Saint John Bosco

As some people are aware, a favorite saint of mine is Saint John Bosco (1815-1888), whose feast day is celebrated today. This is an enhanced re-post of of a item originally posted on 31 January 2011.

A priest in the Archdiocese of Turin, Italy, he had a special ministry to urban boys – initially teaching them their faith. This ministry expanded to teaching other academic subjects, including the skills needed in a few trades (initially shoemaking and tailoring, and then expanding to printing and other trades).

Father John Bosco worked to educate the whole person body and soul. He believed that one’s faith, rooted in Christ, should permeate everything one does, including work, learning, and recreation.

When I was teaching, I tried to follow his education philosophy, which (among other things)was a preventive system, placing students in surroundings removed from the likelihood of committing sin and encouraging frequent reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist. He encouraged his teachers to follow the example of Jesus, teaching the boys with patience, kindness, and calmness.

John Bosco was noted for the ministry of reaching out through the printed word. He wrote a number of booklets and other printed pieces to teach aspects of the faith, to combat false teachings, and to encourage his readers in a number of areas. In his writings, he worked to communicate information so recipients could readily understand the information or concepts involved.

With the encouragement of Pope Pius IX, John Bosco founded a religious order to focus on education and missionary work, with a special focus on young people. This order was the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, better known as the Salesians.

Saint John Bosco is a patron saint of editors.

For more information about Saint John Bosco, please visit:

Catholic Forum: St. John Bosco

Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Giovanni Melchior Bosco (1907)

A reading from Saint John Bosco:

Lop Notes: Excerpt from a Letter by Saint John Bosco (31 JAN 12)

Gaither Vocal Band: "He Is Here"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of the Gaither Vocal Band presenting "He Is Here":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of people who take time to listen to others.

Bishop Tobin on the Source of Authentic Spiritual Abundance

"It is indeed rare that all four Scripture selections at Mass - Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament and Gospel readings - promote an identical message. The New Testament readings especially stand out from the other choices since they tend to be continuous passages from a given text, like a letter of St. Paul, rather than assorted episodes chosen to highlight a certain theme. Yet [on this past] Sunday, the four texts not only agree in topic but almost exactly in words and phrasing."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on how the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time all "admit the shallowness of life apart from God and genuinely seek him as the true source of spiritual strength."

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:

The Imitation of Christ: The source of authentic spiritual abundance (26 JAN 93)

Reflection Starter from St. John Bosco

"We do not go to Holy Communion because we are good; we go to become good." - Saint John Bosco, whose memory the Church celebrates today (31 January)

NRPA Issues Sustainability in Parks and Recreation Report

"It is the mission of parks and recreation to support vibrant, healthy, resilient communities through its infrastructure, amenities and programming. The more than 11 million acres of land managed by agencies nationwide have the power to mitigate the impact of severe weather and climate change, improve tree canopy equity and help native habitats flourish. But there is much more that parks and recreation can do to make their communities more sustainable."

The National Recreation and Park Association recently released a report based on a survey of nearly 200 park and recreation leaders that explores how they are working to make their agencies and communities more sustainable. This report views agencies' goals, the level of financial and political support for these efforts, and the challenges and barriers hampering greater success.

The survey found that at least two-thirds of park and recreation leaders place high importance on strategies and actions that protect the natural habitat, embrace park infrastructure to manage stormwater better and lower agency water usage. Other important sustainability focus areas include decreasing landfill waste and water usage and reducing or eliminating the use of carbon-based energy.

To access a copy of the complete report, please visit:

NRPA: Sustainability in Parks and Recreation

Belated Birday Blessings, Becky!!!

 Belated Birthday greetings to sister-in-law Becky, wife of brother Mark, whose birthday was yesterday. May each day of the coming year be richly blessed!!!

Crossroads: "Give Me the Simple Life"

It's time for some more barbershop harmony. Here is a presentation of "Give Me the Simple Life" by the Crossroads Quartet:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for th blessing of our Catholic schools and for all You do for them and through them.

Catholic Schools Week

This week, the week of 29 January-5 4ebruary, is being observed as Catholic Schools Week. This year's theme for Catholic Schools Week is "Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service."

This theme is designed to reflect that Catholic schools have a specific purpose to form students to be good citizens of the world, love God and neighbor and enrich society with the leaven of the gospel and by example of faith. As communities of faith, Catholic schools instill in students their destiny to become saints.  Academic excellence is the hallmark of Catholic education intentionally directed to the growth of the whole person - mind, body and spirit.  Finally, service is fundamental to Catholic education and the core of Catholic discipleship.  Service is intended to help form people who are not only witnesses to Catholic social teaching, but also active participants through social learning.

The Catholic Schools Week logo emphasizes that the Catholic school, like the Catholic Church, is not a building or an institution, but it is the people. A related National Catholic Educational Association statement: "As the people of God, we work together to bring the Kingdom of God to Earth and raise up the next generation to do the same. The image of teachers and students forming the foundation of the school shows that they are active people of faith who serve others and God. May we all strive to live in active service of Jesus and his mission as we nationally join together during Catholic Schools Week and always."

For more information related to this year's observance, please visit:

NCEA: National Catholic Schools Week

Background information:

National Catholic Educational Association

 

Reflection Starter from Fr. Stuart Long

"He [God] doesn't promise our stories will make sense, but He does promise they'll find their greater purpose if we’re patient." - Father Stuart Long

"O How Blessed - The Beatitudes"

As we continue our Sunday celebration, I offer this version of Dan Schutte's "O How Blessed - The Beatitudes":

 

 

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; and Matthew 5:1-12a. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 146 (Psalm 146:6-10).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit; the Kingdom of Heaven Is Theirs! Psalm 146

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time January 29, 2023

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 29, 2023)

Community in Mission: Picture This! A Homily for the 4th Sunday of the Year (28 JAN 23)

Ex Corde at Benedictine College: This Sunday, A Popular Historian's Book Shows How the Beatitudes Changed the World (29 JAN 23)

Magis Center for Catholic Spirituality: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Aleteia: Kathleen N. Hattrup: Don't waste these 3 things, urges Pope (29 JAN 23)

Word on Fire: The Key to Happiness (Cycle A * 4th Week of Ordinary Time)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the Beatitudes and all they mean.

Bishop Robert Reed on the Power of Words of Prayer

"''Have you ever caught yourself operating on autopilot while praying one of the communal prayers of the Mass? It is easy to become distracted while we are doing something so familiar. It is not an unusual thing to find oneself automatically droning 'Lord, hear our prayer' while being utterly detached from the fact that at that moment we are a church offering up intercessory prayer -- real supplication -- for others, or that our prayer, especially when part of the most perfect prayer of the Mass, has power.

"But like any powerful tool, words of prayer must be respected and worked mindfully, and with our full awareness, if they are to be used well. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Robert Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, reflected on our words encouraging readers to wonder about them, "engaging with the powerful force of them, and who they serve, both in the church and in the world."

To access Ms. Wolfe's complete post, please visit:

The Boston Pilot: Echoes: Bishop Robert Reed: 'More than Words': Mother of Mercy (20 JAN 23)

Reflection Starter from Pope Francis

"The 'poor in spirit' are those who know they cannot rely on themselves, that they are not self-sufficient. They feel their need for God and recognize every good that comes from Him as a gift, as a grace." - Pope Francis

The Petersens: "When You Say Nothing at All"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of The Petersens presenting "When You Say Nothing at All":

 

On How Urban Trees Save Lives and Other Topics

A number of articles/posts have recently been published on a variety of  subjects worth considering.

To access some of these, please visit:

Washington Post : Trees were a California city's salvation. Now they're a grave threat.(20 JAN 23)

The New York Times: A Mother in Haiti Watches Her Child's Gang Killing (20 JAN 23)

Aleteia: Sarah Robsdottir: The time Martin Luther King Jr. paid Julia Roberts' hospital bill (16 JAN 23)

Planetizen: How Urban Trees Save Lives (1 DEC 22)

WCVB-TV: One type of physical activity protects the brain more than others, study finds (25 JAN 23)

Planetizen Blogs: The Missing 13th Floor: How Ancient Fears Influence Modern Architecture (13 JAN 23)

The Discoverer: 5 Fascinating Geological Wonders You Never Knew Existed

TimeOut: This under-the-radar card gets you into a ton of US museums for free (5 JAN 23)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of art museums.

Katya Fitzpatrick on a Public Figure Sharing His Faith on YouTube

"It's always refreshing when a public figure speaks openly about his faith. That's the case with 36-year-old Sean Kerr - founder of the Bikes and Beards YouTube channel, which has more than 1.5 million subscribers.

"Each episode of the motorcycle-oriented channel gets hundreds of thousands of views. . . .

"Watching the Bikes and Beards videos, a person can tell Kerr is proud of his faith."

In a recent commentary, writer Katya Fitzpatrick reflected on Sean Kerr's sharing of his faith via his YouTube channel..

To access Mr. Pearce's complete essay, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Katya Fitzpatrick: Bikes and Beards and Bibles (25 JAN 23)

Reflection Starter from St. Thomas Aquinas

"In accepting or rejecting opinions, a man must not be influenced by love or hatred of him who offers the opinions, but only by the certainty of the truth." - Saint Thomas Aquinas, whose memory the Church celebrates today (28 January)

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 63 in C major

It’s time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 63 in C major as presented by the Basel Chamber Orchestra:

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of people who reach out to us when we are sad or troubled.

Don't Give Darkness Power Over Light

In my previous column, I shared parts of my interview with Joy Marie Clarkson, author of the book Aggressively Happy: A Realist's Guide to Believing in the Goodness of Life. She revealed how a period of suffering led her closer to God and a greater appreciation for the joys we can experience if we open ourselves to them. But getting to that point was not a straight line for Joy, who admits she has struggled with doubt as well.

She doesn't see doubt as a bad thing, though, noting that she feels a kinship to two characters in Dostoevsky's novel The Brothers Karamazov because "it portrays someone who, with the best intentions of their heart, cannot believe in God - and someone who, with the best of intentions of their heart, chooses to [believe] anyway. I always have felt like I had both of those within me. A part of choosing to believe . . . is saying that my life is more sensible, more endurable in faith - and the consolation that comes with faith can't come from the outside. I have to take the step into faith to be able to receive its consolations. Having that story in my mind has helped me know that God is faithful to me even when I waver in doubt."

Among the consolations of looking at life through the eyes of faith is the belief "that at the heart of reality is goodness, is joy, and that in choosing to cultivate happiness, we are speaking to that reality." Still, there are people who view the world through a darker lens, seeing only its hardships and sufferings. While acknowledging that we can't be happy all the time, Joy believes that view gives the darkness too much power over the light.

She explained, "There's a great quote by Jack Gilbert, the American poet, who says, 'To only attend to evil would be to praise the devil.' So, attend to what is good and beautiful and true, but not in a way that ignores all the difficult things of life. . . . There can be this idea that if . . . someone in the world is suffering, you're being selfish because you're being happy. . . . It's like, 'If I'm sitting around being cynical and unhappy, I'm more righteous than everybody else because '’m more knowing.' When in fact, you're probably making life for everyone around you more unpleasant. It's not helping anyone on the other side of the world, it's not helping anyone around you, and it's not being attuned and thankful for what is in front of you."

When Joy encounters problems nowadays, she tries to follow The Christophers' approach of lighting a candle rather than cursing the darkness. She concluded, "I always start with the practical. . . . What I try to do is I . . .  eat something healthy, I'm going to sometimes literally light a candle. It's amazing to me how much pleasure…lighting a candle can be. Then . . . I try to be intentional about reaching out to friends. Sometimes when I'm encountering difficulties, trying to give kindness to other people helps me feel better, because it also reminds me that I'm not just a victim to the rest of life. I can be an agent of positivity.

"Then, I [rest] in God. There are times for shaking one's fist at God and doing all the Psalmist activities. But I think also [about] trusting in God's love for me, no matter what happens. Sometimes that takes the form of prayers and listening to a beautiful song and knowing that God made beautiful things in the world."

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column, written by Tony Rossi, of The Christophers; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.)

Background information:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from St. Angela Merici

"Do now what you wish to have done when your moment comes to die." - Saint Angela Merici, whose memory the Church celebrates today (27 January)

National Poverty in America Awareness Month

The month of January is being observed as National Poverty in America Awareness Month, an observance designed to raise awareness and call attention to the growth of poverty in America.

Background information:

Alliance for Strong Families and Communities: Resources for National Poverty in America Awareness Month

Lainey Dionne: "Truly, Madly, Deeply"

One of the treasures of New England is the great variety of music in our region. Some of this music (of whatever genre) is provided musicians from the region; other music is provided by artists visiting the region from other areas.

One such example is Rhode Island-based Lainey Dionne.

Background information:

Lainey Dionne

In this video, Lainey Dionne is presenting "Truly, Madly, Deeply":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You are present in our lives through the good works of those we encounter.

Fr. Paul Colloton, OSFS, How to Live Jesus

". . . Saint Francis de Sales said, 'Many are satisfied with carrying the Lord on their tongue, recounting His marvels and praising Him with great ardor; others carry Him in their hearts with tender and loving affection, which becomes part and parcel of their lives, thinking of Him and speaking to Him. But these two ways of carrying the Lord do not amount to much if the third element of carrying Him in their arms by good works is missing.' (Sermons 2; O. IX, p. 22)  As much as we might love the Lord or speak about Jesus, it is by good works, carrying the Lord in our arms, that He is known. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Father Paul Colloton, OSFS (Superior, De Sales Centre Oblate Residence, Childs, MD), reflected on how, through our good works, the "ordinary becomes extraordinary because the One whose name is engraved on our hearts, Jesus, is made visible for others to know and see Him."

To access Fr. Colloton's complete reflection, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Salesian Reflection: How to Live Jesus! (26 JAN 23)

Reflection Starter from the Second Letter to Timothy

"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths." - Timothy 4:1-4

Charles Lloyd Quartet: "Very Early"

It's time for some jazz, a genre of music I enjoy. Here is a presentation of "Very Early" by the Charles Lloyd Quartet:

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Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which Your love lifts our souls.

Br. Bertrand Hebert, O.P., on Everything Pertaining to Love

"The word 'love' is cheap. Rather, it has been made cheap by a confused world that struggles to acknowledge the true desire of our hearts. In one moment, people declare love for their spouse or children, and in the very next moment express love for something like food, clothes, and the passing pleasures of this world. When everything seems to be worthy of love, love becomes less valuable.

"While many have a confused sense of love, [yesterday] the Church celebrates a great defender of true love: Saint Francis de Sales. . . ."

In a recent commentary based on the writings and preaching of St. Francis de Sales, Brother Bertrand Hebert, O.P., reflected on how everything pertains to love ("For if God is love, then our life and beatitude begin and end with love, and love is at work in everything in-between.").

To access Br. Bertrand's complete post, please visit:

Dominicana: Everything Pertains to Love (24 JAN 23)

Reflection Starter from the First Letter to the Thessalonians

"Rejoice always.Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 16-18

Saint Francis de Sales

As a number of people are aware, one of my favorite saints is Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), whose feast day is celebrated today.

Bishop of Geneva,  he was the author of a number of books and pamphlets (including An Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God). He also wrote a number of letters (mainly to give spiritual direction to one or more individuals).

He was noted for his goodness, patience, and mildness. He also tried to live with the greatest economy (including eating plain food and keeping his household simple), in order to be able to provide more abundantly for the wants of the needy.

Besides his being patron saint of journalists and writers, one of the things that drew me to him and his spirituality was that he believed holiness was something for every one, no matter what his/her status in life.

"Go courageously to do whatever you are called to do. If you have any fears, say to your soul: 'The Lord will provide for us.' If your weakness troubles you, cast yourselves on God, and trust in him. The apostles were mostly unlearned fishermen, but God gave them learning enough for the work they had to do. Trust in him, depend on his providence; fear nothing." - Saint Francis de Sales

For additional information, please visit:

Saint Francis de Sales: An Introduction to the Devout Life

The Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI on St. Francis de Sales (2 MAR 11)

The Vatican: Apostolic Letter Totum amoris est of the Holy Father Francis on the fourth centenary of the death of Saint Francis de Sales

"I wish to recall the figure of St Francis de Sales, whom the Liturgy commemorates on 24 January. Born in Savoy in 1567, he studied law in Padua and Paris and then, called by the Lord, became a priest. He dedicated himself to preaching and to the spiritual formation of the faithful with great success. He taught that the call to holiness was for everyone and that each one as St Paul says in his comparison of the Church to the body has a place in the Church. St Francis de Sales is the patron Saint of journalists and of the Catholic press.” – Pope Benedict XVI (during the Angelus, Saint Peter’s Square, Sunday, 24 January 2010)

(Note: For the past several years, the Pope has signed the annual papal message for World Communications Day on the feast day of Saint Francis de Sales. and entrusted the message to his prayers.)

""Lead Me Lord"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of the St Mary of the Angels (Singapore) Music Ministry presenting John D. Becker's ""Lead Me Lord":