Ave Maria comes in many versions, my most favorite being the one composed by Schubert, which we sing in our choir. I love music, maybe not as passionately as I would have liked to, but I love it anyway. I love it for the reason that it brings me to a oneness with God. It also soothes my soul and gives me the fuel I need that I may move forward in all my journeys in a more joyful fashion.
This one brought tears to my eyes. I am not familiar with this version as it is entirely new to me. But just the same, I think it is beautiful. And I dedicate it to all our priests.
We pray to Mary to embrace our priests as they perform their ministerial functions.
Mary, how we praise God for you! How we thank God for you! Thank you for being the mother of all priests.
There is a teen by the name of John who is discerning the call to live as a priest. He is very young, and yet, in his heart, one will find maturity with a touch of childlike joy. A very good mix, I might say.
You will find John talking about his day. Yet simple it may be, he is able to connect it to God. As a result, one will find God working through him.
What touched me today was his courage in revealing to his class that he is discerning a call to the priesthood, a tough thing to do these days. He senses the teasing he might be getting from his classmates; but, nevertheless, he stood his ground. He chose to speak the truth about himself.
Do follow John, if you haven't. And, most of all, leave a note of love -- we call that aloha -- or perhaps, a note of encouragement. Our young ones, especially the teens who are in continuous search of their place in this world, need it.
I am proud of you, John. Know that you are not alone in this journey. You mom is 100% behind you, that's for sure -- and how wonderful that is! We are here, too, praying and rooting for you.
Here's a video you may have seen already. I have seen it countless times because it helps me to understand our priests, and perhaps, deep inside of me is a mother's longing that my sons too would have a calling such as yours.
Easter Almuena and Esther Gefroh formed the Spiritual Mothers Apostolate in our diocese in Febraury 2008. Approved by Bishop Larry Silva, we are a group of women devoted to praying for the priests and seminarians of our diocese.
For Catholic women belonging to our diocese and desiring to spiritually adopt a priest or seminarian, please contact Esther Gefroh at estherjoeysmom@gmail.com.
I am honored to greet my favorite priest there in Down Under, Fr. John Speekman, who celebrates 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Monday, August 17.
I had the privilege of interviewing him before lent this year, which was done through email. His response was full of fond memories of his youth and how he was raised by very devout Catholic parents.
Read his profile below and then get to know him better through the interview right here.
I have to admit I'd read it more than once because it inspires me to raise my own children the way Catholic parents should raise God's precious ones entrusted to them.
Here is his profile: I was born in Holland and migrated to Australia with my family at age 5 - grew up in Victoria and attended Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools. After a BA and Secondary Teacher training at Melbourne University I taught for 12 years - completed 2 years National Service in the Army (PNG) and entered the Seminary in 1981 - was ordained priest on 17th August 1984 by bishop Eric D'Arcy and have served in the Diocese of Sale and the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Asian Priests, The New Irish? June 14, 2006 8:44 AM
Watch: Only On The Web: Byron Pitts and Rev. Mark Catalana, the vocational director of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose, explore the reasons why the number of Asian priests is rising. Source: CBS News
It is my hope that this Year for Priests will help all priests to appreciate the immense grace of their vocation, consecration and mission. During this Year may the whole Church pray and work more fervently for the sanctification of priests, an increase of priestly vocations, and a greater appreciation of the role of the priest in the life of the ecclesial community." Pope Benedict XVI
