Commemoration of St. Paul

In between the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul yesterday and the Feast of the Precious Blood of Jesus tomorrow, we celebrate an additional feast commemorating St. Paul specifically. St. Paul happens to be my Confirmation saint, so this is a special commemoration for me. In honor of St. Paul and in anticipation of the feast of the Precious Blood tomorrow, here is a brief segment from a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculata outlining St. Paul's teaching on the Eucharist. Enjoy.

Fr. Libietis Mission

I spoke to a few people on pilgrimage Saturday who really enjoyed Father Libietis lunchtime sermon. For those folks and everyone else, I added links to his 2009 Parish Mission talks at St. Therese's in the left link section. I will also have Fr. Hewko's sermon from yesterday up sometime later today. It's back to work for me after 2.5 weeks of the new baby rollercoaster. Mom and Thomas are doing just fine.

Happy Feast of Sts Peter and Paul

-Albert

Auriesville Pilgrimage 2009

Yesterday, a few children and I departed in the wee hours of the morning for Auriesville and the annual Pilgrimage of Tradition. Several parishes up and down the east coast participated, with a smattering of folks from other parts of the country and of the world.

It is an incredible experience planting your feet on the ground where courageous giants of the Christian Faith shed their blood for souls in service of Our Lord Jesus Christ, "A greater love hath no man than to lay down one's life for his brother."

Before Puritans landed on Plymouth Rock, the Church was here in this land, sanctifying, baptizing, laying down lives. They paid for the conversions of thousands of native people with their blood. The Franciscans primarily worked Mexico, the south and the west, establishing beautiful missions that stand today in testimony of their glorious work for God, the missions, and the names of the various territories they founded named after great saints... Saint Augustine, San Antonio, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Francisco, just to name a few, not including small towns, roads and bodies of water.

The Jesuits were focused mostly on Canada and the North, establishing their headquarters at Three Rivers (Trois-Rivieres), just Northeast of present day Montreal . It is in the footsteps of these great Jesuits, Father John De Brebeuf, Father Anthony Daniel, Father Isaac Jogues, and many others, that we walked ten miles in rain and sun through a landscape perfumed by thyme, honoring the lives of our brothers in the Faith who time will never forget. These are real heroes. Father Isaac Jogues was the first white man to paddle down present day Lake George with his native captors. Before being renamed Lake George, the body of water was called "Lake of the Blessed Sacrament," named so by Isaac Jogues. When Fr. Jogues arrived at our place of pilgrimage, which was at that time a large Mohawk village, terrible torture and privation awaited him, but not before he reached and baptised many souls, finally giving the supreme example of what it means to follow Our Lord Jesus Christ. Join me in a little photo journal of yesterday's events. We experienced many blessings that only a pilgrimage and a little sacrifice can bring, including the blessing from a newly ordained priest.

All smiles and no walking sores yet.
Some Hickman Pilgrims.
All of the parishes begin to line up under their colors.
Father Timothy Pfeiffer delivers the opening sermon prior to the walk. Father is presently the Prior in Syracuse. We just learned that he is to be transferred to the missions in India.
Therese on one end of the parish banner.
The pilgrimage begins at a Lock ten miles down river from the Shrine.
Dominican Sisters gingerly navigate a dilapidated bridge.
Through rain and sunshine (mostly clouds and rain).
Lunch is six miles up the trail along the river.
Andrew isn't even out of breath. They work them hard at La Salette.
Fr. Helmuts Libietis delivers a lunchtime sermon exhorting us to live our Confirmations and do something for souls. Fr. Zendehas also had the children praying for their fathers, especially important at a time when there is such a crisis in fatherhood.
Meghan cannot quite feel her legs anymore.
We finally spot the shrine.
The last leg tingling uphill push to the Shrine.
The Shrine of the Martyrs






Procession through the shrine grounds singing the Litany of the Saints.

Father Joseph Pfeiffer delivers a powerful sermon on the 'hands of the priest' during the concluding High Mass. This was the first Mass of newly ordained Father Richard Boyle.
Ordained one week prior, Fr. Boyle gives a first blessing which brings with it special graces to the recipient.
During the blessing, Joseph kisses the hands of Fr. Boyle, hands that will bless, sanctify, and, most importantly, consecrate bread and wine into the Living Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ in obedience to His command, "do this in remembrance of me."
One of Father Boyle's Ordination Cards. Before seminary, Father graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Michigan which would later move to Illinois and become La Salette Academy.
Fr. Zendehas, Prior in Ridgefield, CT, Retreat Master, and organizer of the pilgrimage gives a final farewell. He is also being transferred and, along with Fr. Pfeiffer, will be sorely missed. We pray for them and for their successors who all are prepared to drop everything at a moment's notice to go where Christ is calling them.

Thursday Hike Along the St. Regis River

Pictures

You will have to forgive me if some of these posts lack theme and focus. It is a symptom of a turbulent few weeks. Thank you again to family and friends for all of the support during this time from prayers to meals and gifts. We will catch up with correspondence as things finally settle.

First picture here is Thomas' homecoming yesterday. The second is from our St. John's Vigil bonfire last night.




"Let nothing disturb thee; Let nothing dismay thee; All thing pass; God never changes. Patience attains All that it strives for. He who has God finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices." -St. Teresa of Avila

Pilgrimage

Here is a well produced video by PBS on this year's Chartres pilgrimage in France. I hope to be taking a bunch of children this Saturday to the annual Pilgrimage of Tradition at the Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, NY. Grant it, ours is not three days, but 10 miles isn't a bad haul, especially for someone as out of shape as me.




-Albert
+Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Coming Home

I am pleased and thankful to write that Mom and Thomas return home from the hospital today (Tuesday). I will try to have some additional pictures up shortly.

I just posted a sermon from Fr. Stephen Somerville on the devotion to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary. I had never heard of this particular devotion originating, I believe, in the Philippines. It is an important devotion, especially today given the ferocity of the attacks on families and the Church.

Consider lighting a bonfire for the Vigil of the Birth of St. John the Baptist...

---

BLESSING OF A BONFIRE

on the Vigil of the Birthday of St. John the Baptist
conferred by the clergy outside of church

In the Church's veneration of her saints the cult of John the Baptist had from earliest times and continues to have a most prominent and honored place. John gave testimony of the true light that shines in the darkness, although he proclaimed in utter humility: "He must increase, but I must decrease." And the Master also spoke in highest praise of His precursor: "I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist." Attuned to the words of the Gospel the Christians of former times were filled with love and enthusiasm for this saint, and expressed a justifiable conviviality at the approach of his feastday by lighting a bonfire the night before in front of their churches, in the market-place, on the hilltops, and in the valleys. The custom of St. John bonfires, indicative of a people with unabashed and childlike faith, continues in some places to this day.


P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.


All: Who made heaven and earth.


P: The Lord be with you.


All: And with your spirit.


P: Let us pray.


Lord God, almighty Father, the light that never fails and the source of all light, sanctify this new fire, and grant that after the darkness of this life we may come unsullied to you who are light eternal; through Christ our Lord.


All: Amen.

---

-Albert
+Vigil of the Birth of St. John the Baptist

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Birthday Video

Andrew produced a little birthday video for Joseph. We had to postpone the cake until tonight as Joe was sacked with a virus last night.

Thomas Update

We were finally able to get Thomas transferred back to Malone yesterday. The hospital has provided Leslie and Thomas with a private room and Mom will board with him until he is ready to be released. There is no definite timeframe, but gut feel tells me by end of this coming week for release. He is taking his feedings well, but still relies on an NG tube for portions of some feedings when he gets tired.

In the midst of all of the Thomas drama, we had a stomach virus start this week. It is presently about half way through the family. Hopefully it will be finished and gone by the time Thomas is released. All for Christ the King and the Immaculate Heart...

-Albert

Happy Birthday Joseph Albert "Peppito"!

Green Tape (cont...)

Would you believe we are still waiting for the insurance company's decision for transfer? The hold-up is the Malone hospital. All BCBS needs is both hospital's daily care costs so that they can compare them and make the decision. We were able to find someone in Malone to give the numbers and she is supposedly contacting the insurance company immanently. The cost savings is substantial, so we hope that the decision for transfer will go in our favor. It is frustrating that it is taking so long to communicate this simple information. Thomas could have been transferred two days ago.

In the meantime, Leslie woke up with sky high blood pressure again this morning which would indicate that the battle with preeclampsia is not yet finished. We went to the O.B. and they prescribed blood pressure medication. Please God, that will resolve the difficulties so that Leslie does not need to be re-admitted and undergo another magnesium treatment.

Green Tape

We still await the insurance company's decision to transfer Thomas back to Malone. It all naturally comes down to money. If the insurance company will save money by transferring him up here for care instead of leaving him down there, then they will likely decide in the affirmative. I am not sure what we will do if the decision comes back negative, as the hospital in Albany is saying that they think he has 1-2 weeks more of hospital care. I may end up taking Leslie back down and finding a place for her to stay and a means for her to get back and forth from the hospital. No small task. Certainly Thomas will have far less hospital time needed if he can be with Mom to nurse and encourage him. Could I ask an Ave Maria or two for the transfer intention?

Crusaders Wanted

This is awesome. Thank you Tim L. for drawing it to my attention.

Thomas Pictures and Status

Leslie was discharged yesterday and we both came home last night sans Thomas. The hospital down in Albany is working to transfer him back to Malone since he has overcome the RDS and now just needs to gain a little weight. The hope is to get him back in Malone today and then released for good within the next couple of days. Thanks to everyone for their help, prayers, calls, and general well wishes. Here are a few pictures:

Monday Leslie/Thomas Update

Leslie's blood pressure shot up high again last night and they put her on magnesium. They were resisting the magnesium unless it was absolutely necessary. The good news is that her blood pressure is lowering and her heart rate is rising. So it looks like the diagnosis, for both heart and pressure, is preeclampsia. If the magnesium resolves the problems today, there is a good chance Mom and baby will come home tomorrow.

-Albert
+St. Vitus

I wanted to write up a post for Corpus Christi, but have not had the time. The Holy Eucharist is the greatest treasure of the Catholic Faith and to be deprived of it the greatest of tragedies. Father Hewko's latest sermon, "I Am The Living Bread", posted in the links says more than I could say and more eloquently.

Here in our community we are privileged with two Corpus Christi celebrations, once on the actual Thursday feast day courtesy of the Domincan School, and again today, transferred to Sunday for the parish celebration. Suffice it to say that my Lord and Savior truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar is my strength, period. I hope to write a few more words on the subject shortly. Listen to Father's sermon if you have not already.

I will likely be taking a few days blog break as I travel to Albany to be with Leslie and Thomas. Thomas is still looking great and we are waiting for something more conclusive regarding some of Mom's symptoms.

-Albert

Sunday Leslie and Thomas Update

Thomas continues to make great progress. He may be ready for release within the next couple of days. That, however, is not the case for Leslie. She is suddenly struggling with high blood pressure and a low heart rate. The doctors are suspecting preeclampsia for the blood pressure, but are befuddled about the low heart rate. Tests so far show no internal bleeding, blod clots or thyroid issues. There will be another round of tests this afternoon. As always, prayers are appreciated.

Saturday Thomas Update

Thomas is now off the CPAP mask and is breathing on his own. They have also removed the feeding tube. He continues to make brisk progress and at this rate we are hoping he will be discharged early next week with mom or shortly thereafter.

Mom and Aunt Sherry's Visit

My mother and Aunt Sherry left today after the closing ceremonies at the girl's school. Thank God this was the week my mother decided to visit, as the help with all of the activities, planned and unplanned, was extremely needed and appreciated. The children just love their Nana...

Solemn Communion Pictures

Here are some shots from Amanda's Solemn Communion yesterday. The day began with the Mass of Corpus Christi which included the Solemn Communion ceremony. There was then a break for lunch and we were back at 3:00 for a Eucharistic Procession and the girl's consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary.


Amanda makes a pledge uniting herself to Our Lord Jesus Christ



My attempt at making a cake in mom's absence
Hannaford's attempt at making a cake on short notice