March 9, 2015

Marian Shrine E-Newsletter

Volume 3, Issue 31

In his recent message for the World Day of the Sick on 11th February 2015, Pope Francis highlighted five aspects for us to take heed and follow intently concerning 'sapientia cordis' - the wisdom of the heart:

1. This "wisdom" is no theoretical, abstract knowledge, the product of reasoning. Rather, it is, as Saint James describes it in his letter, "pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity" (3:17).

2. Wisdom of the heart means serving our brothers and sisters. Job's words: "I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame."

3. Wisdom of the heart means being with our brothers and sisters. Time spent with the sick is holy time.

4. Wisdom of the heart means going forth from ourselves towards our brothers and sisters.

5. Wisdom of the heart means showing solidarity with our brothers and sisters while not judging them. Charity takes time.

Our Constitutions, art. 53 concerning sick and aging confreres says: "The community surrounds its sick and aged confreres with care and affection."

Taking a cue from Pope Francis' 'Sapientia Cordis- Wisdom of the Heart,' as this year is dedicated to Consecrated Life, I would like that we spend a few moments for our personal reflection on some aspects that are important to community living and communion of life.

CARING COMMUNITIES:

'And He went about Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.' Mt.4:23.

Religious communities today face unprecedented challenges and new opportunities of caring for a growing number of elderly members. In this century life expectancy has steadily increased. Infectious diseases have been well controlled by the use of antibiotics. Deaths due to chronic diseases have been dramatically reduced through the use of diagnostic and invasive procedures, sophisticated treatments and medications. However, though we benefit from the intervention of new health care technologies, death and dying is inevitable. Advanced age in some religious is accompanied by increased functional dependence, and an increasing need for nursing and health care services provided in the community or in special care facilities.

COMMUNITIES AS PRIMARY CENTERS OF CARE

Our religious life is one, which is completely and perpetually joined to the life and mission of Christ. Our community life, then, is the means whereby we can fulfill the healing ministry of Jesus Christ among ourselves.

Caring for those who are sick in body and mind and in need of healing, those who are unable to return to good health or for those who are limited in their ministries and duties because of age or illness is a special privilege, an extraordinary grace--filled moment for strengthening the bonds of religious life. Caring in community then, becomes a visible witness of our love for each other. In the words of Henry Nouwen: 'Caring together is the basis of community life. We don't come together simply to console each other or even to support each other. Important as those things may be, long--term community life is directed in other ways. Together we reach out to others. Together we look at those who need our care. Together we carry out our suffering brothers and sisters to the place of rest, healing and safety.' (Our greatest Gift: A meditation of dying and caring. 1994)

Our religious communities should assume the pre-eminent role as primary centers of care where together with love and compassion, we extend Jesus' healing ministry to each other. Caring for each other in community is our first preaching. We ought not to easily give the care of our sisters and brothers to others. It is in this assurance to each other that the community is the first and primary center for care and healing.

The losses our elderly sisters and brothers experience when illness requires giving up a cherished ministry or duty can be profound and the source of grieving. Separation from the active community in order to receive special care or treatment or taking up residence in the province infirmary is perceived as another loss. These are very normal feelings: Loss, grief, fear and dependence on others. Adjusting to a debilitating illness, physical or emotional disability and surrendering the opportunity to minister with others can also produce feelings of anger, separation, alienation and rejection.

How, then, do we minister to our sisters and brothers during these times? Do we have the faith and courage to walk with the sick, the elderly and the dying along their journeys - to encourage them to raise their concerns to a level of consciousness- to listen and to care for them with compassion, to simply be present to them? Are we willing to listen to their life stories, their dreams forgone and unfulfilled, their achievements, their trials and painful days, and still reverence them for who they are, rather than what they have accomplished. In the spirit and grace of poverty how can we help them to let go of their possessions, especially their pain and disappointment, their independence and responsibilities and so they can be free to embrace a greater awareness of the Divine Mysteries in their lives?

As we reflect on being Caring Communities and Caring Confreres, let us keep this quote in mind: "Never stop doing little things for others; sometimes these little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts." Ritu Ghatourey

God Bless you.

In Mary Help of Christians,

I remain,

Fr. Jim McKenna SDB

Director

LENT

Slow down, you're moving too fast

Jesus would regularly withdraw from active ministry in order to be by himself in prayer. Jesus taking time off? Yes! This is one way in which ordinary people might imitate an important facet of Jesus' spirituality: the choice to slow down, to become quiet and still, and in such moments-brief as they may be-to bask in the presence of God's Spirit, which is always within to strengthen you. Jesus learned it from his mother, who is often remembered as "holding things in her heart"-contemplating, learning, deepening love.

The Dash

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak

at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

and spoke of the following date with tears,

but he said what mattered most of all

was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

that she spent alive on earth

and now only those who loved her

know what that little line is worth.

For it matter not, how much we own,

the cars...the house...the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;

are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

to consider what's true and real

and always try to understand

the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

and show appreciation more

and love the people in our lives

like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect

and more often wear a smile...

remembering that this special dash

might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read

with your life's actions to rehash,

would you be proud of the things they say

about how you spent your dash?

Laughter the best medicine

A woman came home, screeching her car into the driveway, and ran into the house.
She slammed the door and shouted at the top of her lungs, 'Honey, pack your bags. I won the lottery!'
The husband said, 'Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain stuff?'
'Doesn't matter,' she said. 'Just get out.'

A Polish immigrant went to the DMV to apply for a driver's license.
First, of course, he had to take an eye sight test.
The optician showed him a card with the letters

'C Z W I X N O S T A C Z.'
'Can you read this?' the optician asked.
'Read it?' the Polish guy replied, 'I know the guy.'

Fifty-one years ago, Herman James, a North Carolina mountain man, was drafted by the Army.
On his first day in basic training, the Army issued him a comb.
That afternoon the Army barber sheared off all his hair.
On his second day, the Army issued Herman a toothbrush.
That afternoon the Army dentist yanked seven of his teeth.
On the third day, the Army issued him a jock strap.
The Army has been looking for Herman for 51 years.

The Devotion of the Three Hail Mary's

The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is a very simple yet most efficacious devotion.

Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practice this devotion in time of danger, stress, special need or temptation, is a sure means to obtain Our Lady's help.

Our sincere thanks to Our Blessed Mother for all the graces received through the faithful recitation of the 3 Hail Marys. Cajetan, Canada

Thank you, blessed Mother for the negative result on the biopsy of my wife's mouth ulcers and for saving her from a fall from the first floor staircase. A Devotee

My grateful thanks to Our Lord Jesus and Mother Mary for the safe delivery of my daughter and the gift of a healthy baby girl. Although she was born pre-term she needed no special medical support which is indeed a great miracle. Mrs. Philomena Santana, NY

In Closing

Dear devotees of Our Lady and Don Bosco,

If you have received a miracle through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, we would like to hear from you. Email us at MaryShrine@aol.com.

Bookstore hours: Monday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays: 12 - 4 pm

Weekday Masses: 12 noon. Confessions on weekdays begin at 11.30 am.

Sunday Masses: 11 am and 12.30 pm

Other activities: Day Retreats, Weekend retreats, Don Bosco Summer Camp, Eucharistic Adoration, Friday night Lenten Dinners, 50/50 raffle, 350 club, Rosary Madonna Statue. Rent Lomagno Hall, Rent our Banquet Hall.

MEMORIES

Remember a Loved One: Engrave plaques on Wall of Memories, adopt a Tree, Engrave blocks on Walk of Honor, All Souls, All year Candle lighting, Holiday (Christmas and Easter), Flowers, Schedule a Mass, Bell Chimes.

MASS INTENTIONS

To offer a mass intention, please write to

Fr. Jim McKenna SDB

174 Filors Lane,

Stony Point, NY 10980

mckennasdb@yahoo.com.

Our ministry is only possible with your help.

Visit our website: www.marianshrine.org to donate.

Marian Shrine

174 Filors Lane, Stony Point, NY 10980

www.marianshrine.org

	"Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength." ~Henry Ward Beecher "To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage." ~Lao-Tzu