We must all ask ourselves: How do I let myself be guided by the Holy Spirit in such a way that my life and my witness of faith are both unity and communion? Do I convey the word of reconciliation and of love, which is the Gospel, to the milieus in which I live? At times it seems that we are repeating today what happened at Babel: division, the incapacity to understand one another, rivalry, envy, egoism. What do I do with my life? Do I create unity around me? Or do I cause division by gossip, criticism, or envy? What do I do? Let us think about this. Spreading the Gospel means that we are the first to proclaim and live the reconciliation, forgiveness, peace, unity, and love that the Holy Spirit gives us.
Except from The Church of Mercy by Pope Francis, pg 81
Friday, April 22, 2016
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
St. Pius Parishioner Highlight April: Forgive Offenses
This month I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Lucy Morinelli. Last summer, while she was visiting St. Cecilia's Cathedral in Omaha, NE, Lucy was mugged and beaten by 2 young men. It was a shock to the parish to hear about this act towards one of our own and those who were able, watched in horror as the news showed the scene unfold in front of the church's security cameras. Those who knew Lucy preached the same story: Lucy was a beautiful soul who would have helped these young men if they had asked. It was no surprise to anyone when Lucy's words after the attack were words of forgiveness.
My first understanding of how special this lady was when I first called her to set up the interview. Lucy said to me over the phone that she didn't think this story was that big of a deal. Her words in the interview and even as we talked through the questions before hand were so simple: we forgive because Jesus forgives. Her witness is that simple.
As I look back on the last 5 months of witnesses from other parishioners they give us the same simple testimony: we act with mercy because Jesus Himself was merciful. Are we open to moments when we can practice mercy? Do we even recognize those moments God gives us to act with mercy?
Forgiveness can be hard to practice and for many people it is the hardest act of mercy to complete. Lucy reminds us of how freeing forgiveness is for us. When we don't forgive, it's not just the other person who is affected, but us as well. We are burdened when we do not forgive.
Let us pray this month for the graces necessary to forgive. Let us also pray to be open to moments when we can show mercy and kindness to others.
God bless!
Guest blogger:
Emily Schmid
St. Pius X Staff
Friday, April 8, 2016
Be a Saint of Mercy: Forgive Offenses…like Saint John Paul II
We’ve all been wronged by someone else. We know well the pain, anger, and suffering that these offenses cause. So we are all confronted with the consideration of how to mercifully approach forgiving someone for the wrongs they’ve committed against us? Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer, but lucky for us, we have saints who have modeled it well for us. And perhaps no saint modeled it more mercifully than Saint John Paul II _____________________________________________________
I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve been in the presence of a canonized saint!
Of course, if you’re over the age of 37 years old and grew up here in Iowa, chances are you have too!
If you weren’t there in person, surely you’ve heard the story countless times over the years… On October 4th, 1979 Pope John Paul II accepted an invitation from local farmer Joseph Hays, to visit Central Iowa during his first papal visit to the United States.
Ask anyone in Urbandale, especially a St. Pius X Parishioner, about that day and you’re bound to hear the same story…
It was a cold and rainy morning. Many visitors anticipating the Pope’s visit, camped overnight on the farmland that is now Living History Farms, in the chilly and soggy conditions. Those who came the morning of the papal visit took shuttles or walked from Valley West Mall or surrounding parking areas off of I-80/35 (the interstate was closed for the papal visit). Many visitors adorned makeshift ponchos fashioned from trash bags in an attempt to stay dry. But whether arriving overnight or that morning, the wait was long and cold. But who could miss the opportunity to see the Pope in person, and in our own “backyard”?!
My parents were there.
They bundled up their little 13 month old son and made the journey from the North-side of Des Moines to the farm on the outskirts of town. The way Mom tells the story, “It was cold and rainy and we were second guessing bringing you, Joe. But the thought of missing the Pope wasn’t an option. We had to be there. It was cloudy and dreary as we waited. But then we heard it, the distant thumping of a helicopter approaching. The anticipation of the crowd began to grow, and like a miracle, the grey skies disappeared and were replaced by a beautiful sunny sky, just as the papal helicopter appeared over the horizon. It’s like the Pope brought the sun with him. It was perfect!”
Ask around, or reminisce and I promise you’ll hear the same account of that day over and over again. Holy people carry with them Jesus.
Perhaps this is what’s at the center of the Work of Mercy to Forgive Offenses. It’s an exchange of Jesus’ mercy and love from one person to another!
At least John Paul II sure seemed to approach it this way!
With our personal connection to John Paul II here in Urbandale, it makes sense to look to his example as we strive to live lives of Mercy, especially when we look to Forgiving Offenses done against us!
A few years after his historic stop in the U.S., Pope John Paul II was making his way through the throngs of visitors packing Saint Peter’s Square, when four gunshots were fired from among the waiting crowd. The date was May 13th, 1981. And Pope John Paul II found himself the target of an assassination attempt. Of the four bullets fired by young Turkish murderer, Mehmet Ali Agca, two bullets struck the Pope, wounding him in the abdomen, right arm, and left hand, as he collapsed into the hands of his personal secretary, Rev. Stanislaw, and personal servant, Angelo Gugel (the other two bullets wounded American and Jamaican tourists standing nearby).
Pope John Paul II was rushed to a nearby hospital, Gemelli Hospital, where he underwent over five hours of intense surgery, including the transfusion of nearly six pints of blood and the removal of three different sections of his intestines.
The actions of Ali Agca caused the Pope significant wounds. An offense that lead to months of surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation.
For his actions, Ali Agca was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment in Italy – but he was eventually released.
Following the assassination attempt, John Paul II asked people to “pray for my brother…whom I have sincerely forgiven.” In 1983, the Holy Father followed up his words with a visit to the prison where Ali Agca was being kept. The two met privately face-to-face, John Paul II forgave his would-be murderer in person!
Over the years Pope John Paul II and Ali Agca corresponded with each other. The assassin seemingly becoming a believer in the mercy and love that his target freely brought to him in the name of Jesus!
As we reflect on our Christian call to Forgive (all) Offenses, may we each find direction and joy in John Paul the Great’s response to Mehmet Ali Agca.
Saint John Paul II…Pray for Us!
I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve been in the presence of a canonized saint!
Of course, if you’re over the age of 37 years old and grew up here in Iowa, chances are you have too!
If you weren’t there in person, surely you’ve heard the story countless times over the years… On October 4th, 1979 Pope John Paul II accepted an invitation from local farmer Joseph Hays, to visit Central Iowa during his first papal visit to the United States.Ask anyone in Urbandale, especially a St. Pius X Parishioner, about that day and you’re bound to hear the same story…
It was a cold and rainy morning. Many visitors anticipating the Pope’s visit, camped overnight on the farmland that is now Living History Farms, in the chilly and soggy conditions. Those who came the morning of the papal visit took shuttles or walked from Valley West Mall or surrounding parking areas off of I-80/35 (the interstate was closed for the papal visit). Many visitors adorned makeshift ponchos fashioned from trash bags in an attempt to stay dry. But whether arriving overnight or that morning, the wait was long and cold. But who could miss the opportunity to see the Pope in person, and in our own “backyard”?!
My parents were there.
They bundled up their little 13 month old son and made the journey from the North-side of Des Moines to the farm on the outskirts of town. The way Mom tells the story, “It was cold and rainy and we were second guessing bringing you, Joe. But the thought of missing the Pope wasn’t an option. We had to be there. It was cloudy and dreary as we waited. But then we heard it, the distant thumping of a helicopter approaching. The anticipation of the crowd began to grow, and like a miracle, the grey skies disappeared and were replaced by a beautiful sunny sky, just as the papal helicopter appeared over the horizon. It’s like the Pope brought the sun with him. It was perfect!”
Ask around, or reminisce and I promise you’ll hear the same account of that day over and over again. Holy people carry with them Jesus.
Perhaps this is what’s at the center of the Work of Mercy to Forgive Offenses. It’s an exchange of Jesus’ mercy and love from one person to another!
At least John Paul II sure seemed to approach it this way!
With our personal connection to John Paul II here in Urbandale, it makes sense to look to his example as we strive to live lives of Mercy, especially when we look to Forgiving Offenses done against us!
A few years after his historic stop in the U.S., Pope John Paul II was making his way through the throngs of visitors packing Saint Peter’s Square, when four gunshots were fired from among the waiting crowd. The date was May 13th, 1981. And Pope John Paul II found himself the target of an assassination attempt. Of the four bullets fired by young Turkish murderer, Mehmet Ali Agca, two bullets struck the Pope, wounding him in the abdomen, right arm, and left hand, as he collapsed into the hands of his personal secretary, Rev. Stanislaw, and personal servant, Angelo Gugel (the other two bullets wounded American and Jamaican tourists standing nearby).
Pope John Paul II was rushed to a nearby hospital, Gemelli Hospital, where he underwent over five hours of intense surgery, including the transfusion of nearly six pints of blood and the removal of three different sections of his intestines.
The actions of Ali Agca caused the Pope significant wounds. An offense that lead to months of surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation.
For his actions, Ali Agca was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment in Italy – but he was eventually released.
Following the assassination attempt, John Paul II asked people to “pray for my brother…whom I have sincerely forgiven.” In 1983, the Holy Father followed up his words with a visit to the prison where Ali Agca was being kept. The two met privately face-to-face, John Paul II forgave his would-be murderer in person!Over the years Pope John Paul II and Ali Agca corresponded with each other. The assassin seemingly becoming a believer in the mercy and love that his target freely brought to him in the name of Jesus!
As we reflect on our Christian call to Forgive (all) Offenses, may we each find direction and joy in John Paul the Great’s response to Mehmet Ali Agca.
Saint John Paul II…Pray for Us!
Friday, April 1, 2016
The Spiritual Act of Mercy: Forgive Offenses
Forgiveness is not something that comes easy to many. As we listen to the rhetoric on the news and
in the various political ads that are running these days there is little room
for forgiveness. Even among our
acquaintances we hear the words, “I’ll sue” if something does not go the way
one wants something to go. We hear a desire for retribution and
retaliation. We want “justice” and “what
is due to us because we have been wronged.” We may find ourselves wondering if there is a
place for forgiveness in our world.
Frankly, I believe there is.
It seems to me that we waste a lot of time and energy being angry and
bitter. Our emotions seem fragile and
our health may be compromised because we carry the burden and stress of not
forgiving.
There is a great release when forgiveness is offered and
received. Summoning the courage to
approach another and have the tough conversations is an act of faith. Daring to broach the tough issues in life
builds character in us. Extending the
olive branch of peace not knowing how it will be received takes trust…in us and
in the heart of the other, even when the heart is wounded.
Funny thing about forgiving offenses, it may be hard for us
to forgive, but it is equally as difficult for the person seeking forgiveness
to ask for it in the first place.
When we forgive offenses we not only gift the other with the
gift of peace, but we gift ourselves with the gift of freedom as well.
Guest Blogger:
Dr. Cheryl Fournier
Pastoral Associate for Life Long Faith Formation
St. Pius X Catholic Church
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