The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9
1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17
John 2: 13-22
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Constantine built it in the fourth century and the Church has been celebrating this on November the 9th at least since the twelfth century. This is a day to remember our unity with the Chair of Peter and the mother church. However, if we look at the lectionary readings for today, they challenge us to look beyond physical structures, even important, beautiful ones, and meditate upon our call to be holy temples of God.
Invitation to the Provincial Chapter in San Paulo - Brazil
From 31 October to 03 November 2018 the Roman Pallottine Sisters of their Province St. Vincent Pallotti/Sao Paulo in Brazil held their Provincial Chapter. We are very happy about the invitation by Brazilian outgoing Provincial superior Sr. Joselia Giuliani to participate in their Chapter, as a welcoming sign and step in our reunification process. Sr. Avani Sousa da Silva SAC, the representative in Brazil of the German Provincial Sr. Helga Weidemann made the long trip from the Northeast where our mission is, to Sao Paulo and was warmly welcomed there.
FROM NOVOSIBIRSK, RUSSIA
The annual formation meeting for priests and sisters was held on October 8-11 in Novosibirsk, Russia, in the Diocese of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Sr. Irina Cziczerowa, a member of our Pallottine community in Ekaterinburg was the only participant this time. This year the theme of the meeting was "Pastoral work with youth". The meeting was attended by about 80 priests and sisters. Bishop Joseph Werth was also attending this gathering.
VISIT TO THE REGIONAL HOUSE IN MASAKA, RWANDA
On the 18th of October 2018, Sr. Bellancila Mukandahiro, Regional Superior and the Community of the Sisters in Masaka/Kigali happily welcomed Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, Rector General of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate together with the members of his General Council: Fr. Joseph Lasak, Fr. Denilson Geraldo, and Fr. Romuald Uzabumwana as well as Fr. Rory Hanly, General Secretary of UAC and Fr. José Lino Reinaldo, the Provincial Superior of Brazil.
PALLOTTINE MISSIONARY SISTERS in ENGLAND 1984-2018
34 YEARS OF CARING
Park Mount Care Home in Macclesfield is situated in beautiful grounds, it is purpose built and was opened on the 7th December 1984.The site has been the charitable bequest of the late William Goldman. The home was registered for twenty residents in single en-suite rooms, and the first three residents arrived on the 15th December 1984 and by Christmas we had nine residents living here. The home was officially opened and blessed by Bishop Gray on 5th May 1985, by which time it was full with twenty residents. Day care had already begun on 25th March 1981 at premises adjoining St. Albans Church they then moved to Parkmount in 1985.
Day-care was run by Sr. Anne McCoy with the help of volunteers and drivers three days a week. Now day-care is available every day and our visitors can enjoy our facilities a walk in the garden, a meal with a loved one and we can also offer personal care to ensure their regular carer’s and relatives get a well-earned break.
Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 15:1-10
FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN
Our world has suffered so many natural disasters this autumn: earthquakes, forest fires, hurricanes. The pictures of lands and buildings devastated and people losing loved ones are horrifying. The ones that hurt me the most are the pictures of missing children publicized by parents and family. They hope their loved ones will be found and families will be united. Many say, “the material things we can replace. It's life that is most important”…and relationships.
Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time (II)
Philippians 2:5-11; Psalm 22:26b-27, 28-30ab, 30e, 31-32; Luke 14:15-24
In the first reading today we are reminded of our need to be humble, as Jesus was, “though he was in the form of God” …. “ he humbled himself becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” It is important for us to pay attention to the scripture messages and reflect on the life that Jesus lead, and to be mindful of our invitation to follow His examples in our daily lives.
Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 14:12-14
As Jesus dines at the home of a Pharisee, he advises us not to invite our friends or wealthy neighbors over for dinner because good manners means they will be required to invite us back in return. Instead Jesus encourages us to welcome into our hearts those who might be unthinkable as guests - "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind" - the ultimate outcasts of society. They have no means to thank us.
Who in our own lives are the outcast or the overlooked? Whom do I ignore or dismiss in my own life?
Wednesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 14:25-33
In the Gospel we’ve just listened to, Jesus gives us very practical advice about what it takes to be his disciples. He says that to be his followers, we have to do two things: (1) take up our cross and (2) follow him. We have to do both. Taking up our cross isn’t enough. All the sacrifices we make aren’t enough. They have to make us follow the Lord. In the same way, we can’t honestly say that we’re following the Lord if we can’t say no to the things that will keep us from him. Part of following him necessarily means taking up our cross and carrying it in his footsteps, even if it means that our own feet will get bloody and nailed to wood just like our Lord’s were.
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Deut 6:2-6; Hebr 7:23-28; Mk 12:28b-34
Jean-Francois Millet - The Good Samaritan
One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, 'He is One and there is no other than he.' And 'to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself' is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that (he) answered with understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions. Mk 12:28b-34
"You must love your neighbour as yourself". If our love for God is real, Christ is saying, it will express itself in love for our fellow human beings. Obviously this love is different from the particular and exclusive love that we reserve for family relationships and the people we're emotionally close to.
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Meditations
* Our Way of Life *
"Our diverse talents and abilities, our differences in culture, nationality and age are assets for the richness of the community. Although we may be engaged in a variety of ministries, we all share the common call to apostolic discipleship in a community of the Catholic Apostolate of St. Vincent Pallotti."(OWL, 91)
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"Christ, the Apostle of the Eternal Father, and his mission are central to our personal and community life, giving meaning and direction to our thinking, our spirituality, our prayer, action and suffering." (OWL, 19)
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"As a community of disciples we are gathered around Jesus, the Apostle of the Eternal Father. Like the first disciples, we want to be with Jesus, be sent out by him and return to him to evaluate our service in the light of his presence." (OWL, 88)
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"As Pallottines, it is our special charism to foster growth in faith and love among the laity, to awaken them to awareness of their apostolic call, and to cooperate with them in furthering the apostolic mission." (OWL, 21)
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"Our relationships with one another should be marked by a love that bears all, believes all and hopes for all, a love that is neither conceited nor jealous, which hurts no one, nor is embittered or resentful. It is never discouraged but remains patient and kind. It rejoices with others and shares their suffering. It is with this kind of love that we should help and support one another." (OWL, 90)
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