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Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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Traditional Latin Mass

Saturday, May 10, 2025

 

Vinny’s Corner-Party with Eagles

·         26th Annual Eagle Festival at Mason Neck State Park

·         Saturday Litany of the Hours Invoking the Aid of Mother Mary

·         Catholic Recipe: Slow Cooker Kalua Pig

·         Bucket Item trip: Hawaii-Molokai

·         Spirit hour:  Molokai Mule

·         Autism Acceptance Month

·         Mother Ocean Day

·         In honor of St. Damian “Work out like a Polynesian warrior![3]

o   Bored of the gym? Practice the skills needed to survive on one of the world’s remotest islands. For over a thousand years, the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island have lived in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Their survival has depended on strength, resourcefulness and sometimes war. Today, the island's annual two-week Tapati Festival celebrates their culture, and exhibits their athletic prowess. So put that gym visit on hold for a moment and imagine what some warpaint, a volcano and a 20kg banana weight belt could do for your fitness goals! Here’s the set…More: Here's how to win the world's harshest race...

§  1. Run-Begin with a pulse raiser. The Rapa Nui run barefoot with 20kg of bananas hanging over their shoulders, dressed in only a hami (loincloth). The route is a kilometre loop around an emerald lake inside the Rano Raraku volcano.

·         Replicate: No treadmill we know has this adventure setting... Grab a sandbag (or a rucksack full of flour) and get outdoors for a run. Build up the distance and speed slowly.

§  2. Throw-The Rapa Nui whittle their spears from long straight branches, then attach sharpened flints. Points are accumulated by hitting banana tree targets. The thinner the tree, the more points for your tribe.

·         Replicate: Stop yanking on those gym cables to improve your shoulder and back strength. Instead check out what field throwing sports your local athletics club can offer. Banana trees not included.

§  3. Carve. Easter Island is famous for the mysterious moai stone statues. Today the Rapa Nui hold forearm-bursting, speed-carving competitions – albeit on a slightly smaller scale to their ancestors.

·         Replicate: Think 1,000 bicep curls is the only way to build forearm strength? Think again. Sculpt your cufflink crackers with some wood carving of your own.

§  4. Fish The Rapa Nui are incredible underwater hunters. They can hold their breath for up to four minutes whilst stalking their prey.

·         Replicate: Take the plunge and see how far you can go on a single breath with a freediving course.

§  5. Ride-Galloping along the edge of sea cliffs is not wild enough for the Rapa Nui. The jockeys ride bareback at the Vaihu horse race – gripping just the horse’s manes and squeezing wildly with their calves and thighs.

·         Replicate: Don’t have a horse of your own? Get the same workout from riding a mountain bike at any of these great spots.

§  6. Paddle The banana carrying footrace inside the volcano also requires a crossing of the lake. The Rapa Nui competitors cross the water on boats made of reeds that are collected and woven from the very same lake.

·         Replicate: Turn your workout into an adventure with an introduction to sea kayaking.

§  7. Dance Easter Island’s dances are a collection of the best cultural influences from their not-so-near neighbors. It’s an exhausting blend of the haka from New Zealand, the hula from Hawaii and the Latin passion of South America.

·         Replicate: Tired of zumba-ing soullessly into your gym studio’s mirror? Put some life back into your dance workout by making it fun and social with friends.

·         Dancer Fred Astaire born 1899

·         World Belly Dance Day

§  8. Slide Take two banana trunks to the top of a volcano, lash them together, coat yourself in body paint and toboggan down at speeds up to 80kph.

·         Replicate: Ahem… OK, you’ve got us here. The best option is to check it out for yourself!



MAY 10 Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

ST. DAMIEN OF MOLOKAI

 

Acts, Chapter 9, Verse 31

The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the FEAR of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers. 

The church was at peace because the apostles trusted in the power of God and accepted Saul as Paul. Saul was the major threat to the fledgling church until Christ stopped Saul in his tracks. 

For those who do not fear God let us pray that Christ stops us knocks us to the ground and delivers us as He did Saul. 

Christ chose Saul because he was an earnest man first. 

The great need at this hour is manly men. We want not goody-goody piety; we have too much of it. We want men who will do right, though the heavens fall, who believe in God, and who will confess Him. Rev. W. J. Dawson. 

Great men of the bible realize that we are both body and spirit. They took great care of the body and honored God with the use of it. Our examples are Moses, Sampson, David, Saint Joseph and even Jesus Himself. 

The body of an athlete and the soul of a sage; these are what we require to be happy. Voltaire.

 

How is a catholic to conduct themselves?

 

     According to Copilot: A Catholic is called to live a life of virtue, guided by the teachings of the Church and the example of Christ. This includes:

·         Faith and Worship: Attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, receiving the sacraments regularly, and maintaining a strong prayer life.

·         Moral Conduct: Following the Ten Commandments, practicing honesty, integrity, and charity in daily life, and avoiding sinful behaviors.

·         Social Responsibility: Treating others with dignity and respect, engaging in acts of service and charity, and advocating for justice and peace.

·         Obedience to Church Teachings: Upholding the doctrines of the Church, respecting Church authority, and seeking ongoing spiritual growth.

·         Personal Integrity: Living a life of humility, chastity, and self-discipline, and striving to be a witness to Christ in all aspects of life. 

St. Damien of Molokai[1] 

Joseph De Veuster, the future Father Damien, was born at Tremelo in Belgium, January 3rd, 1840. His was a large family and his father was a farmer-merchant. When his oldest brother entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts (called 'Picpus' after the street in Paris where its Generalate was located), his father planned that Joseph should take charge of the family business. Joseph, however, decided to become a religious. At the beginning of 1859 he entered the novitiate at Louvain, in the same house as his brother. There he took the name of Damien. In 1863, his brother who was to leave for the mission in the Hawaiian Islands, became ill. Since preparations for the voyage had already been made, Damien obtained permission from the Superior General to take his brother's place. He arrived in Honolulu on March 19th, 1864, where he was ordained to the priesthood the following May 21st. He immediately devoted himself, body and soul, to the difficult service of a "country missionary" on the island of Hawaii, the largest in the Hawaiian group. At that time, the Hawaiian Government decided on a very harsh measure aimed at stopping the spread of "leprosy," the deportation to the neighboring island of Molokai, of all those infected by what was thought to be an incurable disease. The entire mission was concerned about the abandoned "lepers" and the Bishop, Louis Maigret ss.cc., spoke to the priests about the problem. He did not want to send anyone "in the name of obedience," because he knew that such an order meant certain death. Four Brothers volunteered, they would take turns visiting and assisting the "lepers" in their distress. Damien was the first to leave on May 10th, 1873. At his own request and that of the lepers, he remained definitively on Molokai. He brought hope to this hell of despair. He became a source of consolation and encouragement for the lepers, their pastor, the doctor of their souls and of their bodies, without any distinction of race or religion. He gave a voice to the voiceless, he built a community where the joy of being together and openness to the love of God gave people new reasons for living. 

After Father Damien contracted the disease in 1885, he was able to identify completely with them: "We lepers." Father Damien was, above all, a witness of the love of God for His people. He got his strength from the Eucharist: "lt is at the foot of the altar that we find the strength we need in our isolation..." It is there that he found for himself and for others the support and the encouragement, the consolation and the hope, he could, with a deep faith, communicate to the lepers. All that made him "the happiest missionary in the world," a servant of God, and a servant of humanity. Having contracted "leprosy" himself, Fr. Damien died on April 15th, 1889, having served sixteen years among the lepers. His mortal remains were transferred in 1936 to Belgium where he was interred in the crypt of the church of the Congregation of Sacred Hearts at Louvain. His fame spread to the entire world. In 1938 the process for his beatification was introduced at Malines (Belgium): Pope Paul VI signed the Decree on the "heroicity of his virtues" on July 7th, 1977. He was canonized on October 11th, 2009. 

In Father Damien, the Church proposes an example to all those who find sense for their life in the Gospel and who wish to bring the Good News to the poor of our time. 

Things to Do: 

Be adventurous and prepare a Hawaiian luau in honor of St. Damien.

Humble Confession[2]


A story about Father Damien the leper shows us how no one or anything should stop us from making a humble confession. One of Father Damien's greatest sufferings after he left for Molokai was his inability to go to confession. Two months after his arrival on the island, the Honolulu Board of Health ruled that no one on Molokai would be allowed to return, even temporarily. This was a cruel blow to a man of such delicate conscience as Father Damien, accustomed to receiving the grace of the sacrament of Penance weekly. Since he was forbidden to leave, it seemed someone must come to him. In September, a steamer stopped outside the shore settlement of Kalaupapa with the usual load of provisions, patients banished from the mainland, and this time with Father Damien's provincial, Father Modeste, who knew the young priest was longing to see him. As he prepared to land, Father Modeste was confronted by the captain. "I have formal orders to stop you," he announced. There was nothing left but for Damien to come out to the ship. He did, in a small boat rowed by two of his leper friends and prepared to board. "Stay back! Stay back!" shouted the captain. "I've been strictly forbidden to let you see anyone!" Father Damien stood in the little boat, so near and yet so far. Quickly he made up his mind. "Very well, I will go to confession here." And with his provincial leaning over the railing on the deck, the priest confessed his sins and received absolution. It is said no one on board knew French. Nevertheless, one cannot help feeling that in this case the walls, the very skies, had ears. It was truly heroic: a man making the choice between human respect and sacramental grace. There is no comparison. Penance is the torrent that will cleanse us. Let neither pride nor human respect prevent our making a humble confession.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Day 327 2544-2557

PART THREE: LIFE IN CHRIST

SECTION TWO-THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

CHAPTER TWO-YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF

Article 10-THE TENTH COMMANDMENT

III. Poverty of Heart


2544 Jesus enjoins his disciples to prefer him to everything and everyone, and bids them "renounce all that [they have]" for his sake and that of the Gospel. Shortly before his passion he gave them the example of the poor widow of Jerusalem who, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on. The precept of detachment from riches is obligatory for entrance into the Kingdom of heaven.

2545 All Christ's faithful are to "direct their affections rightly, lest they be hindered in their pursuit of perfect charity by the use of worldly things and by an adherence to riches which is contrary to the spirit of evangelical poverty."

2546 "Blessed are the poor in spirit." The Beatitudes reveal an order of happiness and grace, of beauty and peace. Jesus celebrates the joy of the poor, to whom the Kingdom already belongs:

The Word speaks of voluntary humility as "poverty in spirit"; the Apostle gives an example of God's poverty when he says: "For your sakes he became poor."

2547 The Lord grieves over the rich, because they find their consolation in the abundance of goods. "Let the proud seek and love earthly kingdoms, but blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." Abandonment to the providence of the Father in heaven frees us from anxiety about tomorrow. Trust in God is a preparation for the blessedness of the poor. They shall see God.

IV. "I Want to See God"

2548 Desire for true happiness frees man from his immoderate attachment to the goods of this world so that he can find his fulfillment in the vision and beatitude of God. "The promise [of seeing God] surpasses all beatitude.... In Scripture, to see is to possess.... Whoever sees God has obtained all the goods of which he can conceive."

2549 It remains for the holy people to struggle, with grace from on high, to obtain the good things God promises. In order to possess and contemplate God, Christ's faithful mortify their cravings and, with the grace of God, prevail over the seductions of pleasure and power.


2550 On this way of perfection, the Spirit and the Bride call whoever hears them to perfect communion with God:

There will true glory be, where no one will be praised by mistake or flattery; true honor will not be refused to the worthy, nor granted to the unworthy; likewise, no one unworthy will pretend to be worthy, where only those who are worthy will be admitted. There true peace will reign, where no one will experience opposition either from self or others. God himself will be virtue's reward; he gives virtue and has promised to give himself as the best and greatest reward that could exist.... "I shall be their God and they will be my people...." This is also the meaning of the Apostle's words: "So that God may be all in all." God himself will be the goal of our desires; we shall contemplate him without end, love him without surfeit, praise him without weariness. This gift, this state, this act, like eternal life itself, will assuredly be common to all.

IN BRIEF

2551 "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Mt 6:21).

2552 The tenth commandment forbids avarice arising from a passion for riches and their attendant power.

2553 Envy is sadness at the sight of another's goods and the immoderate desire to have them for oneself. It is a capital sin.

2554 The baptized person combats envy through good-will, humility, and abandonment to the providence of God.

2555 Christ's faithful "have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24); they are led by the Spirit and follow his desires.

2556 Detachment from riches is necessary for entering the Kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are the poor in spirit."

2557 "I want to see God" expresses the true desire of man. Thirst for God is quenched by the water of eternal life (cf In 4:14).

Train Day[1]

They cross thousands of miles across the countryside all over the world, transporting goods and passengers to places far-flung, and bringing back the same to their point of origin. Two gleaming lines of silver lay their path, as they move through cities and forests, mountains and plains to bring everything to those who need it, whether its cargo or people. Of course, were talking about trains, those powerful machines that inspired so much of history and have done amazing things for economies and industry all over the world. Train Day commemorates these wonderful machines and the role they play in our lives.

History of Train Day

The history of Train Day is the history of trains, and that history goes back farther than you might suspect. Railroads were actually a progression from wagonways, which were essentially railroads powered by horse, and have a history going back over 2000 years. The reason wagonways (and of course railways) came into existence was one of simple practicality, you could transport larger loads over a greater distance with prepared paths! The first ways werent even created with metal rails, they were instead created with wooden rails, and in the distance, path even cut-stone tracks. By being carefully prepared you could increase the amount a single horse could haul from one ton to nearly 13 tons! Thats a huge improvement in cargo capacity and a huge boon to those who have to move a lot of it a goodly distance. Of course, with wooden rails they had to be often replaced and so it became common practice to cover them with a thin metal plate to help the wood last. The industrial revolution changed all that, and metal rails are here to stay! And then in 2008 Amtrak established Train Day to help celebrate the history of the locomotive.

How to Celebrate Train Day

The best way to celebrate train day is to go out and take a ride on a train! It doesnt matter where its going, riding a train can be a fantastic and relaxing experience. Some towns have steam trains that are part of their history and still in operation, and dinner trains are always a nice experience. Or, if youre planning on taking a trip, rather than taking a car or plane, take a train for a relaxing ride across the country. Train Day is a great chance to go out and see the world and experience these amazing vehicles.

Must Take Train Trips[2]top ten count down

10. VIA Rail's Canadian

Country: Canada

The Canadian is considered as one of the best trains in Canada, and it indeed is your window to the vast nation of Canada. The train runs between Toronto and Vancouver and covers the distance of 4,466 km in four nights and five days. The train takes the travelers through the varied terrains of the vast Canadian country. Running through waterfalls, golden prairie fields, and the Canadian Rockies, the train gives the traveler a glimpse of the vastness and diversity of Canada. The train has Prestige, sleeper plus, and economy class to suit every budget. It is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and elegant lounges and spacious compartments.

9. Rocky Mountaineer

Country: Canada

This train follows the historic Canadian Pacific route. The Rocky Mountaineer takes you through the Canadian Rockies into Western Canada. The train journey is filled with some of the most memorable views. From lava cliffs to canyons, the train takes you through some of the best Canadian landscapes. More than likely you will even spot some wildlife on the side as well including bighorn sheep and even an occasional grizzly or a black bear! The best view is seen from the Gold-leaf rail carriages, where the passengers are seated in a glass dome atop the train.

8. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Country: United States of America

It is one of the best-preserved heritage railroads in the world. The narrow-gauge rail track is just 3 feet wide and operates at a distance of 45.2 miles. The train connects the towns of Durango and Silverton in the state of Colorado. This is a historic route that was taken by the Denver and Rio Grande Railway and was used for the transportation of gold and silver mined in the San Juan Mountains. This train still uses a steam driven locomotive and has been in operation without interruption since 1881.

7. California Zephyr

Country: United States of America

One of the longest railroad journeys in the Unites States, the Zephyr connects the cities of Chicago and San Francisco. The train takes the passengers through arguably one of the most scenic train routes in North America. It cruises along the Rockies and the beautiful Sierra Nevada. The train crosses as many as seven states. Some of the highlights that the train goes through include Moffat tunnel, the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, Glenwood Canyon, Winter Park and San Pablo Bay.

6. Coast Starlight

Country: United States of America

The Coast Starlight is one of the few train tracks that runs almost entirely along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The train connects the cities of Los Angeles and Seattle. It eases through many cities including Santa Barbara, Sacramento, and San Francisco. The route is breathtaking. From the snow-clad mountains to lush forests and serene coastline makes up a view that stays with you for a long time. The train itself is not quite as luxurious as some other trains on this list, but the sheer view makes for it and then some more!

5. The Grand Canyon Railway

Country: Unites States of America

The train offers the iconic view of the Grand Canyon like no other. The breathtaking cliffs of the south tip of the Grand Canyon and the desert land of Arizona makes one of the best traveling experience. The train itself is also quite exclusive. The passenger cars are vintage 1920s Pullman cars while the café on board dates back to 1950s. The 130-mile route is studded with numerous spots that make you gaze in wonder and awe.

5. Denali Star

Country: The United States of America

The picturesque route from Anchorage to Fairbanks in Alaska is best explored from this beautiful train. The specially designed double-decker dome shapes cars offer the best views of the majestic state of Alaska. The view of Mount McKinley is one of the things that you will never forget from this train. The route is also quite frequently visited by wildlife including the massive Grizzly Bears and Moose.

4. Hiram Bingham Orient-Express

Country: Peru

The alluring Machu Pichu can be reached aboard the Hiram Bingham. The train itself is a 1920s-style locomotive that chugs along the high plains and cruises through the agricultural terraces to reach the Inca Citadel. The train 3-and-a-half-hour-long journey takes you through the best views of Peru's Urubamba River. The train takes the travelers to an elevation of 7500 feet above the sea level. It can cause altitude sickness, and oxygen is available just in case.

3. Rhine Valley Line

Country: Germany

The most beautiful train trip that you can take in Germany, the Rhine Valley line offers postcard views of the German land. The train tracks overlooking river takes you from Mainz to Koblenz in less than three hours. The train takes you through the beautiful castles and fortresses. This is truly one of the best train rides in Europe. Although the distance is quite short (62-miles), there is no scarcity of some gorgeous vistas.

2. The Ghan

Country: Australia

This is perhaps the longest train trip on this list. The Ghan takes you across the continent of Australia from Adelaide to Darwin. The two-day mammoth journey through the natural landscapes and wilderness of central and northern Australia offers some of the best views of the desert in the central part to the lush tropical climates of the northern territory. The train offers both Platinum and Gold class accommodations. Although the Platinum level is significantly more expensive, it offers private cabins and bathrooms.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Country: Italy

This is perhaps the most gorgeous train you will ever see. The interiors of the cars were designed by famous artists such as Rene Lalique. It is arguably one of the most celebrated trains in the entire world. The train carries the passengers in the classic pre-modern era style. The glamorous cars and the delicious meals add to the overall experience of cruising through Europes most beautiful landscapes.


[1] https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/train-day/

[2]https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/train-travel-resources/traveling-by-train/tips-and-advice/25-must-take-train-trips

THIS WE BELIEVE

PRAYERS AND TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Prayer After Mass

Lord Jesus Christ, take all my freedom, 
my memory, my understanding, and my will. 
All that I have and cherish
you have given me. 
I surrender it all to be guided by Your will. 
Your grace and Your love
are enough for me. 
Give me these, Lord Jesus, 
and I ask for nothing more. Amen.

Daily Devotions

·         Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: Restoring the Constitution

·         Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

·         Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

·         Make reparations to the Holy Face

·         Drops of Christ’s Blood

·         Universal Man Plan



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