her thinking is complex not because of her lack of formal educational training but because ... she is a philosopher AND writing in the twelfth century (which is a completely different ball game).
That I have stated she is a philosopher, is both a compliment (and maybe, a little bit of a slap!). But it is true. Her thinking is not that of a theologian though she theologizes. Principally, she thinks and communicates her ideas as a philosopher. So to understand her, one must also approach her as a philosopher. And philosophers both write and think in a specific way. If you don't agree, simply read Heidegger ... Note: simply.
I think once we approach her in this sense, it completely changes the methodology required to approach her thinking; and in this, we can appreciate her on her own terms rather than the methodologies that would have been alien to her.
I think once we approach her in this sense, it completely changes the methodology required to approach her thinking; and in this, we can appreciate her on her own terms rather than the methodologies that would have been alien to her.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of Hildegard was her understanding of health and healing. My research at the Universität Hamburg in Hamburg, Deutschland investigates this question inquiring as to how does Hildegard approach healing theologically and philosophically? This is part of my research question.
Hildegard was very level-headed and pragmatic. Her earliest caretaker, Jutta of Sponheim, lived a very ascetical and austerely, penitential life. Hildegard not only disapproved of this way of living; but there is enough evidence to show she lived an opposite way of life, and she was opposed to such severe practices except in very exceptional cases. Her life was balanced and she understood the importance of the influence of nature on our health, the relationship between persons as affecting health, the role of evil affecting health, and also one's relationship with God as a core component of health and healing.
Here are some plates depicting her visions -- the encounter with God which was her basis for the content of her theology and philosophy.
Here are some plates depicting her visions -- the encounter with God which was her basis for the content of her theology and philosophy.
I am interested in how she addressed healing; but most importantly, what can we draw from her thinking for our context today? Please stay tuned as my research develops.
Hl. Hildegard von Bingen, bitte für uns!
15 September 2018
Our Lady of Sorrows / Schmerzen Mariens
Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows (Feast: 15 September)! Also, CHRISTA Apostolate has a special fondness towards Our Lady of Sorrows because she is the Patroness of CHRISTA.
A devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is not one that is immediately automatic or even intuitive. It is likely that her title of 'Sorrow' is probably why Catholics avoid her if they have heard of her at all.
In hindsight, I have found how impoverished my interior life was before I found her, or perhaps it is better put -- that she found me.
Developing a devotion to the Mother of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart is one of the greatest sources of strength and protection in the spiritual life one can have to overcome the difficulties of life or at least to know how to handle the trials as they come.
She is a powerful advocate for those who suffer and those desiring healing. Through her holy intercession, she rescues souls from being forever lost. And she helps those who also do not know they are lost.
St. Bridget of Sweden brings to us the 15 prayers honoring the suffering and holy wounds of Christ. She also brings to us the devotion to the dolors, or pain, and tears of Our Lady of Sorrows. This pain, the tears, and sorrowing of Our Lady show us the suffering she experienced in relationship with her son, Jesus, and beautifully shows us the participation of Mary for the redemption and salvation of souls.
When we meditate on the dolors of the Mother of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, we are brought into a deeper knowledge of the relationship between Mother and Son and how Our Lady's suffering was in profound union with Christ and in obedience to the will of God. Mary continues to point to Christ -- we see this even in the mystery of her sorrows.
The 7 Sorrows consist of:
If the 7 Hail Mary's is a bit much to begin with after reciting one sorrow, I find that meditating solely on the mysteries to begin with is a good start! Once you have this down, then move to meditating on one mystery and say 1 Hail Mary after this mystery. So on and so forth. Starting devotions slowly and building step by step will lead to the likelihood of maintaining them in the long run. And this is a beautiful devotion to develop.
My own personal experience with this devotion has been my awareness of sin and its role in Christ's suffering and the tears of Mary. I think discussing sin belongs to another future post. I simply mention it here because prior to this devotion sin was probably more of an intellectual concept or something to be thought of or listed within the sacrament of reconciliation.
It's very different, however, when sin has a concrete effect on someone you love, let alone an innocent victim. One begins to see that sin is so radical because it opposes God, and it has the ability to transcend both time and space. This is very serious.
When we become more aware of sin, which this devotion can actually assist us in, then we are more likely to change how we are and how we treat others if this treatment is not good and not healthy. Indeed, this awareness I would argue is a grace from God ... that is, to know of one's wrongdoing and sin. But the effort to truly overcome sin and bad behaviors for the long term is not something as Christians that we believe we can do on our own: We need Jesus.
This devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows will not only bring us into a greater love for what Christ did for us and for the sorrows of Mary, but the graces derived from the devotion also help in the spiritual life to overcome sin and to strive towards a life of virtue and holiness pleasing God.
How? Begin to practice this devotion and allow Our Lady to show you.
A devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is not one that is immediately automatic or even intuitive. It is likely that her title of 'Sorrow' is probably why Catholics avoid her if they have heard of her at all.
In hindsight, I have found how impoverished my interior life was before I found her, or perhaps it is better put -- that she found me.
Developing a devotion to the Mother of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart is one of the greatest sources of strength and protection in the spiritual life one can have to overcome the difficulties of life or at least to know how to handle the trials as they come.
She is a powerful advocate for those who suffer and those desiring healing. Through her holy intercession, she rescues souls from being forever lost. And she helps those who also do not know they are lost.
St. Bridget of Sweden brings to us the 15 prayers honoring the suffering and holy wounds of Christ. She also brings to us the devotion to the dolors, or pain, and tears of Our Lady of Sorrows. This pain, the tears, and sorrowing of Our Lady show us the suffering she experienced in relationship with her son, Jesus, and beautifully shows us the participation of Mary for the redemption and salvation of souls.
When we meditate on the dolors of the Mother of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, we are brought into a deeper knowledge of the relationship between Mother and Son and how Our Lady's suffering was in profound union with Christ and in obedience to the will of God. Mary continues to point to Christ -- we see this even in the mystery of her sorrows.
The 7 Sorrows consist of:
- The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
- The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
- Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
- Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
- Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
- The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
- The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)
Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows can include recitation and mediation of a sorrow, then followed by 7 Hail Mary's.
She is generally pictured with 7 swords piercing her heart to represent the sorrows. In my recent conference to Lviv, Ukraine, I visited a Basilian monastery dedicated to Our Lady of Pidhirtsi, which contained the painting below. Stunning!
Our Lady revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden the following promises for those who keep a devotion to the Sorrows of Mary:
- “I will grant peace to their families.”
2. “They will be enlightened about the divine Mysteries.”
3. “I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.”
4. “I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.”
5. “I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at
every instant of their lives.”
6. “I will visibly help them at the moment of their death—they will see the face of their mother.”
7. “I have obtained this grace from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son will be their eternal consolation and joy.”
If the 7 Hail Mary's is a bit much to begin with after reciting one sorrow, I find that meditating solely on the mysteries to begin with is a good start! Once you have this down, then move to meditating on one mystery and say 1 Hail Mary after this mystery. So on and so forth. Starting devotions slowly and building step by step will lead to the likelihood of maintaining them in the long run. And this is a beautiful devotion to develop.
My own personal experience with this devotion has been my awareness of sin and its role in Christ's suffering and the tears of Mary. I think discussing sin belongs to another future post. I simply mention it here because prior to this devotion sin was probably more of an intellectual concept or something to be thought of or listed within the sacrament of reconciliation.
It's very different, however, when sin has a concrete effect on someone you love, let alone an innocent victim. One begins to see that sin is so radical because it opposes God, and it has the ability to transcend both time and space. This is very serious.
When we become more aware of sin, which this devotion can actually assist us in, then we are more likely to change how we are and how we treat others if this treatment is not good and not healthy. Indeed, this awareness I would argue is a grace from God ... that is, to know of one's wrongdoing and sin. But the effort to truly overcome sin and bad behaviors for the long term is not something as Christians that we believe we can do on our own: We need Jesus.
This devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows will not only bring us into a greater love for what Christ did for us and for the sorrows of Mary, but the graces derived from the devotion also help in the spiritual life to overcome sin and to strive towards a life of virtue and holiness pleasing God.
How? Begin to practice this devotion and allow Our Lady to show you.
08 September 2018
So viele Festtage im September: Heute, Feast Day of the Nativity of Mary
September might have to be the best month for CHRISTA. There are too many awesome feast days in this month!
September 8: Feast Day of the Nativity of Mary / das Fest Mariä Geburt
September 14: Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Cross / Fest der Kreuzerhöhung
September 15: Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows (CHRISTA's patroness)
September 17. Feast Day of St. Hildegard of Bingen / Hl. Hildegard von Bingen
September 29: Feast Day of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Today is the Feast of the Nativity of Mary / das Fest Mariä Geburt. It is a meaningful day for CHRISTA, too, because it is also the first day of having a workspace EVER, and with this -- a different kind of drive to get CHRISTA moving forward. Praise God!
I think there are enough websites talking about the significance of today's feast. I simply want to put down an antiphon that was in today's Laudes, or Morning Prayer, which when I prayed it, I was profoundly caught off guard by its reality. I write it here for it to be pondered upon:
The workspace CHRISTA obtained providentially came across, and it is truly a gift to begin operations from this location.
In the coming 100 days, I will be refining the language of CHRISTA's mission and vision, business plan, and strategic planning ... and of course, complimenting all these things with my research and prayer. I will be taking from the past what I have already drafted and will incorporate/ subtract/ refine / define the apostolate's areas of concentration.
How long has CHRISTA been in the making? I think this is a question only God knows. Lol. For me, there has been so much failure, waiting, disappointment, waiting ... hope, despair ... waiting, patience to get where CHRISTA is now. And praise God, the time is now ... or at least, I'm pretty sure it's now.
The one thing I can say is that had CHRISTA started earlier, either it wouldn't have been ready or it would have fallen short from what it is intended to be. But God has all things in His timing. And His timing is perfect, wise, and always good. Though I admit, I was not able to always think this way en route; but rather, I see it and appreciate it ever more in hindsight.
September 8: Feast Day of the Nativity of Mary / das Fest Mariä Geburt
September 14: Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Cross / Fest der Kreuzerhöhung
September 15: Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows (CHRISTA's patroness)
September 17. Feast Day of St. Hildegard of Bingen / Hl. Hildegard von Bingen
September 29: Feast Day of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Today is the Feast of the Nativity of Mary / das Fest Mariä Geburt. It is a meaningful day for CHRISTA, too, because it is also the first day of having a workspace EVER, and with this -- a different kind of drive to get CHRISTA moving forward. Praise God!
I think there are enough websites talking about the significance of today's feast. I simply want to put down an antiphon that was in today's Laudes, or Morning Prayer, which when I prayed it, I was profoundly caught off guard by its reality. I write it here for it to be pondered upon:
Gospel Canticle
Ant. Your birth, O Virgin Mother of God, proclaims joy to the whole world, for from you arose the glorious Sun of Justice, Christ our God; he freed us from the age-old curse and filled us with holiness; he destroyed death and gave us eternal life.
May the Holy Spirit and Our Lady take you into a mental journey reflecting on the beauty of such a reality, God's great gift to us: Mary.
The workspace CHRISTA obtained providentially came across, and it is truly a gift to begin operations from this location.
In the coming 100 days, I will be refining the language of CHRISTA's mission and vision, business plan, and strategic planning ... and of course, complimenting all these things with my research and prayer. I will be taking from the past what I have already drafted and will incorporate/ subtract/ refine / define the apostolate's areas of concentration.
How long has CHRISTA been in the making? I think this is a question only God knows. Lol. For me, there has been so much failure, waiting, disappointment, waiting ... hope, despair ... waiting, patience to get where CHRISTA is now. And praise God, the time is now ... or at least, I'm pretty sure it's now.
The one thing I can say is that had CHRISTA started earlier, either it wouldn't have been ready or it would have fallen short from what it is intended to be. But God has all things in His timing. And His timing is perfect, wise, and always good. Though I admit, I was not able to always think this way en route; but rather, I see it and appreciate it ever more in hindsight.
06 September 2018
Day 1: Awakening from a Deep Slumber ... Moin Hamburg!
The CHRISTA Apostolate is embarking on new horizons in northern Deutschland -- die schönste Stadt: Hamburg. CHRISTA just acquired a workspace (!) effective 08 September 2018 (Feast of the Nativity of Mary or das Fest Mariä Geburt).
Since the last blog eons ago, much has changed with CHRISTA, and I look forward to sharing with you what these changes are in terms of vision and mission, areas of apostolate, upcoming formation, gatherings, leadership training, and whatever else is relevant to the apostolate.
Since the last blog eons ago, much has changed with CHRISTA, and I look forward to sharing with you what these changes are in terms of vision and mission, areas of apostolate, upcoming formation, gatherings, leadership training, and whatever else is relevant to the apostolate.
Thank you for visiting the blog, and it is my sincere hope that you will continue to follow CHRISTA -- be inspired, have hope, be intrigued, fall in love (?! to be explained later because who doesn't want to fall in love?), and draw ever closer to Jesus and Our Lady. Yes! All these things are possible in relation to Jesus and Holy Mary.
As a Catholic NGO addressing the wounded from unhealthy relationships and various forms of abuse, the objective of the blog is to highlight the areas of CHRISTA and not to engage in polemical debates and controversies related to the apostolate. There are enough voices to weigh in, and not enough advocating, supporting, and listening to the voices of those wounded.
Therefore, please respect the content of the blog, which is varied. Inappropriate or irrelevant comments will be steadfastly deleted in order to preserve the integrity of our focus on the question and practice of healing and healthy relationships within a Catholic Christian context.
On that note, a Herzlich 'Willkommen!' or a heartfelt 'Welcome!' to the awakening of the CHRISTA Apostolate! Don't snooze past these workspace pics!
Why is Doctor of the Church, Hildegard of Bingen's Scivias (Scito vias Domini, or Know the Ways of God)(written 1141-51), on the table of the first picture? To find out, you will have to come back to the blog ;) I DID mention much has changed with CHRISTA, and this is one of the main, newest and exciting dimensions ... I guarantee: You will not be disappointed. Vielen Dank und tschüss!
Why is Doctor of the Church, Hildegard of Bingen's Scivias (Scito vias Domini, or Know the Ways of God)(written 1141-51), on the table of the first picture? To find out, you will have to come back to the blog ;) I DID mention much has changed with CHRISTA, and this is one of the main, newest and exciting dimensions ... I guarantee: You will not be disappointed. Vielen Dank und tschüss!
24 February 2013
Lent: Availing of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Normally, when we think of the liturgical season of Lent, we're not entirely excited -- say, as we might be during the season of Advent and Christmas. Given the reality that the 40 days of Lent precedes the culmination of the liturgical year into Holy Week and then the Triduum, it shouldn't understandably be a time of festivity. It is proper that it is a time to reverentially observe the 40 day period.
What I'd like to propose is that in the Lenten Season, we participate in the sacrament of reconciliation. The sacrament of reconciliation is one of two sacraments in the Church understood as a healing sacrament.
In our context today, is healing possible? In this Season of Lent, we will look at the question of healing and various other ethical questions for victims-survivors of abuse. At this time, I think it is necessary to first approach the fundamental question of is healing possible? And what is healing when we consider it within the context of the Church, and more specifically the sacrament of reconciliation? Are there conditions for healing for both victim-survivor and those who committed abuse?
I propose these questions for your reflection and a developed response in the course of the week.
What I'd like to propose is that in the Lenten Season, we participate in the sacrament of reconciliation. The sacrament of reconciliation is one of two sacraments in the Church understood as a healing sacrament.
In our context today, is healing possible? In this Season of Lent, we will look at the question of healing and various other ethical questions for victims-survivors of abuse. At this time, I think it is necessary to first approach the fundamental question of is healing possible? And what is healing when we consider it within the context of the Church, and more specifically the sacrament of reconciliation? Are there conditions for healing for both victim-survivor and those who committed abuse?
I propose these questions for your reflection and a developed response in the course of the week.
28 October 2012
Getting settled
Nine days later from arriving into Belgium, both St. Joseph (the patron saint of finding housing) and the Holy Infant, assisted me in finding a place. I am not entirely surprised because both have always had my back, and both play an important role in the Christa Apostolate.
My housing is perfect for me, in many ways everything I’ve asked for. The main request was for the housing to be located close to a Roman Catholic church with daily Mass and close to where I have classes, so the commute would be bearable.
En route to looking at the property, I passed a cobble-stoned alleyway in the direction fo St. Anthony’s Chapel and noticed these balconies adorned with beautiful flowers. And I said, “Lord, I want a balcony. Give me a place that has a balcony … … one day.”
A couple days later from having first viewed the property, I signed my lease. The building only has studios. Of the 60 tenants who live in my building, I am 1 of 4 with a BALCONY! The Lord is so good; I feel really blessed! Additionally, all tenants have a kitchenette, private bathroom, desk, and couch. I’m very content with my place because I am close to 2 churches – St. Damian and the College of Leo XIII – both of which have daily Mass, one of which has Eucharistic Adoration, and the other has St. Damian actually resting in the crypt! I am 6 minutes away from the building where all my classes are and within walking distance to the main road Naamsestraat.
After signing the lease and alone in my studio, I couldn’t help but just look around and start crying – but strictly out of joy. I was so exhausted from having searched at every hour for housing, tired from waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning from students coming back to the Guest Housing, and mostly just remembering how difficult it’s been to get to where I am now. Finally, a place to rest and call home while I’m here.
Week by week, something gets accomplished associated to me trying to settle in Leuven. The first week it was registering for classes and securing housing, which is amazing in that there are still plenty of students looking for housing who came here BEFORE me. And I am getting the basics for my studio – plateware, tea kettle, power strips/extension cords, cleaning supplies, food, bedding, etc. It’s slowly looking messy and like home!
The genius of the liturgy is its ability to inculturate itself within the genius of the local culture. I have been attending Mass in Dutch on Sundays and plan on continuing this every so often. Right now I am just observing and participating when possible. It has been interesting so far. The music is so beautiful.
There are a couple liturgical practices I am a little confused with because I haven’t seen them anywhere else; and admittedly, some things were very very new. For now, as I am a newcomer to beautiful Flanders, I am hoping to learn more about the Flemish Catholics and their history.
At the beginning of my search, I had hoped to stay at a convent and tried very hard to find accommodations with two communities. Unfortunately, this fell through; and for a while, I was very disappointed. But I am actually next door to the community of sisters and I am so thankful for this because I need to see their witness. It brings me joy to see them and reminds me to pray. I’ve been invited to tea some time!
My mother visited recently and brought the sunshine from Uganda to Leuven. Since having arrived, I think I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen the blue sky. And since she’s arrived, the weather has been warmer, the skies have been blue, and the chance of cloudy with rain has been minimal.
She’s done in Africa what I hope, more or less, to one day do: spreading the message of God’s love and mercy. She was invited by the Archdiocese of Kampala in Uganda to do a 2-day workshop on the Divine Mercy and establishing prayer cenacles that promote the devotion to the Divine Mercy through recitation of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. I’m proud of her and many times I have to do a double-take asking myself, ‘Is that my Mom??’
I’ve never seen it before in anyone else; but when my mother speaks, she has an unbelievable talent with extemporaneous speech. I think it’s a gift. She has the ability to say the most profound, holy things that speak to the heart in the most simplistic and accessible ways.
For myself, my preference is to have everything I want to say in paper format. I have no idea how she does it. I just know I’m in admiration.
I’m still getting adjusted. Certainly not as fast as I’d like, but that’s just how the culture is here. Stores open by 830 or 9 and close at 6. My classes finally have a rhythm and I am starting to pick up a pattern with each day. I like routine, so I’m starting to feel more and more comfortable with my neighborhood, the school, the buildings, the hours stores open and close, the student scene (both undergraduate and graduate), climbing up hills, and walking on cobblestone streets.
I realize I have transferred so much of my living back in the USA to my life here in Belgium; and unsurprisingly, it’s not working. Everything from my clothes and shoes to eating to my American expectation of efficiency and customer service – there has been a couple culture clashes. My clothes are not used to the weather, my shoes are not fit for the cobblestone streets and I find myself tripping over my own feet. I miss the 24-hour convenience of stores and longer hours of operation. The hours with several stores, school offices, and government buildings vary.
My first meltdown happened in the first week of class. No apartment. Late for classes. Days within the close of registering for courses. No access to the internet to catch up to my classes that require I access the net. There was a situation.
Because access to the net is really essential at KU and the fact that I couldn’t access it was incredibly stressful. I couldn’t follow my courses to see what the homework was or what books to order, and I still had to register for classes. I had tried various times in the week to go to all these coffee shops and bars that said they had the internet. So I’d buy something and attempt to use the internet, but then the connection always failed.
Earlier in the day I had asked the student librarian what time the library was going to close. She said 10PM, but when I got there at 930, I was immediately told by the same woman I could not go in because the building was closing. So I said, “But you told me the library closes at 10PM. And she just looked at me. So I continued and said, “So, I have a half an hour.” I could feel my blood boiling because I had just left a place where I had been able to access the net but left it so that I could get to the library and then make some copies. And she said, “The library officially closes at 10, but we begin to shut everything down in 5 minutes. So, we’re closed.”
At that point, I stared right at her and gave her the dirtiest look. My eyes were so angry, I pursed my lips and just threw my hands up and stalked away. Everything at that moment that I touched, I slammed – my locker, the turnstyle, the doors. I have a temper at times, and it was one of those times where I just exploded.
And walking back home, I scowled at God yelling at Him, ‘Why did YOU send me here?!’ I argued that I WAS RIGHT and that I have a right to be angry. I cursed everything from the internet to the student to the cold weather. I just exploded. And I refused to stop, I just wanted to let my believed justified frustration and anger out.
But I couldn’t let go that after everything I said to God, I felt crappy. I felt bad that I had responded so poorly and that I had made someone else probably feel bad when it really wasn’t just her but the accumulation of several stressful days, and she was just the last straw and an easy outlet. And even if I was right, I still shouldn’t have treated her that way.
The next day I went to the library to use the internet, but I was mortified that the same student the night before was also working the morning shift. I realized I forgot my ID, so I was not able to go through the turnstyle. And I wanted to apologize. I called to the woman who once she saw that it was me, made no attempt to get up from her chair which was far away and she looked annoyed. So from the turnstyle, I had to yell my apology. The people from the elevator, foyer, and lockers all stopped and turned to look at me, and I realized an unwanted audience was attentively listening. At that moment, I wished the people of Belgium did not understand English.
I admitted my fault and apologized for my behavior the night before and everything that had led up to our encounter. Her cold stare turned soft, and she simply told me she understood how things were stressful and accepted my apology.
I realize the more I am here, I have to be conscious of the cultural differences – even in communication, which was at play with the student librarian. There are other areas I’m trying to be more mindful of.
Just this past week, my Annex 15 (necessary documents from the City Hall) arrived, and now I can pursue the other administrative aspects of settling in. Saturday is the local market day where I buy my fruits, vegetables, olives, and bread for the week. Meat products I buy at the butcher where all the Asian stores are. Though I am in Belgium, I still cook like a Filipino, so all the ingredients I need are there and the prices are student-friendly.
Being from Chicago, we’re pretty used to bad winters. The fact it was getting increasingly cold balanced with some autumn weather was a good indication winter was quickly approaching and would be very cold.
The winter jacket I brought was not warm enough, so I ended up buying a jacket that I equate more or less to a stylish sleeping bag. My shopping Guardian Angel was so helpful, as this jacket was on sale (less 50 Euro!). Exactly the next day, the temperature dropped and I was wearing a sweater and a vest. I had to go home to change into my new jacket because it was freezing, and I could no longer feel my feet after 30 minutes. Belgian winters are a beast!
My housing is perfect for me, in many ways everything I’ve asked for. The main request was for the housing to be located close to a Roman Catholic church with daily Mass and close to where I have classes, so the commute would be bearable.
En route to looking at the property, I passed a cobble-stoned alleyway in the direction fo St. Anthony’s Chapel and noticed these balconies adorned with beautiful flowers. And I said, “Lord, I want a balcony. Give me a place that has a balcony … … one day.”
A couple days later from having first viewed the property, I signed my lease. The building only has studios. Of the 60 tenants who live in my building, I am 1 of 4 with a BALCONY! The Lord is so good; I feel really blessed! Additionally, all tenants have a kitchenette, private bathroom, desk, and couch. I’m very content with my place because I am close to 2 churches – St. Damian and the College of Leo XIII – both of which have daily Mass, one of which has Eucharistic Adoration, and the other has St. Damian actually resting in the crypt! I am 6 minutes away from the building where all my classes are and within walking distance to the main road Naamsestraat.
After signing the lease and alone in my studio, I couldn’t help but just look around and start crying – but strictly out of joy. I was so exhausted from having searched at every hour for housing, tired from waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning from students coming back to the Guest Housing, and mostly just remembering how difficult it’s been to get to where I am now. Finally, a place to rest and call home while I’m here.
Week by week, something gets accomplished associated to me trying to settle in Leuven. The first week it was registering for classes and securing housing, which is amazing in that there are still plenty of students looking for housing who came here BEFORE me. And I am getting the basics for my studio – plateware, tea kettle, power strips/extension cords, cleaning supplies, food, bedding, etc. It’s slowly looking messy and like home!
The genius of the liturgy is its ability to inculturate itself within the genius of the local culture. I have been attending Mass in Dutch on Sundays and plan on continuing this every so often. Right now I am just observing and participating when possible. It has been interesting so far. The music is so beautiful.
There are a couple liturgical practices I am a little confused with because I haven’t seen them anywhere else; and admittedly, some things were very very new. For now, as I am a newcomer to beautiful Flanders, I am hoping to learn more about the Flemish Catholics and their history.
At the beginning of my search, I had hoped to stay at a convent and tried very hard to find accommodations with two communities. Unfortunately, this fell through; and for a while, I was very disappointed. But I am actually next door to the community of sisters and I am so thankful for this because I need to see their witness. It brings me joy to see them and reminds me to pray. I’ve been invited to tea some time!
My mother visited recently and brought the sunshine from Uganda to Leuven. Since having arrived, I think I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen the blue sky. And since she’s arrived, the weather has been warmer, the skies have been blue, and the chance of cloudy with rain has been minimal.
She’s done in Africa what I hope, more or less, to one day do: spreading the message of God’s love and mercy. She was invited by the Archdiocese of Kampala in Uganda to do a 2-day workshop on the Divine Mercy and establishing prayer cenacles that promote the devotion to the Divine Mercy through recitation of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. I’m proud of her and many times I have to do a double-take asking myself, ‘Is that my Mom??’
I’ve never seen it before in anyone else; but when my mother speaks, she has an unbelievable talent with extemporaneous speech. I think it’s a gift. She has the ability to say the most profound, holy things that speak to the heart in the most simplistic and accessible ways.
For myself, my preference is to have everything I want to say in paper format. I have no idea how she does it. I just know I’m in admiration.
I’m still getting adjusted. Certainly not as fast as I’d like, but that’s just how the culture is here. Stores open by 830 or 9 and close at 6. My classes finally have a rhythm and I am starting to pick up a pattern with each day. I like routine, so I’m starting to feel more and more comfortable with my neighborhood, the school, the buildings, the hours stores open and close, the student scene (both undergraduate and graduate), climbing up hills, and walking on cobblestone streets.
I realize I have transferred so much of my living back in the USA to my life here in Belgium; and unsurprisingly, it’s not working. Everything from my clothes and shoes to eating to my American expectation of efficiency and customer service – there has been a couple culture clashes. My clothes are not used to the weather, my shoes are not fit for the cobblestone streets and I find myself tripping over my own feet. I miss the 24-hour convenience of stores and longer hours of operation. The hours with several stores, school offices, and government buildings vary.
My first meltdown happened in the first week of class. No apartment. Late for classes. Days within the close of registering for courses. No access to the internet to catch up to my classes that require I access the net. There was a situation.
Because access to the net is really essential at KU and the fact that I couldn’t access it was incredibly stressful. I couldn’t follow my courses to see what the homework was or what books to order, and I still had to register for classes. I had tried various times in the week to go to all these coffee shops and bars that said they had the internet. So I’d buy something and attempt to use the internet, but then the connection always failed.
Earlier in the day I had asked the student librarian what time the library was going to close. She said 10PM, but when I got there at 930, I was immediately told by the same woman I could not go in because the building was closing. So I said, “But you told me the library closes at 10PM. And she just looked at me. So I continued and said, “So, I have a half an hour.” I could feel my blood boiling because I had just left a place where I had been able to access the net but left it so that I could get to the library and then make some copies. And she said, “The library officially closes at 10, but we begin to shut everything down in 5 minutes. So, we’re closed.”
At that point, I stared right at her and gave her the dirtiest look. My eyes were so angry, I pursed my lips and just threw my hands up and stalked away. Everything at that moment that I touched, I slammed – my locker, the turnstyle, the doors. I have a temper at times, and it was one of those times where I just exploded.
And walking back home, I scowled at God yelling at Him, ‘Why did YOU send me here?!’ I argued that I WAS RIGHT and that I have a right to be angry. I cursed everything from the internet to the student to the cold weather. I just exploded. And I refused to stop, I just wanted to let my believed justified frustration and anger out.
But I couldn’t let go that after everything I said to God, I felt crappy. I felt bad that I had responded so poorly and that I had made someone else probably feel bad when it really wasn’t just her but the accumulation of several stressful days, and she was just the last straw and an easy outlet. And even if I was right, I still shouldn’t have treated her that way.
The next day I went to the library to use the internet, but I was mortified that the same student the night before was also working the morning shift. I realized I forgot my ID, so I was not able to go through the turnstyle. And I wanted to apologize. I called to the woman who once she saw that it was me, made no attempt to get up from her chair which was far away and she looked annoyed. So from the turnstyle, I had to yell my apology. The people from the elevator, foyer, and lockers all stopped and turned to look at me, and I realized an unwanted audience was attentively listening. At that moment, I wished the people of Belgium did not understand English.
I admitted my fault and apologized for my behavior the night before and everything that had led up to our encounter. Her cold stare turned soft, and she simply told me she understood how things were stressful and accepted my apology.
I realize the more I am here, I have to be conscious of the cultural differences – even in communication, which was at play with the student librarian. There are other areas I’m trying to be more mindful of.
Just this past week, my Annex 15 (necessary documents from the City Hall) arrived, and now I can pursue the other administrative aspects of settling in. Saturday is the local market day where I buy my fruits, vegetables, olives, and bread for the week. Meat products I buy at the butcher where all the Asian stores are. Though I am in Belgium, I still cook like a Filipino, so all the ingredients I need are there and the prices are student-friendly.
Being from Chicago, we’re pretty used to bad winters. The fact it was getting increasingly cold balanced with some autumn weather was a good indication winter was quickly approaching and would be very cold.
The winter jacket I brought was not warm enough, so I ended up buying a jacket that I equate more or less to a stylish sleeping bag. My shopping Guardian Angel was so helpful, as this jacket was on sale (less 50 Euro!). Exactly the next day, the temperature dropped and I was wearing a sweater and a vest. I had to go home to change into my new jacket because it was freezing, and I could no longer feel my feet after 30 minutes. Belgian winters are a beast!
04 October 2012
Leuven, Belgie
I am in Belgium. I am excited to be here; but admittedly, a little afraid. Though I dismissed it at the time, I believe the knowledge I would have a great move came about two years ago, and I figured the move would be back to Chicago, or even Skokie, IL. And here I find myself, on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, in Bruxelles, Belgium – my new home, or at least, for as long as God wants me here.
There wasn’t much time to process the emotions. I left the Institutum Liturgicum in London, England earlier than intended. No Latin, yet once again, which was what I was supposed to take in Block 3 of study. I know it’s required for my studies; but at this point, I’m convinced I’m never actually going to learn Latin given there’s been too many missed opportunities.
My departure came as a result of running into some visa problems that I couldn’t resolve in the UK, so I flew home to Chicago and quickly tried to amend the various issues. Little issues came up but the most difficult was obtaining the FBI clearance. This was a process I began in August and it came last Friday. Immediately, I left for Washington, D.C. with my mother eager to accompany me.
Oddly enough, I was given the heads up back in London I’d be traveling to D.C., praise the Lord, though I insisted (as did the Belgian consulate) that I’d be obtaining my visa from New York City. Well, the insight was correct, and it was meant to be because the process was so smooth and the Belgian embassy was so kind to us. It helped that they also loved Filipinos and the Philippines, but I’m pretty sure Belgium has a lovely culture to begin with. Mom praised the Administrators telling how good she felt about Belgium given the first introduction into the country (visa process) – that being, their warmth and kindness to us.
Only within the first couple hours of my arrival have I already experienced the same warmth. And it seems to me that they are surprisingly excited for me once they find out I will be studying at Leuven in Katholieke Universiteit (KU).
Leuven is the capital of the Flanders region, and the language in this part of Belgie is Flemish, or Dutch. My school is 20 minutes away; and while that doesn’t seem so far away (it’s about from Irving Park/Lake Shore Drive to North Avenue/Larrabee in Chicago), I’ll be entering a different region. Here in Bruxelles, tous les personnes parlent en français. I’m happy I can understand it, but it will not be of use to me in Leuven where everyone will be speaking Dutch. I’m fairly certain I might come across as offensive if I speak in French, but they may just shrug it off because I am a foreigner.
The ‘foreigner’ card will be helpful in the next coming months. I do feel out of my element because it is the first time I’ve left Chicago, but I believe this is God’s will for me to be here given how everything unfolded within prayer and was confirmed at a later time. I am thankful to be here.
He grants everything – from my desire to serve Him completely to allowing me to serve Him in a country that loves beer. Like me! There are 9 Trappist monasteries in the world known for their beers, and I believe 7 of them are in Belgium. I am looking forward to doing a beer tour of the country and hiring a designated driver.
There are still a number of hurdles that I will encounter before study, but I believe the Lord’s Providence will manifest. I almost did not leave yesterday because I didn’t secure housing. And I thought, ‘I’m such a wimp.’ But then, I realized if I had issues with anything I wanted to contact KU; and therefore, had no choice but to just go so at least I’d have two business days to get settled.
No housing until God’s minute. This has been a recurring theme – in NYC back in 2005 and Paris in 2009. But it all worked out when it was supposed to. Praise the Lord, I decided to just go; and within minutes of my decision, I had a flood of responses emailed to me regarding housing. The ‘Guido Gezelle’ sounds like an African beast, and it is the name of home for the next couple weeks.
Today after getting settled, I took some time walking around the Centre. The beautifully preserved architecture of medieval Leuven was such a welcome, and I feel very blessed.
There wasn’t much time to process the emotions. I left the Institutum Liturgicum in London, England earlier than intended. No Latin, yet once again, which was what I was supposed to take in Block 3 of study. I know it’s required for my studies; but at this point, I’m convinced I’m never actually going to learn Latin given there’s been too many missed opportunities.
My departure came as a result of running into some visa problems that I couldn’t resolve in the UK, so I flew home to Chicago and quickly tried to amend the various issues. Little issues came up but the most difficult was obtaining the FBI clearance. This was a process I began in August and it came last Friday. Immediately, I left for Washington, D.C. with my mother eager to accompany me.
Oddly enough, I was given the heads up back in London I’d be traveling to D.C., praise the Lord, though I insisted (as did the Belgian consulate) that I’d be obtaining my visa from New York City. Well, the insight was correct, and it was meant to be because the process was so smooth and the Belgian embassy was so kind to us. It helped that they also loved Filipinos and the Philippines, but I’m pretty sure Belgium has a lovely culture to begin with. Mom praised the Administrators telling how good she felt about Belgium given the first introduction into the country (visa process) – that being, their warmth and kindness to us.
Only within the first couple hours of my arrival have I already experienced the same warmth. And it seems to me that they are surprisingly excited for me once they find out I will be studying at Leuven in Katholieke Universiteit (KU).
Leuven is the capital of the Flanders region, and the language in this part of Belgie is Flemish, or Dutch. My school is 20 minutes away; and while that doesn’t seem so far away (it’s about from Irving Park/Lake Shore Drive to North Avenue/Larrabee in Chicago), I’ll be entering a different region. Here in Bruxelles, tous les personnes parlent en français. I’m happy I can understand it, but it will not be of use to me in Leuven where everyone will be speaking Dutch. I’m fairly certain I might come across as offensive if I speak in French, but they may just shrug it off because I am a foreigner.
The ‘foreigner’ card will be helpful in the next coming months. I do feel out of my element because it is the first time I’ve left Chicago, but I believe this is God’s will for me to be here given how everything unfolded within prayer and was confirmed at a later time. I am thankful to be here.
He grants everything – from my desire to serve Him completely to allowing me to serve Him in a country that loves beer. Like me! There are 9 Trappist monasteries in the world known for their beers, and I believe 7 of them are in Belgium. I am looking forward to doing a beer tour of the country and hiring a designated driver.
There are still a number of hurdles that I will encounter before study, but I believe the Lord’s Providence will manifest. I almost did not leave yesterday because I didn’t secure housing. And I thought, ‘I’m such a wimp.’ But then, I realized if I had issues with anything I wanted to contact KU; and therefore, had no choice but to just go so at least I’d have two business days to get settled.
No housing until God’s minute. This has been a recurring theme – in NYC back in 2005 and Paris in 2009. But it all worked out when it was supposed to. Praise the Lord, I decided to just go; and within minutes of my decision, I had a flood of responses emailed to me regarding housing. The ‘Guido Gezelle’ sounds like an African beast, and it is the name of home for the next couple weeks.
Today after getting settled, I took some time walking around the Centre. The beautifully preserved architecture of medieval Leuven was such a welcome, and I feel very blessed.
10 August 2012
Dead Sea Scrolls
One of the most memorable parts of this pilgrimage has been to visit the ruins of the Qumran community, where the Essenes (2nd century) lived. According to scholars, the Essenes were a community of priests who desired a strict, ascetic, and orthodox way of religious life within the Jewish faith. They lived from a community rule, observed silence, practiced various rituals for purification, and prayed and lived dedicating their life to God. Their work involved farming and copying religious texts onto scrolls. These scrolls are known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. Only in the 20th century were these scriptural texts discovered hidden in the Qumran caves.
The Dead Sea Scrolls is a major treasure for Israel and really the world. They are dated as the earliest documentation of the Biblical scriptures and are exact in Biblical texts that were found later.
SO! When we visited the Israel museum to visit the Shrine of the Book (where artifacts from the Qumran community and some Dead Sea Scrolls were displayed, including a facsimilie of a complete scroll on the Book of Isaiah!!), it truly enhanced the experience of seeing the texts.
It was special because an entire community had dedicated themselves to copying the Word of God (where most likely it was used within a liturgical setting). Simultaneously, they were striving to live an authentic, holy life in community with others. An admirable endeavor, indeed.
There are lessons to be drawn from such an ancient community for today's contemporary societies -- how do we show reverence for God? how can the everyday person who participates within the liturgy or another liturgical celebration allow for the Word of God to truly engage and transform lives to live authentic Christian living? while most of the world is not living in an ascetic community, how do we engage with members of the Christian community, and what is our fraternal response to the non-Christian community? Such reflections will contribute to interior peace and joy, strengthen who we are as Christians, and can even improve relations between different cultural and religious groups, while still being distinct and not compromising in the Christian faith.
08 August 2012
On Mount Tabor on the Feast of the Transfiguration
I finally learned why there are drums outside my window at 3AM. We are in the middle of Ramadan (a special time of fasting for Muslims), and the music, drums, and the crowd parade in the streets to ... yes, intentionally wake up everyone. It is not reckless people running a muck so early in the morning; but rather, the early sounds are intended to help Muslims arise and have a bite to eat before the day of fasting begins, which concludes in the evening.
Earlier today we attended Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor on the Feast of the Transfiguration. It was so fabulous as the Mass was celebrated primarily in Arabic (the area we were in had a significant Christian, Arabic-speaking population), and secondarily Italian and Latin.
It was such a blessing to experience the Mass in the locale of which the Transfiguration took place and with the language of the area -- Arabic. Truly, so many aspects of the local culture's way of praise and worship came forth and was a gift to experience.
Our second trip took us to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth where we were able to visit the Grotto of which the Angel Gabriel delivered the message to holy Mother Mary. Close to the church, we visited St. Joseph's home/carpentry workshop.
We concluded with Haifa and focused on Stella Maris and the site of where the Carmelites began. The chapel encloses the Cave of Elijah -- where it is said he preached and prophesied to the people of Israel. At one point, I had the opportunity of having the Chapel to myself as all the tour groups were gone or in the souvenir shop. For thanksgiving for our journey that day, I sang the Salve Regina. It was my favorite part of the day to just rest, have silence, and then to pray.
Earlier today we attended Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor on the Feast of the Transfiguration. It was so fabulous as the Mass was celebrated primarily in Arabic (the area we were in had a significant Christian, Arabic-speaking population), and secondarily Italian and Latin.
It was such a blessing to experience the Mass in the locale of which the Transfiguration took place and with the language of the area -- Arabic. Truly, so many aspects of the local culture's way of praise and worship came forth and was a gift to experience.
Our second trip took us to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth where we were able to visit the Grotto of which the Angel Gabriel delivered the message to holy Mother Mary. Close to the church, we visited St. Joseph's home/carpentry workshop.
We concluded with Haifa and focused on Stella Maris and the site of where the Carmelites began. The chapel encloses the Cave of Elijah -- where it is said he preached and prophesied to the people of Israel. At one point, I had the opportunity of having the Chapel to myself as all the tour groups were gone or in the souvenir shop. For thanksgiving for our journey that day, I sang the Salve Regina. It was my favorite part of the day to just rest, have silence, and then to pray.
05 August 2012
First Friday of the Month in Jerusalem
Prior to every endeavor, God's grace is always sufficient. The more difficult the task ahead, I believe the more His grace will flow abundantly. And despite my nervous tendencies and various insecurities, past experience shows me that Providence is real and that all that is needed will be in place when it needs to be ... to accomplish what needs to get done.
I am on pilgrimage, and it is a blessing to be in Jerusalem, Israel. My family and I are together visiting the places where Jesus' ministries and miracles took place. There were so many obstacles to our journey prior to it even beginning, and yet it finally happened.
Is a pilgrimage just a trip? I'm inclined to believe not quite. For myself, I have come to understand the Christian pilgrimage as a journey explicitly and deliberately searching for God, engaging with prayer, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to what Christ has in store for us.
In many ways, all of life is a journey and for the most part -- a pilgrimage. I hope to be open to this experience and to just be present. I trust it will help strengthen me for the months ahead and pray whatever is received can inspire The Christa Apostolate (TCA).
Our morning started so beautifully with a high Mass at Calvary 730am. Most of today was spent in prayer at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre with the afternoon dedicated to processing with the Franciscans in the Stations of the Cross.
It was such a simple witness of the Christian faith amidst a religiously and culturally diverse part of the Old City. Additionally, it seemed even more significant in the sense that the quarter is heavily commercialized. The Stations are labeled with roman numerals; however, unless you're looking for the signs, it's not easy to tell something salvific and holy had taken place within the stone-cobble maze.
We began close to the Church of the Flagellation and processed through the Muslim Quarter into the Christian Quarter. It was a neat experience of praying through the streets in both Italian, English, and Latin, listening to the Stations, and reciting the responses.
The contrast was so stark between Christian and Muslim and yet there was a fluid understanding taking place -- that being, the Christians were going about our procession while the Muslims were selling goods or going to the market or just passing through. And everyone just existed going about what needed to be done and sharing the space.
The relationship between religious and ethno-cultural groups is complex. I hate to oversimplify or generalize; but in a somewhat microcosmic way, the procession and interaction with different peoples showed a mutual effort to maintain order and fluidity on both the part of Christian and Muslim. It was most admirable, indeed. Stepping further back, it is even more amazing that so many religious quarters have been able to live within close proximity of the other for centuries.
Part of my love for the devotional Stations is the penitential spirit found behind them. This has been very helpful in keeping my focus on Christ and reminding me why we are in Jerusalem and Who we are celebrating.
Overall, it has been a blessing to be in Israel, and we have received nothing but hospitality from everyone we have encountered. The only regretable moment of the day (of which I just could not help ...) was falling asleep in the worst possible place: the garden and basilica of Gethsemane. How can anyone not feel guilty given the Scriptures? The weather was really hot ...
I am on pilgrimage, and it is a blessing to be in Jerusalem, Israel. My family and I are together visiting the places where Jesus' ministries and miracles took place. There were so many obstacles to our journey prior to it even beginning, and yet it finally happened.
Is a pilgrimage just a trip? I'm inclined to believe not quite. For myself, I have come to understand the Christian pilgrimage as a journey explicitly and deliberately searching for God, engaging with prayer, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to what Christ has in store for us.
In many ways, all of life is a journey and for the most part -- a pilgrimage. I hope to be open to this experience and to just be present. I trust it will help strengthen me for the months ahead and pray whatever is received can inspire The Christa Apostolate (TCA).
Our morning started so beautifully with a high Mass at Calvary 730am. Most of today was spent in prayer at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre with the afternoon dedicated to processing with the Franciscans in the Stations of the Cross.
It was such a simple witness of the Christian faith amidst a religiously and culturally diverse part of the Old City. Additionally, it seemed even more significant in the sense that the quarter is heavily commercialized. The Stations are labeled with roman numerals; however, unless you're looking for the signs, it's not easy to tell something salvific and holy had taken place within the stone-cobble maze.
We began close to the Church of the Flagellation and processed through the Muslim Quarter into the Christian Quarter. It was a neat experience of praying through the streets in both Italian, English, and Latin, listening to the Stations, and reciting the responses.
The contrast was so stark between Christian and Muslim and yet there was a fluid understanding taking place -- that being, the Christians were going about our procession while the Muslims were selling goods or going to the market or just passing through. And everyone just existed going about what needed to be done and sharing the space.
The relationship between religious and ethno-cultural groups is complex. I hate to oversimplify or generalize; but in a somewhat microcosmic way, the procession and interaction with different peoples showed a mutual effort to maintain order and fluidity on both the part of Christian and Muslim. It was most admirable, indeed. Stepping further back, it is even more amazing that so many religious quarters have been able to live within close proximity of the other for centuries.
Part of my love for the devotional Stations is the penitential spirit found behind them. This has been very helpful in keeping my focus on Christ and reminding me why we are in Jerusalem and Who we are celebrating.
Overall, it has been a blessing to be in Israel, and we have received nothing but hospitality from everyone we have encountered. The only regretable moment of the day (of which I just could not help ...) was falling asleep in the worst possible place: the garden and basilica of Gethsemane. How can anyone not feel guilty given the Scriptures? The weather was really hot ...
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