The Saints That Change Me

I took this photo of Pope St. John Paul II with my little cube flash instamatic camera.

I’ve heard about saints all my life. They are supposed to inspire us to become holy.  It wasn’t until I lived in Mexico and Barcelona and walked the streets of recently martyred saints that I realized their power to change me.

My father-in-law was a book lover and over the years he sent us several books that he enjoyed or thought we should read. When we moved to Monterrey, Mexico in 1999 he sent us three books: Blood Drenched Altars, Mexican Martyrdom, and Blessed Miguel Pro: 20th Century Mexican Martyr.  This last book gripped me.

In 1927 Miguel Pro was a priest in Zacatecas, MX.   That was a crime during those years of religious persecution. Property was stolen from the Catholic Church by the government and thousands of people were threatened, arrested, exiled, tortured and killed for the crime of being Catholic. My favorite part of Fr. Pro’s story is that he often disguised himself when he traveled to private homes to say Mass.

 

 

Fr. Pro was arrested in 1927 on false charges of attempted murder and shot by firing squad without a trial. Read about Fr. Pro here.

 

 

In Barcelona, Spain, you can’t go one day without encountering a street sign or city named in honor of a saint. I wish now I had taken more time to learn their stories. Like Mexico, Catholics were persecuted during the Spanish Revolution of the 1930’s.  Priests, religious and lay people were martyred.

Now,  I am particularly interested in knowing about those  who are considered “modern-day” saints. The facts of their lives are readily available and verifiable.

I’ve heard people say that “those who are religious are ignorant of the world and follow the masses blindly.”  I reject that notion. MANY of our saints were highly educated scientists, philosophers, theologians, and lay workers.  They chose to use their education and resources in service to mankind, and when threatened with persecution they chose to honor their Catholic faith and beliefs.  That commitment and courage is attractive to me.  A little bit frightening, yes, but attractive.  I pray for the desire and courage to change, and to live my faith as they lived theirs.

Saint Maximillian Kolbe, 1941, Auschwitz

In hope,   Peggy

Blessed Herminia Martinez Amigo de Martinez, 1936, Valencia, Spain

 

Saint Edith Stein, 1944, Auschwitz

Read about Saint Edith Stein

 

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When Prayer Isn’t Enough

Prayer is always good. Always. But, for those times in life when action is required, I fast.

“What more can I do?” These words are a question I’ve asked myself when the obvious course of action is not, well, obvious.  I don’t wait patiently. Fasting is the silent action, invisible to all but God, which satisfies my “do something now” anxiety.  When a huge decision needs to be made, when I feel helpless, or when someone I care about is facing a serious situation, I fast for a morning or an afternoon and repeat as necessary.

Here are two Bible references about fasting I think of the most.

• When prayerful efforts fail to solve a problem:

The apostles failed to heal a boy with convulsions and Jesus told them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:29 

• When I need to hear from the Holy Spirit:

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to the work for which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.  Acts: 13:2, 3  

Lent starts soon. What reason can you find to fast?

In hope,

Peggy

 

Working Out This Refugee Question

The refugee men travel in gangs.   They have no children.  They have no jobs. They are angry.  They are violent. They were taught violence.  They want to feel important, and so they join the extremist groups that promise victory and reward for bringing down the enemy.  They migrate and leave disruption and fear in their wake.  Nations vow to protect themselves and shut out all refugees, at least for a while.

The refugee families sit in the street. It is hot, dusty, and water is scarce. Food is scarce too.   In pathetic resignation a woman cries out, “I am not one of those men! Our children are innocent! Our family is persecuted. We are scared and there is no place to go. Can you not see that?  We need help. Our children are suffering.  Please let us come to you.”

The above stories are the impressions I have about our current refugee situation.  In prayer today I found myself wondering about my attitudes, as I have conflicted sentiments.  As if a movie was playing in my mind, I imagined these refugee stories.

As a Catholic woman I understand our church’s role in the scenario of the families above – to love them, welcome them, and be merciful to them.  As a citizen I think we should avoid the chaos we see in parts of Europe as a result of the influx of refugees/migrants there.

The Catholic Church recognizes the right of a nation to protect its borders and to expect its laws to be obeyed. It also recognizes the rights of persons to be treated with dignity and to provide for themselves and their families through meaningful employment. Multiple statements are available about this from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on their website at www.usccb.org.  This is a recent addition:

“In response to the Appeals Court ruling, Most Reverend Joe Vasquez, Bishop of Austin, Texas, and Chair of the Committee on Migration stated: “We welcome the decision of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. We respect the rule of law and the American judicial process. We remain steadfast in our commitment to resettling refugees and all those fleeing persecution. At this time, we remain particularly dedicated to ensuring that affected refugee and immigrant families are not separated and that they continue to be welcomed to our country. We will continue to welcome the newcomer as it is a vital part of our Catholic faith and an enduring element of our American values and tradition.”

As I work through my own  conflicting thoughts over this crisis I’ll do the very best I can to contribute to the greater answer.  I’ll pray. Will you join me?

Loving Lord, grant wisdom to our lawmakers who make decisions regarding the fate of all refugees and immigrants. Show us how to offer help and hope to those who suffer. Amen.

In hope,

Peggy

 

His Most Awesome Name

    Did you miss it?  Had I not opened my Laudate app, I would have missed it, too. When I woke yesterday I had no idea what a special day it was.   Tucked into the frenzy of special commemoration days related to Christmas is the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. You probably wonder why I care so much?  It is because names mean a lot to our family. Our children were named as much for the meaning of their names as the names themselves, and they know why they were chosen. At the mention of a name we may feel love, joy, anxiety, fear, hate, or indifference. The name Jesus means “God saves.”  How do you react at the mention of His name?  This is what comes to my mind ~

The door of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Photo taken by me!

In Jesus’ Name:  We ask.  We plead.  We search. We knock.

In Jesus’ Name: Hate shrivels. Evil cowers.  Doubt vanishes. Fear diminishes.

 In Jesus’ Name:  We are forgiven. We are healed. We are saved. We adore. We offer. We stand.    We are loved. We are made new. We love in return.

“There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”   (Acts 4:14, NAB, RE)

I love His Holy Name. Next year I’ll be ready for this feast and it won’t catch me by surprise. My prayer is that in contemplating the Most Holy Name of Jesus, you find joy.

In hope,

Peggy

I Didn’t Have to Wait for Heaven

As I stood on the steps of the altar my legs were quivering and I had tears in my eyes.  No, I wasn’t scared or sad. I was overwhelmed that what I thought would only happen in Heaven was happening to me at that moment.

Back up 18 years or so…when I first heard David Kaufman’s music, it gripped my heart.   I may or may not have cried.   I loved that music! At the time I had this cool idea, and  whispered a silent prayer to God.  “Lord, when I get to Heaven, can I please stand next to David and sing with him?”  Yes, I actually said that prayer and have repeated it over the years.  My voice would never be good enough on earth, but in heaven?   I’m certain it will be enhanced a bit and possibly worthy of a duet!

When I found out David and Bill Gokelman were coming to St. Martha, I was excited. When I found out they wanted a group to sing with them, I was beside myself with anticipation.  I’ve prayed with David’s quiet, reflective music for years – at church, through prayerful Good Fridays, during retreats and even a rough emotional move to Barcelona. NEVER did I imagine this grace – to sing with him on earth.

I didn’t have to wait for heaven. Heaven was here.

Sometimes, the Lord just overwhelms. 

So here I am with David. I smiled like a goofball all night. I couldn’t help it!

In hope,                                                   Peggy

Curious?  Search David Kaufman on youtube

Purchase David’s music on iTunes and here.

 

Precious Body and Blood

Could it be that Jesus’ love for me is so fantastic and large that he would agree to let me eat his own body and drink his own blood? Who am I, that he would love me so much, to want to be that close to me?

My Lovely Faith

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”   (Luke 22:19,20 RSV)

This Catholic teaching is a difficult one to grasp and to believe. In fact, it has always been questioned, from the very first moment Jesus’ words were uttered. Who wouldn’t argue that this is a very strange concept for the everyday mortal to grasp? Eating and drinking the flesh and blood of another person is hardly a great marketing tool to increase numbers to the faith.  But I don’t think Jesus was kidding when he said, “For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.”  (John 6:55…

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God Knows Our Heart

“My prayer group and pastor prayed over me and it should never have happened. It’s okay though because God forgives.”  She stated this with conviction.

As I looked at her lovely face I felt certain that she had misunderstood her pastor. I was working Monday at a ministry that helps women who are pregnant and in crisis. This young woman – I’ll call her Eve, wasn’t talking about something that happened in the past.  She was talking about the abortion she was currently seeking.  Eve emphatically believed that God would forgive her, even though she believed it was wrong to have an abortion and she planned to do it anyway.

As Eve continued to speak my heart kind of broke for her. There was something gravely missing in her interpretation of mercy and forgiveness. She showed no remorse and no sorrow for what she was about to do.   I’ve heard other people talk this way about their recklessness  or bad decisions.  To them I kindly say…mercy isn’t a free pass to do whatever we want. We can’t be abusive, do drugs, or drink in excess without hurting ourselves and others. We can’t lie, cheat, steal or kill and think we’ll be okay because “Hey, God forgives.”  Sins have consequences.  Eve could likely experience serious physical problems or emotional and spiritual pain and suffering as a consequence of her decision. It happens often.  Her family members are affected too. And most hurtful of all, when we willfully do what we know we shouldn’t do, our relationship with God is damaged. 

BUT, we know that Jesus forgives. What is necessary and often misunderstood (or missing) is our thoughtful evaluation of our life before God, and the determination to be better and to do what God wants of us. Have we really considered the consequences of our actions? Are we sad, remorseful or sorrowful for the sin we know we committed?  “Contrition” is sorrow for our sin based on the love of God. When our “contrition” happens, we have hope for reconciliation with God.  How beautiful is that?

“Therefore submit to God; resist the devil and he will take flight. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you…Be humbled in the sight of the Lord and he will raise you on high.” [James 7,-8, 10 NAB, St. Joseph Ed.]

During this “Year of Mercy”  we are given a fantastic opportunity to learn about the immeasurable mercy of God.  I’m reading and studying, and I hope you are too.

In hope,                                                                                                                                                   Peggy

 

For more on Forgiveness and the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

Books by Pope Francis or  The Catechism of the Catholic Church,   CCC 1422-1498

https://peggyangelino.wordpress.com/2013/07/16/i-forgive-you-part-1/

https://peggyangelino.wordpress.com/2013/08/07/i-forgive-you-part-2/

https://peggyangelino.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/case-dismissed-i-forgive-you-part-3/

 

My Jesus Loves Me

Last September we welcomed a new little class of 3 year old sweethearts into our Mother’s Day Out program.  It was The First Day, and my co-teacher and I were ready.  We were excited. This year we had new ideas and plans.  As the 12 little children started to arrive,   I remembered…

The First Day is not fun.

Mommies, daddies, and various family members entered in a rush as their shy little cuties hung on to mom for dear life.  “Lovies” were clutched close and tears fell with goodbyes.  (And I’m not just talking about the children.)

The day was a whirlwind of play, stories, circle time, snack, more play, outside play, learning to line up, lunch, and finally….nap.  Exhausted at this point from the stress of  The First Day, our little cuties saw their familiar nap mat from home and practically threw themselves on it.

Except for one little guy.  Down on his mat. Up from his mat.  He wandered the room until he found what he was looking for.  As I started to coax him back to his mat he looked up to me with his huge brown eyes and angel face.  He stuck his little fist up in the air to show me the little plastic crucifix from the prayer table and he announced, “My Jesus loves me.”   Be still my heart.  Life slowed down all around me as I looked at that precious child, who already knew what too many forget.

My Jesus loves me.

Precious child set the cross next to his mat and fell asleep looking at his Jesus.  He still does this.

Perhaps it’s time to follow the lead of a little child.

We have come to know and believe in the love God has for us.
God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.   – 1 John 4:16 (NAB)

In hope,                                                                                                                                                  Peggy

 

 

Saying Goodbye, and Hello

My Lovely Faith

I was Al Angelino’s daughter-in-law for more than 30 years, but our relationship was respectful more than close. We never had long talks that I can remember. I knew his love through his attention to our children and his determination to be present during big life events.  My fond memory is of him laughing so hard that he cried.  My husband has that same laugh.

Earlier in December I wrote a letter to him. He was dying. He was constantly on my mind and I wanted him to know that I loved him.  Although we were far apart,  I felt connected to him.

He died December 19th, and he’s still constantly on my mind.  I find it completely normal to talk to him. Could it be that we will be more connected now than when he was alive?  This is the question that I sit with each day.

My father-in-law…

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Saying Goodbye, and Hello

I was Al Angelino’s daughter-in-law for more than 30 years, but our relationship was respectful more than close. We never had long talks that I can remember. I knew his love through his attention to our children and his determination to be present during big life events.  My fond memory is of him laughing so hard that he cried.  My husband has that same laugh.

Earlier in December I wrote a letter to him. He was dying. He was constantly on my mind and I wanted him to know that I loved him.  Although we were far apart,  I felt connected to him.

He died December 19th, and he’s still constantly on my mind.  I find it completely normal to talk to him. Could it be that we will be more connected now than when he was alive?  This is the question that I sit with each day.

My father-in-law was a very intelligent  man.  He earned an MSME and an MBA.  In 1964, he was one of the few civilians who qualified as the Engineering Officer of the Watch who was responsible for directing the control of the nuclear reactor in Navy nuclear vessels. His library is full of high level math and science books.

I’ve heard very smart people say that their scientific minds won’t allow for their belief in God, because He can’t be “proven.”  I’m here to tell you that Al Angelino had a great scientific mind,  and he believed!  He actively spoke of mercy and redemption as he led retreats and Bible studies for inmates at several prisons in upstate New York. If you asked him how his scientific mind could “believe,” he would assure you that  there was no discrepancy between science and belief. (In fact, I can imagine a little scoffing at the thought of someone using that argument as an excuse.)  Then he’d send you a book to help you in your search for the truth.

I am looking forward to this new relationship with my father-in-law.  Thanks, Dad, for your love and belief.

In hope,
Peggy