To The Heads of State Gathered in Germany

Today in Heiligendamm, Germany, under the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Annual Summit of Heads of State and Heads of Government of the G8 – that is, the seven most industrialized countries of the world plus the Russian Federation – has begun. On 16 December last I had occasion to write to Chancellor Angela Merkel, thanking her, in the name of the Catholic Church, for the decision to keep the theme of world poverty on the agenda of the G8, with specific reference to Africa. Doctor Merkel kindly replied to me on 2 February last, assuring me of the G8’s commitment to attaining the Millennium Development Goals. Now, I should like to make a further appeal to the leaders meeting at Heiligendamm, not to retreat from their promises to make a substantial increase in development aid in favour of the most needy populations, especially those of the African Continent.
In this regard, the second Millennium goal merits special attention: "to achieve universal primary education – to ensure that all boys and girls complete a full course of primary schooling by 2015". This is an integral part of the attainment of all the other Millennium Goals: it is a guarantee of the consolidation of goals already reached; it is the starting-point for autonomous and sustainable processes of development.
It must not be forgotten that the Catholic Church has always been at the forefront in the field of education, reaching places, particularly in the poorest countries, that State structures often fail to reach. Other Christian Churches, religious groups and organizations of civil society share this educational commitment. According to the principle of subsidiarity, this reality should be recognized, valued and supported by Governments and International Organizations, among other things by the allocation of sufficient funding, so that greater efficacy may be guaranteed in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. Let us hope that serious efforts be made to reach these objectives.
[00830-02.01] [Original text: English]

Holy Father's Wednesday Audience, June 6, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our catechesis on the Fathers of the early Church, we now turn to Saint Cyprian. A convert from paganism, Cyprian became the Bishop of Carthage and guided the Church in Africa through the persecution of the Emperor Decius and its aftermath. He showed firmness and pastoral sensitivity in readmitting, after due penance, those Christians who had lapsed during the persecution, and he worked strenuously for the spiritual and moral renewal of the community. His many writings, closely linked to his ministry as Bishop, stress the unity of Christ’s Church, founded on Peter and most perfectly realized in the sacrament of the Eucharist. Cyprian is also known for his writings on prayer, and in particular his commentary on the Our Father. There he emphasizes both the public, communal nature of Christian prayer, and the importance of a personal "prayer of the heart". Cyprian’s devotion to the word of God and his love for the Church found supreme expression in his death as a martyr during the persecution of Valerian. May his example and teaching help us to draw nearer to the Lord in prayer and in the unity of his Body, the Church.
I am pleased to greet the officers and cadets from the New York Maritime College and the members of the European Ophthalmic Pathology Society. I am also happy to welcome the pilgrims who have travelled to Rome for the Canonizations last Sunday. May we all continue to be inspired by the lives of these saints. Upon all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Audience, especially those from Finland, England, Scotland, New Zealand and the United States of America, I cordially invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace.
[00818-02.01] [Original text: English]

Parish School Board End of Year Meeting

The conclusion of the school year brings many committees and teams together to wrap up, evaluate and strategize for the upcoming year. Our School Board gathered for a meeting Tuesday evening, ending the academic year. Our Principal, Mrs. Martinez review the many, many programs and activities the School Board initiated and directed during the last nine months. The following pictures show those being honored for their service at the conclusion of their term of service.

School Principal, Mrs. Martinez, along with School Board Chairperson, Mrs. Tanielian, present a Papal Blessing to Mrs. Ross for her years serving the Board, especially in helping design a strategic plan the Board is now implementing.

On her wedding anniversary day, Mrs. Baker accepts her gift of a Papal Blessing for her years of service to the School Board as a most faithful and exact recorder of all the meetings. Husband Jerry joined the group for the dinner that group shared after the meeting.

The Principal presents a Papal Blessing to Mrs. Fowler for her dedicated service to the school for the last few years.

Here is the board gathered for one final picture.

Above is a picture of the outgoing board with the addition of some of the new members who have accepted a position on the board.

So quickly, we think now, the school passed. These parents are to be congratulated and thanked for all the work involved in serving on a school's School Board. Certainly the Board has helped our Principal in many ways. Likewise, the Board assists the Pastor who is most grateful.

Pope's Secretary of State Speaks

Cardinal Bertone, the Secretary of State, in an Italian newspaper, announced that Pope Benedict has finalized a statement for the Church in China. Likewise the Cardinal said that the awaited motu proprio regarding the use of Latin in the celebration of Mass is also ready for publication. In each case he said that he does not know the exact date but that it should be soon. And how many times have we heard that ... it's coming soon?

Daily Reflection: June 5, 2007

Today we see another side of Tobit in the readings . The man of corporal works hasbecome a true thorn, a pain for his wife, especially. Blindness, brought on by illo-advised sleeping beneath bird perches in his backyard, has deprived Tobit of hi usual goodness. He lives in a kind of depression because he is no longer the principal doer, the bread winner in his home. Because of his estimation of his own demotion, be becomes the classic house grouch! He finds it difficult to be second fiddle or even not in the orchestra at all.

Does the picture call to mind anyone you know --- maybe yourself? What we might learn from this is that the challenges to humility can bring to us. What is needed is the strength to be kinder, gentler, and even more joyful in moments of challenge. The Eucharist and our community of faith will always be present to assist us --- if we are strong enough to surrender!

A Grateful Pastor

After celebrating my 35 Anniversary Mass in our parish church, we went to Hess Auditorium. As you can see, our young people decided to make a "4th of July" celebration ... layering me in confetti. What a great moment for me ... and for the young people.

Earlier, just before the final blessing, parishioner Annie Durbin, presented a magnificent cobalt blue bowl to me with an inscription from the parish. More photos will be available as I receive them.

Let me thank especially, the Knights of Columbus who sponsored a party for me to invite my family and close family friends to celebrate the beginning of a summer of good times together. Helping Jim Lonergan, his wife, Christine and their children were several Knights. This particular evening ended with a small party of the Knights sitting around the residence kitchen table with Fr. Ivan, myself and a few "brewskis."

I am particularly grateful to my secretary, Wanda Gomez, and the principal, Mrs. Martinez, for do much work to make the reception on Sunday so exciting and enjoyable for all who attended. Thanks to all the parents who collaborated with Mrs. Megan Gurdon in bringing together one of the "sweetest" food selections in the Palisades on this past Sunday. Once the urchins swept down upon things, the tables, filled with cakes and other goodies, was cleaned up by the hunger driven youngsters.

The choir, under Mr. LeBlanc's expertise, and the addition of the trumpet surely provided us with a fine selection of music for the liturgy.

If this is how good it gets, all I can say, is "come on fifty."

Daily Reflection: June 4, 2007

Tobit , in today's readings, I suggest to you, offers a noteworthy challenge to any believer, any follower of Jesus Christ. This Old Testament character is no stranger to what some might call "hard luck" or more cynically "stupidity." He is a man of conviction: A man who walks the walk, putting not just his money but his life where his mouth is. Mindful of the Jewish tradition that the dead are to be buried before sundown, Tobit, upon learning that a fellow Israelite had been murdered, leaves a meal, picks up the dead man's body, puts it into his house until sundown, then buries the man. Noble deed. But where Tobit was that was not permitted. He had subjected himself to capture and his own fatal consequences.

Tobit is a man of principles. He is a man of corporal works of mercy. Of more contemporary matters, he might be a man whose life should be considered in the evaluation of politicians and the Church's stand on abortion. Something to think about. Verse 8 from Chapter Two of the Book of Tobit.

The neighbors mocked me, saying to one another: "Will this man never learn! Once before he was hunted down for execution because of this very thing; yet now that he has escaped, here he is again burying the dead!"

Also related: consider the life of Antigone in the Greek tragedy. A similar story.

TRINITY SUNDAY: June 3, 2007

To understand the mystery of the Holy Trinity is not a possibility. That is why we call it a mystery. And, in our Church, mysteries are usually not meant to be challenges to our minds and hearts; rather mysteries are something that is to be held in awe. You cannot ever understand how the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit can be one person! It is a mystery. It is to be held in awe not because despite our human minds not being able to fathom the divine but it is a gift of our God to us. It is a gift that teaches us God comes to us in words and ways of wisdom that we call the Holy Spirit. It is a gift that teaches us that Jesus, his son, is like us except in sin and that he has walked in our shoes, bringing freedom to us. It is a gift that teaches us that God the Father comes to us in countless ways with the love of a Father, the care of a Father and the daily giving of so many other gifts.
Today I do want to speak about the gift of priesthood which came my way. From the end of my second grade, when Fr. Bill Canning, my pastor, whispered into my ear, "I think God wants you to be a priest," the priesthood became a major objective in my life. Of course there have been days when I ask Fr. Canning why he did not say that to one of my brothers, leaving me to go a different way!
One of the challenges in priesthood is that the mystery mode I mentioned a few moments ago becomes a major part of a priest’s life. Everyday, everyday a priest is confronted with mysteries beyond understanding. First of all, it usually begins in a rectory with a question like, "How did I ever end up in a vocation that brought me to live with these men?" Then, invariably, someone will approach with a question about understanding the mystery question that person is asking him/herself: "How do I know who I am" or "why did my loved one die?" But the greatest test of faith for a priest happens every day at the altar. In saying the words of consecration, a priest confronts head-on the greatest of mysteries: what he is doing at that time is nothing less than making real once again the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Today, as we know, vocations to the priesthood have greatly diminished for a wide variety of reasons. Yet, there are some young and older men who, when asked by an ordaining Bishop if the priesthood and all that it requires are what they will accept, will answer "I will."
My 35 years in the priesthood, as you know has spanned not just priesthood but life in the priesthood as a Jesuit and as a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. These years have been filled with many different experiences: much study, especially in the Jesuit educational tract . . . working with us slow learners! The years have been filled with working not just within a number of parishes in the Archdiocese but in many cities and Italy. And, my work has been much more than the rigors of parish life: from working in soup kitchens, grammar schools, high schools, universities, a pre-seminary high school, working with fire fighters in several cities and many other different kinds of ministries. Each assignment always brought me into different ways of reaching out to the people of God far beyond a classroom or a parish church.
The gift, the mystery of priesthood, is one that has brought me to the bedsides of the sick and dying guaranteeing that the love of God would indeed bring a new life in God’s kingdom.
The mystery of the sacrament of reconciliation has brought me into the very private moments and pains of the penitent, seriously reaching out for a kind of divine assistance.
The mystery of the priesthood has brought me literally thousands of families and individuals who speak of the mystery of association, friendship, trust and love.
Whether in a classroom, an office, traveling on the road as a fund raiser, or in a church, priesthood has been for me 35 years of non-stop going forward. It has been no different for any of my colleagues. We realize our lives have been different because of mystery. I believe for each of us in priesthood, hearing people just like each of you here today tell us that words we have written or said or the help we have extend to so many different kinds of needs, I truly believe that we know we daily touch mystery.
So, to you young men here today don’t pass off the vocation to the priesthood as something for someone else. It is a mystery why God called Msgr. Duffy, Fr. Ivan, Fr. Damir, Fr. Meyers, and ....(others present) or me to the priesthood. But all of us heard a call in our hearts, encouraged by other priests, religious sisters, friends or family, to at least try the road to the priesthood. Through perseverance and much prayer we, each of us, have responded "I will" not once but each day of our priestly lives so that we can continue to enjoy the gift of so many mysteries in our lives.
Today I want to thank all of you for the many ways you have assisted me become who I am today, a priest, a priest of mystery. The Ave Maria that will be sung and the Navy hymns at the end of our liturgy speak of my love and thanks to my mother and father, as these were each of their favorite hymns. Thanks also to my siblings, Jack, Gee, Bill and Denny and their families and to my cousins who are here. To each of you I many thanks. To my brother priests whose patience and support have made the mysteries of priesthood more livable, I thank you for being a family of brothers. I am thankful that the likes of Fr. Bill Canning and many other priests and religious whose lives helped shape my vocation.
Finally, I say to you who are parents, don’t hesitate to encourage your sons to consider the priesthood. Don’t deny them the opportunity to become a man who can share in the mystery of priesthood, the mystery of life, the mystery of genuine happiness and joy. Encourage them. A marvelous, yet mysterious life is a great possibility for them. Service in the Church is a life of true satisfaction.

Graduation Homily: June 1, 2007

Our eighth grade students are now our graduates. A wonderful class of bright young ladies and gentlemen. The following are the words spoken to them at their graduation.

Good morning, again. The themes in the gospel verses are serious business for graduates from any kind of school. But beneath the three scenes Mark puts before us, there is one underlying message. It is some wisdom I want each of you to take with you for the years ahead. "Have faith in God." This is the message for you who are graduating today, your parents, your teachers, your Principal and me. "Have faith in God."
As we grow older, as we start to climb the graduation ladder from grammar school to high school, to college and perhaps to graduation school, we come to many moments when our faith – whatever faith one might profess – will be challenged. What you have been taught at Our Lady of Victory School as values, as faith-directed values will be your basic values for the rest of your life.
It is a peculiar experience you will begin to face each day in the years ahead. There are going to be days when you are going to be challenged to try drugs. There will be parties where you are going to feel like a wimp or a nerd if you don’t drink a can of beer or two or three or more. There are going to be moments when a special friend may try to invite you to prove you are strong enough to have sex. These are the challenges that I know you will confront in the next four years – if you have not already found them knocking at your door.
I trust, as does Mrs. Martinez , that your teachers have tried their best to teach you more than reading, writing and arithmetic. They know that as your teachers your future has been their responsibility along with your parents. We believe they have done everything possible to teach you how to see right as different from wrong. These are the values you must nurture in the your lives in the years ahead.
Today, you graduates bring to an end a most important part of your lives. I personally believe it is more important than high school or college. You have learned what it means to do what is good, what is right. And now you are taking what you have learned to Gonzaga, Visitation, St. John’s, Holy Child, Good Counsel, Stone Ridge, John Carroll and other quality schools. Let me promise you this: if you continue to keep strong the values planted in your lives in this school by your teachers and what your parents have taught you in your homes, you will find the next four years to be at time for some of the greatest adventures in your life.
I want to share words of thanks to you. You, as a class, have brought a great sense of spirit to our school. I believe your teachers would say that your spirit has really made coming to "work" more than a job. That sprit has spread throughout the school. I see the way you have shown your care for the hungry in weekly making sandwiches for those in need. I have seen how much the little students look up to you because you talk to them and help them when you see them to be in need. I have seen you laughing – a sign of good health. I have spoken to some of you when tears were painfully coming from your eyes. I have seen you show a true respect for your teachers. I have seen how much you have made your classmates a part of your life in moments like last night’s grand dramatic production. Broadway watch out!
To your parents I wish to express our gratitude for all your efforts in the formation of this class. You should be proud today. To your teachers, kudos for instilling values and subject matter into minds and hearts seeking to be the best possible. Lastly, I extend thanks to Mrs. Martinez, Mrs. Sague and Miss Dottie for all their work in helping and leading the faculty to make our school so very special, so very unique in all of Washington, D.C.
We pray for you, our graduating class of 2007. Do well in your new schools ... but don’t forget to visit us occasionally because you are truly Our Lady of Victory family now.

Daily Reflection: June 2, 2003

Today's readings are related to the issue of wisdom. Some will say it is a virtue currently in short supply in contemporary life and culture. A sign of this lacking might be that "wisdom" is a words not too often heard in regular conversation.

The readings speak of wisdom: in the first, you read of a prophet's appreciation of the gift; in the second, Jesus uses the virtue to challenge challengers.

Where do we find wisdom? How do we find it? There are two senses that inform or teach our minds and hearts: our eyes and our ears. It is both what we read and see in others and as well what we hear that help us strengthen a personal sense of wisdom.

What does this mean? The wise person is someone who is careful about what the eyes and ears bring to the mind and heart. What is read, what is watched, what is heard: these become for us either the source of wisdom or the reason we may fail in being wise.

Surely a little grist for us to chew on!