March 7, 2022
- It only took two years…but they’re glad to be back
- An Associate experiences the Good News
- Associates suggest books for Lent
- Remember Thou Art Dust
- Held by Hope: An online Lenten retreat
- Upcoming Paulist Pilgrimages
- Proposed Program for March
- Contacts
- Paulist Associates Promise
- Prayer for the Intercession of Fr. Isaac T. Hecker
By Barbara Lapinskas, Boston Associate and Richard Allegra, Diaspora
It only took two years but the Boston Paulist Associates were finally able to get together in person on the joyful occasion of renewing our promises. Although not all of our group were able to be present, it was the first opportunity we have had to see each other face-to-face (mask-to-mask) without the filter of Zoom and the often heard “You’re on mute!”
At the Saturday evening liturgy at The Paulist Center on January 22, Fr. Mike McGarry heard and accepted the renewal of commitment of eight Associates and led the community in a blessing of our call and promises. Our Liturgy and Music Director, Normand Gouin, performed a beautiful piano accompaniment to “Lead Us in Faith, Great Teacher Paul.” Those who were unable to join us that evening renewed their promises at our February Zoom meeting.
Susan Santos captured the spirit of the renewal celebration: “Being an Associate connects me to the broader Paulist mission and understanding of Fr. Isaac Hecker’s spirituality. It enables me to deepen my spirituality, relationships, and connections with the other Associates around the country, and especially those that are part of my local Paulist community.”
Paula Cuozzo said, “I am grateful to be a member of the Paulist Associates who are for me models of faith in the world. Every time that I speak aloud my promise as a Paulist Associate with others, I am awed by the words ‘attentive to the Holy Spirit.’ These pandemic days have challenged us in a variety of ways. And still, I recognize that God has remained steadfast in outpouring grace on us, has sustained us in the face of fear and mourning. I am confident that we, I can maintain the hope in our future if we remain focused on being attentive to the Holy Spirit.”
We were all so delighted to be together in person that it took a bit of encouragement to get us to all leave at the end of liturgy. We are a chatty bunch.
Although the Paulist Center is open for celebrating the Mass, we remain closed for meetings, meals and all other events. So, although we are all heartily sick of Zoom, we are grateful that we have been able to “see” each other, pray together, discuss and discern together and be community for each other.
By Regina Conklin, Florida Associate
There are moments in a lifetime that stand out.
As Paulist Associates on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2018, my husband Joe and I experienced a series of those moments.
We had met Fr. Rich Andre via Skype at a Paulist Associates meeting and I had spoken to him on the phone when he was in seminary. We met for the first-time face to face at the airport, a first step on our pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
After a warm greeting he asked me to hold a prayer book so he could pray for all the pilgrims—including those not in our group, in prayer. How Paulist!
What stands out? The answer is so much and everything! However here are a few stronger memories:
There are places in the Holy Land where we know Jesus walked here. Other places when we know he was close by. We were there!
Very memorable was Mass that first night was on the roof of the hotel inside the walls of Old Jerusalem! It was the Fest of the Presentation in the Lord also known as Candlemas. Imagine a full moon over the Holy City of Jerusalem and the wall of the city right next to us.
It was the anniversary of my father’s entry into eternal life.
I could clearly see the blood of Christ during the consecration. It was overwhelming. To know that the blood of Christ had flowed from His sacred body into that very ground.
After mass we introduced ourselves and we learned that a Paulist Associate from Toronto was with us, Heather McClory. We made a blessed connection that continues to this day.
We prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. How do I put that into words?
Maybe Come Holy Spirit?
We all had the opportunity to read at a Mass. I was overwhelmed at reading from the Old Testament at the Church of All Nations where every day is Holy Thursday. We gathered around the actual rock in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before his torture and execution. I could barely bring myself to touch it.
Bethlehem: In 1895 the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul inaugurated The Cheche, an orphanage, in order to accommodate children who were abandoned or deposited on doors steps. It is the only institution in the Palestinian Territories that is authorized to accomplish this mission. We spent time with the children.
As I was working with foster teens as a therapist and privileged to have been trusted with some the youths’ stories. Including trauma of separation from parents, abuse, early motherhood and human trafficking. I had often spoken of the challenges of where God had put me and how I relied on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength at our Paulist Associates meetings.
We met 2-to-4-year olds. Immediately I was struck with how many of them looked like what I imagined the child Jesus looked like. Beautiful dark skin, hair and eyes.
My husband was greeted immediately by a small child holding his arms up to be picked up. I could see the tears in my husband’s eyes holding the baby. I sat down with the kids. Quickly had a baby and then two on my lap. Runny noses were swiped. I sang to them softly. I asked their names and one little girl told me.
We learned about the circumstances of the children. Many of the babies are born premature because of the circumstances of the pregnancies. For example, an unmarried woman must hide her pregnancy, perhaps after having been raped. She is a disgrace to the family and most likely both she and the baby would end up dead. A real-day reminder of the slaughter of the innocents.
The children can never be adopted, since Islam does not allow adoptions. They go from the Creche to a facility for older children where they learn a trade. But they have no family, no clan, they are without connections.
The church of the Holy Sepulcher: The place where Jesus died and rose. To touch the exact spot! As I exited the tomb I began to sob, totally unexpectedly. I could not explain what came over me other than with pure emotion.
We were fortunate to attend Mass at Golgotha. It was only our little group of pilgrims, a rare privilege. My husband commented that he smelled something rotten. We each took a turn crawling under an altar to reach in and touch the stone where Jesus was crucified. My husband was seen being thrown out from under the altar. I could hear him crying as he crawled across the floor to a place where he could steady himself to get up. He explained that he received a shock when he touched the stone under the altar.
Only later did we process what had happened, the smell of death, the presence of two angels a a jolt from Jesus.
There is so much more. The sound of Fr. Rich singing and preaching. The little choir I was invited to join from St Austin’s parish in Texas.
Being on the Sea of Galilee, street noises, the smell of fish, bathing in the Dead Sea…the list would cover every moment of the journey.
My husband was so deeply touched we went back the next year.
Fr. Rich Andre is currently planning another Holy Land Pilgrimage for early next year.
With the abundance of excellent books and devotionals for Lent available, you almost need 40 days to figure out which ones to read. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Rae DelVecchio, Vero Beach, Florida shares four to consider:
40 Simple Ways to Keep Lent Meaningful — Victor M Parachin. With Scripture readings, reflections and suggestions for each day of Lent, this short devotional helps the reader tap into the power of prayer, practice spiritual discipline, and reach out to others.
The Seven Last Words — Fulton J. Sheen. This 1952 classic has been reprinted to share Bishop Sheen’s reflections on the traditional words, which he likens to a sermon, of Christ from the Cross.
The Way of the Cross — according to the Method of St. Alphonse Liguori. This is another classic from a Paulist patron Saint, offered by a number of publishers. Catholic Way Publishing offers an illustrated version with supplemental notes on the development of these Stations with historical notes. St. Liguori’s “Stations of the Cross Rosary (Chaplet)” is a fitting accompaniment.
The Way of the Cross Pocket Prayer Book by Aquinas Press. This beautifully illustrated Pocket Prayer Book is just the right size to keep in your pocket and bring out whenever you find yourself with a moment for meditation and inspiration.
Heather McClory, Toronto, likes to read and reflect upon The Seven Last Words of Christ by Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, especially during Holy Week. It’s published by Novalis.
Given his eye toward liturgy, Richard Allegra, Diaspora, suggests two books:
Words Around the Fire by Gail Ramshaw (Liturgy Training Publications) which offers insightful meditations on each of the Readings of the Easter Vigil.
The Three Days by Gabe Huck is both instructional for anyone responsible for planning Triduum observances and inspirational for everyone in his notes on the history, development and meaning of the various sights and sounds of the three-day liturgy. Also by LTP.
We would welcome your book suggestions and – even more – your book reviews on what you or your group have read. Please contact Richard Allegra at [email protected] to share your recommendations and submit a short review.
There is art in the dust,
each new forehead a fresh canvas.
“Remember thou art dust
and unto dust thou shalt return.”
Over and over
it doesn’t get boring
each person is different
some frozen faced
others eager
a Mexican face
an African face
an Italian face
a Broadway head
a hard hat head
a coed head
a Filipino mask
an Irish mug
a mom juggling her kids.
One carries a half-eaten lunch
another balancing a bag
with a hot lunch fresh from the deli
a Starbucks cup
hard hat covered with decals
hanging from a backpack.
I wonder if the ones
with earphones in their ears
can hear me.
A few say hello
most just present
themselves as they are
bold or timid
friendly or beaten down
some know too well they are dust.
As my four fingers touch
the side of their head to steady
and aim the tender touch
of my dirty thumb
I say a silent blessing over them.
Then carefully, centered
above the bridge of their nose,
I make art,
I want it right, a clear cross.
I don’t say, “Repent and believe the gospel.”
They are not here to hear a sermon.In this world that wants to sell them
forever young
they want to hear the truth
in an ancient formula
that is so much better than just, “you’re dust.”
A ritual prayer that ends with “return”
and from there they can take this
Ash Wednesday prayer
anywhere
all the way to Easter.
An Online Lenten Retreat
Saturday, March 19th: 1 – 3:30 ET / 10 – 12:30 PT
12:45 p.m.: Pre-Retreat music and Wisdom from Fr. Hecker
1 p.m. ET: Frank Desiderio, C.S.P. welcomes
- Eric Andrews, C.S.P. – Opening Prayer.
- James DiLuzio, C.S.P. quote from Fr. Hecker.
Session One: Life Today Shows our Need for the Holy Spirit – Bruce Nieli , C.S.P.
- Personal Witness – State Rep. Dora Olivo
Frank Desiderio leads a Guided Meditation
Musical Interlude
Session Two: The Spirit Guides Us – Mike Hennessy, C.S.P.
- Personal Witness by Heather Kinney – 5 min.
- Break – 10 minutes / Musical Interlude
- Ron Franco, C.S.P. Why Fr. Hecker Should Be a Saint
Session Three: The Spirit Brings Us Union – Frank DeSiano, C.S.P.
- Frank Desiderio, C.S.P. introduces small groups
- Small Group Discussion
- Large Group Discussion
3:30 p.m. ET: Eric Andrews, C.S.P. – Closing prayer and farewells
To register, please visit: paulist.org/HeldByHope
For details, please contact Paulist Fr. Frank Desiderio at: [email protected]
ALMOST SOLD OUT – FOUR PLACES LEFT!
The splendors of Eastern Europe: Budapest, Prague, Vienna, & Oberammergau
September 17-September 27, 2022
$3799 from New York
An 11-day pilgrimage with Paulist Fr. Thomas A. Kane on an unforgettable pilgrimage to Eastern Europe. See the once-a-decade performance of the world-famous Oberammergau passion play and explore the breathtaking cities of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna.
This summer we will host a Special Pilgrimage in the spirit of St. Ignatius, designed by Fr. Thomas A. Kane, CSP, for Paulist Pilgrimages with Fr. Julio Giulietti, SJ, our spiritual director. For five hundred years Christians have found in Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises a trusted companion for personal faith, spiritual development, and a source of spiritual depth. Our pilgrimage celebrates Ignatius, inviting pilgrims to engage fully in the Spiritual Exercises and deepen their relationship with Christ.
Ignatius in Rome has been offered for small groups many times over the years for pilgrims who have interest in St. Ignatius, are fascinated by the Eternal City, and find Rome a deeply prayerful place.
Our focus is mainly on Ignatian sites, including prayerful visits to the Churches of Ignatius in Rome, a journey to La Storta, a public audience with Pope Francis (if and when available), and an optional tour of the Vatican Museum. There will be daily talks on the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises and Jesuit history in the very places where Ignatius walked, lived, and directed the early Society of Jesus.
Submitted by David Rooney, Paulist Associate Diaspora
Lord, we praise and thank you, Father, for this day which you have given us to know your love and spread your word.
May we never grow tired of the opportunities you give us in life.
Refresh us, Lord, that we may continue to consecrate to you our lives, hopes and hearts.
Through the work of your Spirit, Father, may we further the hope of your Son, Jesus, who is Lord forever and ever.
Amen
(Opening prayer from Evening Prayer {Weeks I-IV}, The Paulist Prayer Book)
The Fullness of Time
It is often deplored that out of the 1200 million inhabitants of this globe, 900 million are not Christians. May not this delay in the conversion of the entire human race be also part of the action of Divine Providence? Would it not have been more disastrous to have brought them into the fold of the Church and afterwards for them to have left the fold either by schism or heresy? It took 4000 years, more or less, to prepare for the Incarnation.
Before the more perfect development of the external organization of the Church she might not have been able to hold so large a body of uncivilized and partly civilized people together in her fold if converted to Christianity. To bring back into the fold of the Church a people who once were in it, & have strayed from it, is a more difficult task than to convert a people who are ignorant of Christianity. But the organization of the Church completed, her extension could be increased rapidly & with safety. (How comparatively few of the world before Christ were brought to the light of true revelation!)
May not the fullness of time have come, seeing that the Church has been, as an external organization, greatly strengthened by the definition of the Vatican Council, and seeing the great facility of communication throughout the world by electricity & steam, when by a greater effusion of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church the great work of the conversion of the world will be brought about? (Diary begun in Egypt, 1873, pp. 113–14)
Background
Jan van Eyck, c. 1430–1432, Turin version (via wikipedia.org)
The selection is taken as is from The Paulist Vocation, the first section of Chapter 22: Evangelization, titled The Fullness of Time. As noted above, it is from Hecker’s Diary in Egypt.
Father Hecker boarded a boat, spending most of that year on the Nile River, with hopes to help restore his health. He had left New York to tour Europe, searching for some relief from his physical ailment, chronic Leukemia. Three years prior, he attended the first Vatican Council. During that trip, he also visited the home of St. Francis of Assisi and wrote in his journal,“Francis touched the chords of feeling and aspiration of the hearts of his time and organized them for united action.” These experiences surely influenced his reflections as to the state of the Church. In 1875, he wrote a prophetic essay which described the work of the Holy Spirit in the renewal of both Church and State (Paulist.org: The Story of Servant of God, Isaac Hecker.)
The world’s population has grown eight times Hecker’s estimation, with an overwhelming majority worshipers still other than Christian. Hecker remained hopeful for the further evangelization throughout the world, utilizing the tools available to communicate and share the Gospel, while through his persistence, trusting the endearing support of the Holy Spirit.
(wikipedia.org photo via wikipedia.org)
1. Fr. Hecker had specific and grand goals for evangelizing the country and world. How do we define/understand evangelization in our day? What are ways in which Associates support, or can support the evangelization work of the Paulist Fathers?
2. Hecker shared these affirmations as revealed through the Holy Spirit, while experiencing suffering. How have you navigated your own faith journey amid suffering?
3. We can mark Hecker’s influence on our Church during his lifetime, as a bridge between the two, Vatican Councils. He of course attributes everything to the Holy Spirit and gives examples for such communication through advancements in his own time, namely“electricity and steam.” We can say the same today, by the manner you are reading these words and discussing them during a Zoom meeting. How else can you see the Holy Spirit’s influence over the Paulist Associates, during our 20-year history?
We ask your blessing upon us and our community, O Lord;
we strive to proclaim your word in our works and actions.
May our deeds this day further the ideals of our founder.
May we be inspired by St. Paul, our Patron.
May we ever be more converted to you.
We pray this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
PAULIST ASSOCIATES NATIONAL DIRECTOR
- Mike Kallock, C.S.P.
Paulist General Office, P.O. Box 20606, New York, NY 10023, [email protected]
BOARD MEMBERS
- David Rooney, Diaspora Group, [email protected]
- Mary Sullivan, Boston, MA, [email protected]
- Richard Allegra, Diaspora Group, [email protected]
- Heather McClory, Toronto, Canada, [email protected]
- Fr. Frank Desiderio, C.S.P., [email protected]
- Fr. Joe Scott, C.S.P., [email protected]
ASSOCIATES WORLD STAFF
- Publisher: Fr. Mike Kallock, C.S.P.
- Editor: Denis M. Hurley
- Design Coordinator: Ellie Murphy
- Staff Writer: Richard Allegra
Heavenly Father, you called your servant Isaac Thomas Hecker to preach the Gospel to the people of North America and through his teaching, to know the peace and the power of your indwelling Spirit. He walked in the footsteps of Saint Paul the Apostle, and like Paul spoke your Word with a zeal for souls and a burning love for all who came to him in need.
Look upon us this day, with compassion and hope. Hear our prayer. We ask that through the intercession of Father Hecker your servant, you might grant us (state the request).
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. One God, forever and ever. Amen.
When you pray this prayer, and if you believe that you have received any favors through Hecker’s intercession, please contact the Office of the Cause for Canonization of Servant of God, Isaac Hecker at [email protected]. Visit paulist.org/hecker to learn more about his life and the cause for his canonization.
I believe that I am drawn by the Holy Spirit to the spirituality and qualities of the Paulist Community.
I have discerned both by prayer and study that God calls me to become associated with the Paulists.
I promise that I will pray for the works of the Paulist Society, meet with others, who are also members of the Paulist Associates, for spiritual sharing and formation; and I seek to embody the apostolic qualities of the Paulists in my daily life.
Attentive to the Holy Spirit and faithful to the example of St. Paul and the charism of Father Isaac Hecker, I commit myself for one year of membership in the Paulist Associates.