|
|
The Spirit of the Cenacle |
|
|
Volume 13, number 4 - December, 2004 |
||
|
Never be unmindful that one of the works of the Cenacle is the exaltation of the Holy Name of Jesus. Keep this particularly in mind when you assemble for your councils. We know the efficacy of prayer, the joy of the Communion of Saints and the value of intercessory prayer. I often think that one of the entrancing revelations of the world to come will be the manifestation of what has come to us through the prayers of others, to discover how we may have been helped personally and in our works by the prayers of friends and of those unknown to us, I believe that there is a special grace and blessing given to the Cenacle in the prayer that we say for one another. (Fr. Judge, Missionary Cenacle Meditations, p. 164) |
From the General
Custodian "May the grace and
peace of the Holy Spirit be with us forever!" As we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we cannot help but be troubled by the chaos throughout the world. At the same time we can take comfort in the fact that we are united in prayer for the coming of God’s Kingdom (Thy Kingdom come!). We pray this prayer each time we pray the Our Father. We recognize that there are many obstacles to making God’s kingdom real in the world. We are consoled by knowing that we draw our strength and grace from observing, in a significant and meaningful way, the great feasts of the church as we end this year: the Incarnation, All Saints, Christ the King, Thanksgiving, and finally Christmas. The graces gained in these observances are our beacon of hope. These graces lead us to a deep recognition that we must pray "beyond words." Working with the leadership of the MCA has brought me to a profound understanding of the need to "pray beyond words." The demands and challenges placed upon the MCA Council and the MCA leaders in general, are tremendous (as you will read in a separate report); but they are matched and countered by Christ’s gifts to us, which are also "beyond words." The knowledge of the graces we receive in our work leads us to want to express gratitude, but it is often frustrating that our expressions of gratitude fall short of how truly indebted we are. Have you ever experienced the need to express gratitude for a wonderful gift or deed but you were unable to find the right thing or anything that was good enough? Weren’t you ready to give or do anything to let the giver know the magnitude of your gratitude? The MCA leaders and spiritual guides in every region are seriously expressing their gratitude to Jesus through their works. I am expressing my gratitude to Jesus through my most humble service to you. Please join me in thanking Jesus with the most appropriate expression found deep in our hearts. May the grace of Jesus be abundant in your lives as you celebrate Christmas and throughout the new year. Josie Morales |
|
|
From the International Spiritual Guide - ADVENT, 1914 Advent of 1914 found the world at war. British, French and Belgian soldiers faced the German Army in trenches that extended all across France. The trenches were separated by a “No Man’s Land” no more that a hundred meters across. Already the great slaughter had cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides. Yet as Christmas drew near the shooting became less and less. The day before Christmas dawned cold and bright. Everything was covered with a beautiful white frost that shined in the bright morning sun. There was little shooting during the day as all thoughts turned toward home and family. When darkness fell there appeared thousands of Christmas trees in front of the German trenches. Lit by candles and lanterns they extended as far as the eye could see – for hundreds of miles! A sense of wonder and awe came upon the soldiers of both sides! Suddenly all was quiet! Then the Germans began to raise their voices in beautiful harmony – “Silent Night, Holy Night.” When they had finished the British, French and Belgian troops gave them a rousing round of applause and responded with a Christmas carol of their own. The Germans applauded and countered with one of their favorites – “O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum” ("O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree"). Back and forth the melodies flowed as enemies sang Christmas carols to one another. At midnight they raised their voices in unison as they all sang “Adeste Fideles” ("O Come all Ye Faithful"). Christmas Day came cold, bright and quiet. Here, there, and eventually everywhere soldiers emerged from their trenches. They walked unarmed toward one another until they came together in the middle of the same field where just weeks before bullets had whizzed and blood had flowed. The two sides embraced, laughed, talked and shared photos of their loved ones. A bonfire was built and gifts were exchanged – tea for coffee, cigarettes for cigars, a knife for a helmet, a badge for a medal. The next day soccer balls came out and friendly games got underway. As Christmas Day came to an end one older German said to a British officer "My God, why cannot we have peace and all go home?" The officer replied, “Yes, but first you must speak to your emperor.” "Perhaps, my friend,” said the German, “But we must also ask our own hearts." In some places the truce lasted until the feast of the Epiphany. Then the war continued on as before. It would last three more long and bloody years. Millions more would die before it was over. There may never be another truce like the Great Christmas Truce of 1914. But if Advent of 2004 means anything it means we should never stop praying and working for peace. As Aaron Shepard, the author of many children’s books, observed: “Yet still what happened on that Christmas of 1914 may inspire the peacemakers of today -- for, now as always, the best time to make peace is long before the armies go to war." A blessed Christmas to you and your families, Father John Seymour, ST MCA NEWSLETTER - A REMINDER The Spirit of the Cenacle newsletter is normally published three times a year: Lent, Ordinary Time, and Advent. During this past Ordinary Time, the newsletter was not published due to lack of submissions. You will recall that the General Council adopted a policy of distributing the MCA newsletter in an all-electronic format. The full text (with graphics) of each issue, including back issues, is posted on the Internet. If you know of anyone in the MCA who cannot get access to the Internet and who would like to receive a paper copy of the newsletter, please let Jim Bolner know. His address is: Jim Bolner MCA Launches New Website For a number of years (since about 1993) the MCA has had a presence on the Internet. This presence has been in connection with our being a member of the Missionary Cenacle Family. In an effort to keep pace with the developments in technology and all that it offers to the modern missionary, the MCA has recently launched its own website, which will be an increasingly powerful instrument for our missionary work. Of course, The Spirit of the Cenacle will be available (both current and archive issues) on this new website. In addition, the new website will offer interactive chat rooms for MCA members as well as streaming video relating to formation and apostolic inspiration. Please take note of the new Internet addresses: http://catholicmissionary.org/ (English) and http://www.misionerocatolico.com (Spanish; soon to be active). MCA GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING Present were: Josie Morales, General Custodian; Joanne Jones; Assistant General Custodian; Fr. John Seymour, ST, International Spiritual Guide; Alma Robles, San Juan Region; Vicente Mora, Our lady of Guadalupe Region; Jose Castro, Holy Spirit Region; Kay Knott, Trinity Region; Enriqueta Quiroz, Our Lady of the Angels Region. Also present were: Maria Luisa Perez Garcia (Our Lady of Guadalupe Region), Mark McGuthrie (Holy Spirit Region), Ana Isabel (Our Lady Queen of Angels Region). Absent and not represented: Incarnation Region. Translation provided by Jose Castro, Mark McGuthrie and Josie Morales. Joanne Jones served as recorder. REGIONAL REPORTS The meeting began on Wednesday evening with prayer followed by brief oral regional reports. The five regions represented had previously submitted written reports which had been e-mailed to all the Regional Custodians. The Cenacle in Columbia was discussed at length. The Council also raised concerns over the lack of representation, communication and report from the Incarnation Region. Josie, Fr. John and Pat Regan will collaborate in the re-organization of this Region. REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES’ REPORTS Trinity Region - Assembly held on September 24-26 at Holy Trinity, Alabama. Bro Paul Michaelenko, S.T., served as facilitator. Seven regional goals were identified and a Regional Mission Statement was written. The Assembly ended by recognizing the gifts of various leaderes in the region. Puerto Rico – Assembly to be held February 18-20, 2005. A place has been secured. Gerardo Perfecto will be the facilitator and Sr. Lourdes, MSBT, will assist. The Assembly Planning Team is active. The Bishops’ document on Evangelization will be used as the focal point for discussions. Mexico – Assembly to be held January 28-30 2005. A place has been secured. Bishops’ Diocesan documents for Evangelization specific to each diocese will be used. Costa Rica – Assembly to be held January 14-16 2005. Gerardo Perfecto, MCA, will facilitate. The Costa Rican pastoral documents will be used, as well as the U.S. Bishops‘ document on evangelization. Place has been secured. Holy Spirit – Assembly to be held April 22-24 2005. Sr. Brenda Hermann, MSBT, will facilitate. Assembly will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Center, Montebello, CA. Assembly Planning Team in place. Fr. John recalled that the Council had decided to have the Regional Assemblies in order to implement the MCA goal at the Regional level, based on Council’s conviction that this was God’s will. He added that success of the Assemblies depends on the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is important that all committed leaders attend the Assemblies and that MCA members pray for the success of the assemblies. Sr. Brenda Hermann, MSBT, facilitated an Assembly Workshop for the MCA Council and Regional Spiritual Guides on Saturday, October 2, 2005. BY-LAWS SECTION IV ON CENACLES The Bylaws Committee reported that drafts of Section IV (“Cenacles” and the “Introduction” have been completed). The Council requested that the final sections: Introduction, Cenacles, Formation, Spiritual Life, and Spiritual Guides be released together upon completion in order to present them together to the regions for the members’ review. NEWSLETTER The Regional Custodians shared that the newsletter is reaching all their members either by the Internet or by hard copy. FINANCIAL REPORT Josie distributed and reviewed the financial report of the General Fund’s net worth. Administration costs are being covered. She mentioned that it is important that all MCA members participate - how much is not important we give what we can based on the value we give the work of God, which is what we are about. Many other sources are also about the work of God and request our contributions; but bear in mind that our commitment and our vocational call is through the MCA. Copies of Stewardship contributions by Region were distributed. WEBSITE REPORT One of the recommendations at the Margaret Healy Leadership Assembly was that we use the resources of the Internet. Mike St. Pierre, Jim Bolner, Fr. John and Josie have discussed and researched for best sites and costs. The MCA Council has approved the website and the initial expenses. Extra expenses will involve a chat room, maintenance and domain costs. Expert/specialized help will also be needed. The MCA website is to be used more as an Apostolate to the whole English/Spanish speaking world (for now) rather than as a means of internal communication. An example of the website was distributed. The MCA General Council enthusiastically gave its unanimous approval to obtaining the website. They also made a commitment to raise the money needed for this project and will look for persons with the expertise to assist with the work. The website was seen by the Council as a challenge to advance our missionary efforts and an opportunity to implement the MCA goal. Monies used to pay for the newsletter which is now online will be diverted to cover some of the website expenses. FAMILY COUNCIL REPORT The Family Council has initiated the preliminary plans for the 100th Year Anniversary celebration as follows:. 2009 Missionary Cenacle Family Anniversary Celebration 2008 Missionary Cenacle Family gatherings at regional/area levels 2007 Regional/area preparations 2006 Input from regions/areas 2004/2005 Form task force/committee Identify persons to serve on the task force/committee. MCA Regional Custodians are asked to submit names of persons (identifying their skill/s or attributes to help with this Anniversary celebration. Some of the skills/attributes needed are: willingness, time, organizational abilities, creativity, vision, good communication, follow-through (perseverance); bilingual, computer knowledge, e-mail capabilities, etc. Willingness is the most important attribute to have. FORMATION BOOK Fr. John presented a 17 chapter formation book as a gift to the MCA from Fr. Dennis Berry, ST. This material is an addition to the formation material “Growing in the Spirit” which Fr. Dennis also developed. The cost to print/duplicate and ship this material would be about $25.00; the 17 chapters are also on disk which can be obtained at minimum cost. Alma Robles will see that this material is translated into Spanish. NEXT MCA COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, March 9, 2005, beginning at 7:00 p.m. through March 12th Spiritual Guides will meet with MCA on Saturday, March 12th Place: Holy Spirit Cenacle in Riverdale, Md. (Baltimore Airport) In the Most Holy Trinity, Josie Morales, MCA MONTGOMERY CENACLE HOSTS DAY OF RECOLLECTION What a privilege to make the confession of an apostle! What a destiny to be of the Church of the Apostles! Fr. Judge’s words were echoed in Fr. Guy Wilson’s presentation to us at the Third Annual Day of Recollection. Fr. Guy concentrated on articles from Vatican II that commissioned the laity to be apostles for God’s church. He gave us much food for discussion, prayer and of course, action. He instructed us to put some “intention” into the Providence of our daily lives so that we can truly be about apostolic work. We appreciate Fr. Guy so much for taking time to bring such wisdom and insight to our Cenacles. This year, Heart of Jesus Cenacle hosted the event in Montgomery, Al. The other Cenacles able to attend were Resurrection (Dothan), Living Waters (Pensacola), and Spirit of the Annunciation (Decatur). Also able to join us were Sr. Carmen, MSBT, and Sr. Chris, MSBT. Plenty of food and fellowship were enjoyed to match the spiritual nourishment. Heart of Jesus did a splendid job of setting up the facilities and welcoming us at Church of the Holy Spirit. To spend time with each other and the Holy Spirit enabled us to be encouraged and emboldened to live our calling to be apostles for these challenging days. We all came away appreciating Fr. Judge’s wisdom and foresight which has formed us as well as the holy Catholic Church the Lord has given us. Our great wish is that when Heart of Jesus hosts this event next November, even more of our MCA family will be able to attend. Fr. Guy pointed out that November was the month that both Fr. Judge and Mother Boniface went to be with the Lord. What a fitting honor to gather together and be strengthened in our apostolic call! —Harriet Sabatini, MCA FATHER LEON BUGGY CENACLE DAY OF RETREAT The members of the Father Leon Buggy Cenacle of Incarnation Region in Philadelphia held a retreat earlier this fall. Although it was a hot day, the presence of Sister Catherine and Sister Jeanne Margaret, were like a cool breeze refreshing the spirits of those of us in attendance. Father Bob Shay was the speaker for the day. He reminded us of the importance that Father Judge placed on the Paschal Mystery–the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord. Everyone shared in the discussion that followed his presentation. We concluded that the purpose of our mission is to carry out the words of our founder, Father Judge, and to grow in the apostolic spirit. Father Judge did not wait for the people to come to him; rather, he went to them as Jesus did, in places as simple as under a shaded tree. We had mass, rosary, and confession. We remembered our three members who have gone before us. It was a memorable day. The following reading from the Ordo of September 9, 2004, was especially pertinent to our day: . What is our personal love for Jesus? The office of love is to please, to serve. It may not be our privilege to gain lands and peoples for Jesus. We may not be called upon like St. Paul to suffer the lash and shipwreck, but we are called upon to illuminate the providence of our everyday life with a Love for our Divine Redeemer. —Demaris Martinez, MCA The Aroma of Christ A Reflection by Linda Landin, MCA, Puerto Rico In times past we were often advised to "stop and smell the roses." That advice implied a slower pace in our lives–taking time to appreciate the beauty around us. We can also apply that metaphor to Christ–taking time to appreciate “the aroma” of Christ in our lives. As missionaries, this is what we are about. However, we cannot have a slow pace. We must exert ourselves with great energy to spread Christ’s message. It is not enough to smell the flower; we must plant the seed, pick the flower and take it to others, so that they have the opportunity of smelling the flowers. As we invite them to follow our example, our lives and their lives will become a pathway to salvation. All around us, we see people who hunger for love, for hope, and for faith. People are searching for an inner holiness that will bring meaning and purpose into their lives. As missionaries we are called upon to help address these needs. We do so by responding to our call to go out and evangelize. That is, we need to share the gifts that God has given us through the church and the sacraments. Today we have many challenges and obstacles in our missionary path. In order for the church to go forward we must have the courage that inspired many missionaries long before us and be ready and attentive to the calling of Jesus to “go out and spread the kingdom.” We, as missionaries, must carry the word of God to others. What more perfect flower! How are we going to accomplish this? First we must nurture the gift of love that we receive from the Holy Spirit. We must keep constantly in mind that the Holy Spirit is guiding us and that we are called to be people of ACTION. We must remain faithful in our daily prayers to the Holy Spirit, pray the novena of the Holy Spirit, and continuously engage in an ongoing process of discernment. We must remember that we have been charged by Christ to go forth and make disciples of all nations (Mt. 28:19-20). As MCA, let us all join in this journey to keep the fire of the Holy Spirit alive, to tell the good news and spread the love we have received. We have a splendid model in Christ. We must keep focused on that model and become truly Christ-centered. We must be alert to reflect Christ’s caring attitude, His gentleness, and His strength. Indeed, we must strive to attain the emotional maturity exhibited by Christ. This means making sure that we are emotionally healthy and that we are disposed to reflect emotional stability and maturity in our relationships. We must make sure that we are sensitive to people from diverse walks of life and different cultures. And we must draw strength from the fact that we are engaged in the work of salvation. As lay members of the Missionary Cenacle Family ours is a special role. We are uniquely placed to exhibit to the world what it means to live a Christian life. We are specially gifted to have an impact on the values of those around us. As lay persons we must grasp the seriousness of our vocation. We are missionaries committed to preserving the holy fire of Jesus Christ in the world. By "being good, doing good, and being a power for good" we can take satisfaction that we are being true to Father Judge’s charism. In so doing, we will become the aroma of Christ to others. In Memoriam
It is with deep regret that we inform the MCA of the death of Debby McDermott, a founding member of Cristo Rey Cenacle in Lorain, Ohio. Debby entered into her rest on September 6, 2004, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. During the eight years that Marvine Waite served as General Custodian of the MCA, Debbie was Assistant General Custodian. During her term of office Debbie served as editor of The Spirit of the Cenacle newsletter and made major contributions to the development of new initiatives by the MCA . Her willingness and openness to new ides were an inspiration to all of those who served with her on the Council. Each day of Debby’s life was dedicated to “doing good, being good, and being a power for good.” She accomplished this in her own sweet way with a gentleness, an amazing gift of hospitality, and a unique sense of humor. Her prayerful lifestyle led her into many apostolic endeavors, including work with the AIDS Task Force, Marriage Encounter, engaged couples’ marriage preparation, and Eucharistic ministry. She brought joy, hope, and a real sense of belonging into the lives of everyone she touched. Her love, care, and total dedication to the MCA is her legacy to each of us. She will be missed by her Cenacle family as deeply as by her husband, Bill, their seven children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. News from Our Lady of Guadalupe Region, Mexico The MCA in Mexico is preparing for Advent and Christmas by visiting throughout the town of Buenavista to find those families who need our help. We would like to be able to help those who are sick or who have other needs that can be met. We plan to identify any who would like to make their first comunions or be married in the Church. As always, we continue to work joyfully to bring Christ to those around us. Pictured below are some members of the MCF as they go about their work among the people in Mexico. –Vincente Mora, Regional Custodian
|
