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Ascension of the Lord - Homily

5/31/2014

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          Some time ago I watched a movie for a few minutes. Unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to see the whole of it. However what I could gather it was a story of the friendship of two little boys: one was a catholic another was a Jew. The scene I saw pictured a meal of the family of the Jewish boy. When he joins his parents at table his father is doings a prayer in Hebrew. Then he stops to let his son take a seat. The boy sits down and before his father continues the prayer the Jewish boy does this: “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” His parents nearly fell of their chairs. Then his father asks his: “What are you doing? The boy answers: “I’m praying.” “But what was the thing you did?” With childlike innocence and conviction the boy answers: “This is the key to heaven.”
          My Dear sisters and brothers!
          In his final moments with his Apostles Jesus said: “When the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but to the ends of the earth.” Obviously this little catholic boy was a witness of Jesus to his Jewish friend.
          This feast of the Ascension of the Lord which finishes the period of time when the Apostles could see Jesus begins the period of time when Jesus can be encountered not only by the few in Jerusalem but by all who hear the message of the Good News preached across the globe.
          It should humble us that when we share our faith with others they can encounter Jesus Christ as real as the Apostles encountered him in person 2000 years ago.
          St Matthew says that on the day of the Ascension Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”.” This passage shows us the continuation of Jesus presence in the world. Wherever the Good News is preached people meet Jesus.
          We could ask: “Lord why don’t you appear above the MCG at the Grand Final? Show yourself like you did on the day of the Ascension with the angels no your sides. Many people would come to believe in you. Let us know the time and we can organize TV reporters to show it on all channels across the planet. Everybody would believe in you.”
          However Jesus tells us what he told his disciples that day on the mountain: “I don’t need to appear above the MCG because every time you tell your next door neighbor about me I am there. Don’t look into the sky waiting for my appearance but spread the Word today. If you keep silence about me today, today people miss a chance to meet me.”
          Isn’t thrilling enough to think that what we say and do can be for someone like the moment when St Thomas touched the wounds of Jesus and came to believe.
          Isn’t thrilling enough to think that what we say and do can be for someone like the moment when Mary Magdala saw Jesus at the entrance to the tomb on Easter Sunday morning.
          Let us pray for courage to use our words and activates to bring Jesus to people’s lives.


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How to win the world.

5/30/2014

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PictureBl Joseph Gerard OMI
Today in the Catholic Church we celebrate the feast day of Blessed Joseph Gerard. Father Joseph Gerard was born on the 12th March 1831. In 1851 he entered the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and two years later in 1853 he was sent by Saint Eugene de Mazenod to Southern Africa, he never returned to visit his country and his family again. He worked tirelessly for many years. Up to a month before his death he was out on the mountain tracks caring for those in need. He was 83 at the time. Fr. Gérard, in one of his retreat notes, gave the key to his constancy when he wrote about the people he served: “... we must love them, love them in spite of everything, love them always”. He died on May 29, 1914 and was beatified by Saint John Paul II in September 1988.

I would like to recall a memory of another missionary who works in Lesotho where Fr Joseph spend most his life:

“It was a Sunday afternoon at the mission of Roma. Our Christians, having shared a meal together under shade trees, were preparing to return to their villages. Before leaving some went off to pay visit to the tombs of their favourite saints, Father Joseph Gerard, their first missionary, and Mgr Emmanuel ’Mabathoana, their first Mosotho bishop. At the tomb of Mgr ’Mabathoana religious objects from previous visits were reclaimed and new ones deposited. From that of Father Gerard our Christians gathered up little pieces of soil and placed them carefully in small bags that hung from their necks.

“Asking people about why they have such a great love for Fr. Gerard and Bishop Emmanuel ’Mabathoana, “you really don’t know?” they ask, “but surely you must realize that these two Oblates are our Fathers in the faith”. Within the context of South Africa it was a truly amazing sight to behold the Basotho people embrace and unite a white man and a black man within the circle of their love and devotion. It struck one at the moment that the word “Fathers” was used by these Christians not simply out of habit but from a true sense of veneration and love”

The year after he was beatified, the Oblates in Poland published a calendar with his story. On the cover of the publication there was a big picture of Fr Joseph wearing his Oblate Crucifix. A copy of the calendar was purchased by my dear Nana. That’s was the first time I learnt about the Oblates and it began my journey which led me to join them eventually. I am not sure if Grandma planned that but I am most grateful to her for putting me on this path which I am still enjoying so much. I am also grateful to Blessed Joseph Gerard whose story touched me so much. To be honest he was the first Oblate I learnt about. I am sure St Eugene doesn’t mind that he wasn’t the first in my life. Anyway the truth is that the spirit of St Eugene was deeply implanted in the soul of Blessed Joseph Gerard.

So how to win the world? Blessed Joseph Gerard gives this advice:
“The world belongs to the person who loves it most—and proves it.”

All I can say is this: "Take this advise. It works. The world is yours."

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At the grave of Blessed Joseph Gerard OMI
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Miracle boy

5/28/2014

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Lately I have been given a great joy to baptize Isaac, the son of Margaret and Peter. When I was going to do the ceremony some people asked me why I wanted to baptize this boy myself. Well, I said the he is a miracle boy. However I would rather call his a sign boy. In the Gospel of St John, the Apostle doesn’t use the word miracle to describe what Jesus performed but he says about the signs Jesus given. A miracle just focuses on the extraordinary element of the event while a sign points out to the mystery beyond this world. A few years ago when I was appointed to a parish in NSW I first met Margaret and Peter. It was when they lost their little baby Georgia. One of the first ministries I did there was to bury the little girl. The following year when they were awaiting the birth of their son they lost him too. I did a burial again. Jordan was buried in the same grave with Georgia. However it wasn’t only about burials it was also about great faith of Margaret and Peter. They stood by each other with love, commitment and hope. As a priest I was humbled by their faith. They didn’t accuse God, they didn’t complain. They showed such deep trust in the Lord. Although they didn’t have a chance to watch the babies grow they loved them dearly. Georgia and Jordan have been their family. The way Margaret and Peter speak about those little ones is the best sermon on the Communion of Saints I have ever heard. They live the belief that there is an exchange of love between them.

A few months ago when Isaac was born I saw him not simply as an answer to prayers of so many people but as a miracle or better to say a sign. I believe that by the birth of this little boy God has spoken to me and to others who want to hear him. What God spoke is: “Trust me. Don’t get discouraged by what you are going through. Love me and love each other.” I am grateful to Margaret and Peter for “preaching” to me so much about faith and trust in God and about grooving in love for each other in the midst of so much suffering.
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Miracle or sign?
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Sixth Easter Sunday - Homily

5/25/2014

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A few years ago I made a huge mistake. Do you want to know what it was? Well, I was visiting the families of children preparing for Confirmation, First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation. In one of the first homes I visited I was asked what cakes I liked. I am not a cake person, but for some strange reasons I do enjoy having Tiramisu every now and then. So when I was asked very innocently I said: “I like Tiramisu.” You wouldn’t t believe how much Tiramisu I had in the following months while visiting families. Lately a friend of mine seeing me enjoying my favorite dessert explained to me that Tiramisu means: “Pick me up.”
          My Dear Sisters and Brothers!
          Now I can say that I like both: the taste and the meaning of the cake. I am not going to explore the taste as there is not point discussing tastes. Besides that I am pretty sure that even those who don’t like Tiramisu can get to heaven. Let me focus on the meaning of the cake: “Pick me up” instead.
          Before we go to that let me ask you a few questions. What did we celebrate last Wednesday? The Solemnity of St Eugene de Mazenod, the founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate who minister here in your Parish and in so many other places across the planet. What will we celebrate this coming Thursday? The memorial of Blessed Joseph Gerard, a French Oblate who was sent by St Eugene de Mazenod to Africa as a missionary. And the last tricky question. Do you know how this time between the feast days of the two saintly Oblates is called? Novena of prayer for vocations to the Oblate Congregation. It is the time when we remember those two Oblates who followed Christ so faithfully, it is the time when we pray for the Oblates who are following their footsteps so that they could have the same faith. It is the time when we also pray so that new men may have courage and faith to start to follow Christ as Oblates.
          In the Gospel for this Mass Jesus talks about keeping his commandments. Before you start thinking what commandments he is talking about let me just tell you that it is exactly the same expression Jesus used to describe the mission his Father gave him. His Father sent him on the mission of saving people.

          Today’s Gospel takes us to the Last Supper when Jesus speaks to his closest Apostles. He shares with them his desire to fulfill the commandment of his Father, the mission of salvation that was given to him. When he says to them: “If you love me you will keep my commandments” he invites them to continue his mission, to be part of his mission. They are not to stay in the Last Supper Room forever enjoying its warmth, cosines and uniqueness. No, Jesus looks beyond the walls of the Upper Room, he looks to the horizons of the world where there are people who need to learn about the true God. We could say that he is asking his Apostles very gently: “Are you in?” He is waiting for them to say: “Pick me up!” I don’t think Jesus meant Tiramisu here but he was inviting his Apostles to say: “Lord, pick me up from where I am. I want to be on board with you Jesus.”
          This week when we pray for new men to join the Oblates. I would like to give you a homework. Are you excited to get a homework? Sure, you are. In the Gospel Jesus said: “If you love me keep my commandments” and we know now that the commandment means being part of his mission of salvation. That’s the homework. If you see in your family or in the network of the people you know some young men who show interest in prayer, who can pray passionately, who are interested in learning about the faith, about Jesus, ask them: “Have you thought about becoming a priest, an Oblate, a missionary.” Your question may inspire those young men to move out of their little world that can be like that Upper Room in Jerusalem where Jesus had his Last Supper, in order to embrace a fascinating journey being on board with Jesus. You words wan evoke in them the desire to: Tiramisu. What does it mean: “Pick me up.”

         Some years ago that was what I said to Jesus: "Pick me up. I am in." What I have learnt over the years is that I am not going to tell him where he should drop me off. I want to stay with him forever. I want to go where he goes.

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Founder's Day at Mazenod College, Melbourne 

5/24/2014

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PictureLet us celebrate grace of God in St Eugene
Friday morning saw the whole community of Mazenod College: students, teachers and staff joined by the Oblates and some priests from the local churches celebrating the Founder’s Day. Mazenod College in Melbourne, as one may easy guess, was established by the Oblates to educate the young men in the spirit of St Eugene. The school of more than 1200 pupils continues living the dream of those Oblates who believed that the inspiration of St Eugene could make an impact on the young hearts and minds. Every year the school celebrates with profound solemnity the gift of St Eugene de Mazenod to the Church and to this school as well. I am always amazed at the seriousness and commitment of the students to Christ. There is always somebody in the school chapel praying. Every morning there is Mass for those who wish to attend. A few weeks ago when I was helping with Reconciliation there I was approached by a teacher who expressed his concern that with Fr Irek’s departure for the China Mission, the College will be left only with one priest – the Rector and it may mean that there will not be a daily Mass. I must say that I was moved to the core of my being. I assured the teacher that I will do my best to assist them. Isn’t a powerful sign of faith and love for Jesus? I am sure that it is the fruit of many years of quiet and committed ministry of our Oblates who have implanted this faith in the school community.
Before we started Eucharist there was a presentation to share the spirit of St Eugane. Mat who is on the evangelization team for the college took on the role of St Eugene writing to his Oblates scattered across the world. Mat’s first job was to select from Eugene’s letters some extracts that show his fatherly care for his spiritual sons. I must say that he did very well. I have been reading these letters so often and I can tell that the selection presented on Friday captured the core of Eugene’s spirit. When it came to the final words Eugene spoke just before he died I was just shaking. I have read them so often but to hear them being read aloud was awesome. These are the words:
 

“Be sure to tell my Oblates that I die happy… that I die happy that God was so good as to choose me to found the Congregation of the Oblates in the Church.”
Then he added:“ Practice among yourselves charity, charity, charity and outside, zeal for the salvation of souls.”


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Solemnity of Saint Eugene de Mazenod

5/22/2014

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PictureTomb of St Eugene
153 years ago it was a sad day for the Oblates who gathered around the deathbed of Eugene de Mazenod, their Father and their Friend. In the evening of 21st of May 1861 when the Oblates were finishing singing Salve Regina, the hymn to Our Lady Eugene passed away. However their sadness was turning into strong conviction that Our Dear Father would continue to guide the Congregation from heaven.

The day before his death Eugene entrusted this message to his Oblate family:
Be sure to tell them that I die happy… that I die happy that God was so good as to choose me to found the Congregation of the Oblates in the Church.
Then as the last wish in his heart:
Practice among yourselves charity, charity, charity and outside, zeal for the salvation of souls.

We still believe that he does guide us, that he still pray for us his spiritual sons who share his passion for Christ and for Evangelization. Lately I came across some notes that our Founder, even when he was bishop and had to live away from his Oblate community maintained strong connection with the Oblates. What touched me most was that every day from 10.30pm to 11.30pm he would do our Oblate Oraison in the chapel of the Residence of Bishops of Marseille. Such a late prayer session meant that he was very busy as Bishop during his day. There is no doubt that he prayed during the day but that silent hour at night in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament it was the means to be in touch with all his Oblates. He always told us that during Oraison we are one community. It doesn’t matter how much time and distance separates us. When we are in the presence of Jesus time and distance disappear.

Today as we celebrate his feast day we don’t simply reflect on his life but we pray to him and with him we pray to Our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ.




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The relict of the hear of St Eugene de Mazenod, treasured in the Oblate Mother House in Aix in France where Eugene established the first community of missionaries.
LITANY to St Eugene de Mazenod which was composed by the Oblates in Colombo, Sri Lanka.


You who were rich and content at birth but afflicted by poverty and suffering very early in life.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

You were in exile for the safety of life in face of the terrors of the French Revolution.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

You lost everything in exile but were miraculously sustained by God’s providence.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

You were deprived of education in exile but God sent you Fr. Bartolo Zinelli in Venice to guide your path.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

When your parents were separated, you lost the warmth and love of your mother at a tender age but you were blessed with the loving presence of our Heavenly Mother.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

Having failed in all your attempts to reconcile your parents, you experienced utter helplessness.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

You were lonely and had no hope of a bright future in the prime of your youth and thus, you experienced the depression of the idle youth.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

When you returned to your motherland at the age of twenty you were showered with all the pleasures of worldly life and you were quick to discern their vanity.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

You encountered the crucified Christ on a Good Friday and were awakened to the immeasurable love of the Saviour.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.


At the foot of the cross, on that Good Friday, you realized God’s wonderful plan for you.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

You gave yourself to the service of the Church and dedicated your priestly life to serve the young and the most abandoned.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

In your passionate love for the poor you founded the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

With your generous heart embracing the whole world, you sent your missionaries to the ends of the world.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

Called to serve as the Bishop of Marseille, you touched the hearts of God’s people.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

You instructed the members of your Congregation before your death to show each other charity and to work with zeal for the salvation of people.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

You were proclaimed a saint of the Church for the welfare of those in difficulties.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

You mediate before our heavenly Father on behalf of the families that undergo trials and difficulties and you are quick to come to their aid.
Response: St. Eugene de Mazenod, lead us to Jesus through the trials of life.

Let us pray.
Almighty and loving God, you led St. Eugene dc Mazenod through the sufferings and challenges of a dysfunctional family to a life of holiness. Through his constant intercession bless the children and the youth of broken families. Strengthen the spouses to strive for unity. Grant them the gifts of understanding, patience, love and courage to overcome the problems of life. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

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MOC - Vigil of the Solemnity of St Eugene

5/20/2014

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PictureA piece of the bishop cassock worn by St Eugene
On the pleasant May evening here in Melbourne, MOC gathered to begin celebrating the Solemnity of St Eugene de Mazenod, the Founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. For those who aren’t familiar with our Oblate terminology here in Melbourne, MOC stands for Mulgrave Oblate Community. As our numbers are dwindling and it makes our house communities small we wanted to ensure that the Oblate community spirit can be cultivated and nurtured by some new ways to live our community call. That’s why, here in Victoria we are trying to have regular prayers, meetings and socials with our Oblate brothers from other houses close by. We also assist each other in our various ministries. MOC is made of three Oblate houses in the suburb of Mulgrave: Saint Mary’s Seminary, Mazenod College and St John Vianney’s Parish.

On the night of May 20 Oblate from MOC gathered at St Mary’s Seminary. We began with the First Vespers (Evening Prayer) of the Solemnity of Our Founder followed by our traditional Oblate Oraison (half an hour silent prayer in the presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. We know very well that the strength of our communities comes from Jesus. Every time we gather for Oriason we experience what the Apostles had when they stayed with Jesus. Oraison also connects us with all the other Oblates across the Globe.

After feeding our souls we moved to the refectory (dining room) for dinner and later for some family quality time when stories were shared and joy of being together was evident.


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Fifth Sunday of Easter - Homily

5/18/2014

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A few weeks ago a Jesuit, Fr Frans van der Lugt who spent most of his life in Syria was brutally murdered there at the age of 75. Although he had a chance to get out of the place during the UN-negotiated ceasefire, he decided to stay. I read that he had two dozen of ill and injured people in his little hospital and for their sake he stayed there. However his quiet and prayerful presence seemed to be too dangerous to some extremists who murdered Fr Frans. Why did he stay? He couldn’t change the situation. But what he said in the days leading to his death can give us some insight into his life and priestly ministry: “I try to help them not by analysing their problems, as the problems are obvious and there is no solution for them here. I listen to them and give them as much food as I can.” He didn’t have much food as he lived every day on some olives he would consume in the morning and broth fortified with weeds picked off the streets as his evening meal. To those who had lost their minds and found themselves shunned he offered shelter.
            My Dear Sisters and Brothers!
            I have told you about Fr Frans because in his quite but loving life and in his death as well, I can see what Jesus was telling in the Gospel this Sunday, the Gospel which is filled with references about his Father.  12 times Our Blessed Lord spoke about his Father. The priest murdered in Syria not only contemplated this message every day but he committed his life to show people that God is their caring Father. Some people could ask: “Where was God when so many people were killed in Syria.” My answer would be: “He was in the soul and heart of Fr Frans who didn’t run away but stayed to be with those who couldn’t run away.” Some people could say: “Where was God when Fr Frans was murdered?” My answer would be: “He was so deeply in the heart and soul of the priest that his heart and soul were overflowing with Father’s love so much that he chose to stay and by his quiet and prayerful presence was sharing with the afflicted Father’s love.”
            Some time ago a person said to me that she preferred the previous translation of the Bible where Jesus says that there are many mansions prepared for us. Apparently it sounds flashier then what we have in the Jerusalem Bible read in our churches these days, that there are many rooms prepared for us. Well, Jesus isn’t a real estate agent trying to sell us a place but he is the Son of the Father who calls us his children too. The beauty of heaven is not in the splendour mansions but it is because heaven is all about God, the Trinity, who wants us to be included in this community of Divine Persons.
            That’s why Jesus spoke so much about his Father. Jesus was giving us a hint why he did so many things for us: because the love of his Father was filling him and this same love was overflowing so much that it has reached us.
The Holy Spirit promised by the Lord directs this love into our hearts like he did for Fr Frans. The priest was sure that he was loved by the heavenly Father and his life wasn’t about selfish search for happiness but his life was about being for others, loving them with the love of the Heavenly Father.
            Syria may be such a horrifying place to live at the moment but because of Fr Frans and similar people no one can say that God has abandoned Syrians. He is there through the loving and prayerful presence of some of his children who cannot keep God’s love to themselves and let it flow from their big hearts onto others.
            Do we need a better commercial to convince us that it is worth investing our time, prayers and efforts into believing in what the Lord Jesus has revealed us about heaven and his Father?


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Of a saintly Oblate

5/13/2014

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Every feast of Our Lady is a special day for us Oblates. Today as we commemorate the memorial of Our Lady of Fatima our Oblate hearts start racing again. The person, whom the three Portuguese children saw in 1917, was the Mother of Jesus and our Dear Mother too. However for me May 13, has got a personal importance too.
A distinctive feature of our Oblate habit is our missionary crucifix. The crucifix is given to us on the day of our perpetual vows, after making vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and perseverance for life. For every Oblate his crucifix becomes a friend and companion in the ministry of evangelization. We grow deeply attached to our missionary crucifix or maybe better to say that the crucifix grows into us, Oblates. An Oblate cannot imagine himself without his crucifix. Las year when I was travelling overseas my bag went missing after a flight. I still remember the state of horror I was going at the airport when I realized that my Oblate crucifix was in the bag. I was frozen out of distress that this companion of mine could be lost forever. Thank God the bag was found a few days later and delivered to my accommodation but I learnt an important lesson: Now I always have my Oblate crucifix in my carry-on luggage.
As I mentioned before, among vows we take is the vow of poverty, for me personally the most challenging aspect of the vow is that after my death my crucifix, like in the case of all the other Oblates, will be taken from me and sent to the archives of the Provincial Office. It means that this dear companion of mine isn’t my “property”. I don’t own it. It is, as I said, my companion, my friend. The main reason of sending the crucifix to the Provincial Office is that after my death another Oblate who would be taking perpetual vows can be given the crucifix.

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My Dear Friend and my faithful companion
The reason for me to consider May 13, as a special day is that on this day in 1998 Fr Jozef Kubiaczyk OMI died. The crucifix I carry was his companion for 22 years. Fr Jozef took his perpetual vows on September 8, 1974 and died on May 13, 1998. Two years later on September 8, 2000, I took my perpetual vows and was given the crucifix of Fr Jozef. Fr Jozef died of a brain tumor at the age of 49. I didn’t know him before I accepted his crucifix but what touched me was the time of my pastoral experience I did in the place where he worked may years ago. His main ministry was being a chaplain to a psychiatric hospital. I had had his crucifix for one year then. When I went to visit the residents in the hospital and they learnt whose crucifix I had they treated it as a relic of a saint. Then I learnt how kind, compassionate, pious and prayerful Fr Jozef was. His faith and love for Jesus was flowing into his ministry to the people who suffered from various mental disorders.
When I look at my crucifix now I just think how many graces it witnessed in the ministry of a saintly Oblate who didn’t have a long life but lived his life to the full as a friend of Jesus and as a friend of people he met.
May he rest in peace.
Maybe I shouldn’t write it publicly but I can reveal to you some secret. Although Fr Jozef hasn’t been declared a saint I find myself saying this: “Fr Jozef pray for me.”

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The grave of Fr Jozef at the Oblate cemetery in Obra, Poland.
The crucifix of Fr Jozef waited only two years before it was given to me. Please pray so that it doesn't need to wait any longer after my death. My dream is that there will be a young man taking his perpetual vows just after my death so that the crucifix could become his friend and companion.
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My companion on the grave of St Eugene de Mazenod, the Founder of the Missionary Oblate of Mary immaculate and the first Oblate. The Oblate crucifix of St Eugene is always worn by our Superior General, in this way the continuation of the leadership ministry to the Oblate Congregation is highlighted.
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Happy Mother's Day

5/10/2014

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My heavenly Mother. Isn't she beautiful?
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My earthly mother. Isn't she beautiful?
          In Australia we are holding this Sunday Mother’s Day. Well, it’s hard to miss it as the shops and commercials have kept reminding us about the day. So if you cannot remember to acknowledge it today you have no excuse. However the big question is how you are to acknowledge it. I believe that the first thing is to thank God for giving us to our mums as their children. My thoughts go this day to Good Friday when Jesus gave John and all of us to his mother – Mary. My thoughts go also to that day when my mum learned that she was carrying a baby under heart, it was me. I thank God for Our Lady who accepted John the Apostle as her child and all of us as her children. I thank God for my mum who accepted that little baby – me, years ago. As Catholics we are blessed to have two mothers. One of them we share with Jesus – Our Blessed Mother. I just want to see the moment in heaven when Mary hearing from Jesus and me calling her: “Mother “will turn with her smile to both of us. It will be such an awesome moment.
          I can also envisage this situation in heaven when calling for my mum I will have both of them coming to me: my Heavenly Mother Mary and my earthly Mother Teresa. How awesome it is going to be. Do I still need to have more reasons to call Mother’s Day a Day of Great Thanksgiving?

As a priest I would like to send my blessing not only to my mum but to all women who are mothers. That’s my prayer and blessing for you - holy mothers of this planet:

Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honour them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May almighty God bless you all, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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My taste of heaven - Lourdes. My two mothers in the same place.
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Lourdes. Walking with my mum Teresa to my mum Mary.
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This is your son. This is your mother. The scene of the Crucifixion form my home church in Poland.
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