Fr. Bavinger: Lenten Activities and Thoughts

Howdy, everyone.

Wanted to share a couple of things about our Lenten journey here in Wilson and Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

We called the retreat, “Peregrinación al Corazón.” It took place in church for about two and half hours, and it was for couples, adults and jóvenes. Childcare is such a challenge, we decided to have the retreat just for adults, and to hold it during the Saturday morning First Communion and Conformation classes, so that a lot of the kids would be busy in their classes. That did not solve the problem for people with children who are not in those programs, though. It also bumped the teachers of the classes, who would very much have liked to be there. With all that, there were 22 on the retreat, plus a three-year-old whom a grandmother brought. (Who could turn her away?!!)

We used an idea that Bill Ameche gave me, that of structuring the retreat around the idea of a pilgrimage. We had three stations or holy places in the church to which we journeyed: one was “A mi propio corazón,” another, “Al corazón de María,” and finally “Al corazón de Jesús.” Each had an altarcito. The first presentation went about fifteen minutes while the pilgrims were sitting in the pews of one area of the church. We then had a silence of five to ten minutes, with the opportunity to reflect and pray, perhaps use the questions in the cuadernos we assembled, and finally a brief time of sharing graces, thoughts, feelings. After a concluding prayer, we got up, began a song, and followed the next presenter on a “journey” to the second station, and after that visit, a journey to the third station. We ended the retreat with a Benediction service.

I did the first presentation. It was glad for the chance to speak about the three voices in the human heart: the voice of God, the voice of evil, and one’s own voice, and some of our basic general rules for discernment (www.ignaciano.org was a great resource, suggested by Bill Rickle). The above picture is the poster I had on my altarcito during the presentation. I made it online with pictures from Webshots.com.

I had asked three layfolks from the community to help me give the retreat, a woman and two men. They each gave a presentation—on Mary’s heart and on Jesus’ heart, and then a homily during the service of Benediction. Following some sandwiches and sodas at the church entrance area, the team met briefly and shared impressions, which were very positive. We thought the movement and singing between stations was a good dynamic. Not so good was that we got some, but not a lot, of exchange during the “sharing of grace” periods at the end of our time at each station, and so I’m looking at whether that was due to the pilgrimage format, or it being the large group rather than small groups, etc.

I would welcome any comments. And thanks to Bill Ameche for the pilgrimage idea!

The other piece on our Lenten journey, in Wilson, is on five Friday evenings in Lent when we gather a good number of people in the gym for a Lenten “teaching.” followed by a meal. Our first speaker was Paul Brant, SJ, who made the hour’s drive from Newton Grove to present some prayer exercises to the people, largely taken from Anthony De Mello’s work. The reaction was very positive, and Paul spoke of praying with the body and without words, as an alternative form of prayer (but not to displace “el rosario”!) Even the children, of all ages, were well-behaved, and many were definitely listening and doing the “open hands—feeling the presence of God—listening to the silence” exercises along with Paul.

I spoke the following week, picking up on Paul’s talk with three types of prayer: the examen of consciousness (which, after my presenting the parts of the examen, we did all in gestures); a guided meditation on “The Samaritan Woman,” which I slowly read over the microphone, beginning with John 4, but about half-way through, taking us into an imagined dialogue between Jesus and the woman. Our last type of prayer was a sacred song put to gestures. I taught the gestures that I had composed for “Bienaventurados” (on the Flor y Canto cd). We stood, played the cd, practicing the gestures once, and then went through two more times where I encouraged them to make it into a prayer. When the song ended, there was wild applause! (Have you ever applauded God following your prayer?!!)

I think that both of these activities, the retreat, and the Friday night sessions, are being well received, and I am satisfied enough to repeat them in future labors, perhaps improved or changed in some ways. I keep being challenged, though, by a beautiful comment that was made recently by a Columbian priest, at our meeting of Raleigh priests in Hispanic ministry—which Bill Rickle spoke at and then moderated the excellent discussion that followed. The Columbian priest said that in his speaking to the people in his parish (usually with homilies), he was never quite sure that he was getting through to them, to where they really lived, to where it made a difference. I’m keeping that in mind as I think about these situations that involve people listening to presentations. I guess the “getting through” is the challenge of working in God’s vineyard, and it’ll always be with us.

Hispanic Ministry Meeting in Raleigh, NC

On February 20, Father Bill Rickle gave a presentation to priests who are working in Hispanic Ministry of the diocese of Raleigh. He described the work that Jesuits and their colleagues are doing in the area of Hispanic Ministry, widely understood. In collaboration with partners in Central America, Mexico, the US, and Canada Jesuits of the Maryland province are participating in a multidimensional approach to Ministry with and among migrants throughout the hemisphere. This includes pastoral accompaniment, research and education, and advocacy on behalf of the rights of migrants regardless of their legal status. There were some 20 priests present, including father, David Brockman, the vicar general of the diocese. Jesuits present at the meeting were fathers Fran Gillespie, Paul Brant, Bruce Bavinger, and Bob Wiesenbaugh.

After the presentation. There was a lively discussion among the participants Re: questions of the challenges of multicultural parishes, the need to sensitize the public about the opportunities as well as the challenges presented by his new Hispanic presence in North Carolina.


Pics available at

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bill.Rickle/RaleighPriestMeeting20Feb2008

Fr. Ameche Reflects From North Carolina

Hi again from Western North Carolina. As you all know too well, Ash Wednesday and Lent have arrived with such unexpected speed. We just finished all of the Christmas activities in the parishes, and we had to begin planning for Lent.

What is new? Several things.

First, I would like to mention a remarkable meeting that we had on February 7 at St. Eugene’s Parish. It was a clergy meeting for all the Christian ministers in the area -and some of their collaborators- to talk about how we can support the Hispanics in our region. The group that organized the event (And Antonio was one of them) helped us grow in consciousness of where we stand as individual persons and also where our church institution stands with respect to the present situation of immigrants.

I was very moved by the African-American ministers who were there. They have had experiences of fear so similar to what the Hispanics are now going through. All the African-Americans present at the meeting seemed to speak from a very peaceful place within themselves. There was no judgment nor anger nor resentment. They talked so matter of factly -and clearly- about compassion. As I said, I was very moved by them, and I took the first step to put myself in contact with them. I felt “called” by God -a very strong pull- to learn more from them, to experience their culture and spirituality. I have never really lived or worked with African-Americans before (except for a few days in a parish in California). This might seem strange to all out here in the South and on the East Coast, but I have lived my whole life basically in Mexico, Los Angeles and Phoenix.

Other events that I would like to mention have been the activities for Lent:

Antonio has continued to empower the Hispanic youth with an activity that they have invented: the “Vigils” (las Vigilias). These are all-nighters. They start at 7 PM and they finish around 6 AM the next day. While all the parts of the Vigils are done by the youth, the attendance is for families. They are very creative in how they bring everyone to reflect and pray about the issues that the Hispanic families are actually facing. And, on the other hand, the Vigils present a very meaningful and joyful time for the youth to get together. I went to the first part of the first Lenten Vigil and the youth from at least some 5 parishes were giddy just saying Hi! to one another.

Another activity has been the “Peregrinacion” (the Pilgrimage) which is focused especially in married couples. The Pilgrimage has three parts (one every 2 weeks in Lent and each one lasting only 2 hours). There is -of course- child care so that the parents can attend. The first stage of the Pilgrimage was called: “Walking to the Place of the Miracle”, the second is called: “Walking to the Forgiveness that Heals” and the third is called: “Walking to the Holy Table”. These 3 stages are an adaptation of the First Week of the Spiritual Exercises. We start out with songs and prayer, prayer-sharing, then walking and singing (men go one way, and women another); then a talk by laymen and women, followed by sharing and reflecting in group; then more walking and singing to another place and another talk with reflection groups; then everyone comes together walking and singing into the church for the last prayer (contemplation), sharing, and the final moment with the symbol of the particular stage of the Pilgrimage. I have to admit that it was great to see these laymen and women sharing their experiences and promoting a reflection with all those participating. So far so good. This might become some kind of “model” for adapting our spirituality in a very simple and popular form.

Another activity was a meeting with the Directors of Religious Education of the 9 parishes of the Vicariate. They were having difficulties with working with the Hispanic catechists. The meeting was “Spirit-filled” and their attitude was not only changed, but also a real desire to work with the Hispanics was born. This was a major moment in the process of Hispanic Ministry here in the region. The directors were very moved by an Hispanic catechist who works in the trailer camps. They realized that they had to be more missionary and to empower the Hispanics to reach out to their own community. They also became very much at peace as they realized that the integration between the two cultures is a process, a slow process, and that they were very capable of asking both groups to work together to solve whatever problem or situation that could arise. I have to admit that they are a great group of Directors, and it is a blessing to work with them.

Well, that should be all for now. I’ll bring you up to date after Holy Week.

God bless.

Bill Rickle reports on Weekend Retreat for Hispanic Leaders

From Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon, twenty-one Hispanic leaders from North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland made a silent weekend Ignatian retreat under the care of a team composed of Dr. Dora Tobar Cobo, and Frs. Cristián Sotomayor, SJ (of Chile), Frank Kaminski, SJ and me. It was held at the Loyola Retreat House in Faulkner, MD, beautifully set on the bank of the Potomac. For many, but not all, this was their first silent retreat. Participation in the retreat is by invitation, based on the recommendation of diocesan or parish officials who know them.

This is the third year we have offered this retreat, leading the participants in the early part of the Spiritual Exercises. The enthusiasm and goodness of the retreatants, combined with their generosity in entering into a deeper examination of their relationship with God and themselves, always seem to lead to an incredibly enriching experience for them, and for their directors, or acompañates.

This program offered by the Institute in collaboration with the Retreat House staff, is part of what we hope to be a series of graduated retreats to help Hispanic ministry leaders grow in their spiritual lives so they can be more effective, fruitful and happy in their service to the community.

Dr. Tobar, a theologian from Colombia who trained in Rome is truly the heart and soul of the program, having put in untold hours of work on the presentations (points for prayer) , prayer services and rituals which speak so powerfully to the young adults and helps prepare them for hours of silent prayer and reflection. We owe her a great debt of gratitude.

Bill Rickle, SJ

Padre San Martin: Las Coloridas Celebraciones de Fin de Año en la Comunidad Hispana

El final del año para la Comunidad Hispana esta lleno de luces, color y sabor latinoamericano. Las primeras luces empiezan a iluminar el escenario de la Comunidad latina a principios del mes de diciembre cuando se descorre el telón para celebrar las fiestas de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. El latinoamericano, y en especial, el mexicano, puede algunas veces ser frío y aun religiosamente indiferente, puede que no frecuente las misas dominicales, pero “la fiesta de la Guadalupana”, eso sí que es otra cosa. El 12 de diciembre, aun aquellos que durante el año estaban un poco alejados, son fervientes y entusiastas participantes. Hasta los restaurantes mexicanos del vecindario añaden sabor a la fiesta ofreciendo platillos típicos y los grupos folklóricos hacen gala de sus mejores bailes en honor a la “Virgencita del Tepeyac”.

La representación de la aparición de la Virgen al Indiecito Juan Diego es uno de los momentos estelares de la fiesta. Los personajes de aquel inolvidable momento de la Historia Latinoamericana, con el incrédulo Señor Obispo, reviven en la escena. A pesar de que cada año se utiliza el mismo guión, la sencillez y carisma de la historia, siempre hacen humedecer los ojos de los espectadores. Esto prueba que aquella aparición que tuvieron lugar en aquel lejano 12 de diciembre de 1531 en la colina del Tepeyac, en la Ciudad de México, fue un verdadero regalo de Dios para las Américas.

Las “celebraciones guadalupanas” preparan gozosamente el camino para las Fiestas de Navidad que comienzan pocos días más tarde. Estas celebraciones empiezan nueve días antes del Nacimiento del Salvador con las “posadas”, cuando cada noche en diversas casas de la comunidad se revive la llegada de María y José a Belén pidiendo “posada”. La “liturgia” de la Posada es siempre la misma. Un grupo de gente con María y José, a la puerta de la casa piden refugio con una canción tradicional, y otro grupo desde dentro los rechaza “porque pueden ser unos “rufianes!”. El diálogo continúa al ritmo de guitarra y canción hasta que por fin se abren las puertas y todos entran cantando “entren, peregrinos, entren”. Ya en el interior de la casa, todos continúan cantando las tradicionales canciones navideñas y se tiene el momento social en el que los anfitriones de la casa ofrecen una cena y bebidas a todos “los peregrinos”. ¡Y vaya cena, que les quita ciertamente la sed y el cansancio del camino!

La Posada es una excelente manera de preparar la Navidad porque crea la atmósfera de devoción, solidaridad y alegría cristiana.

Llegada por fin la Noche de Navidad, la última posada se hace a la puerta de la Iglesia y todos entran a celebrar la “Misa de Noche Buena”. En ese momento hay un solo sentimiento en los corazones de la Comunidad: “Bienvenido Jesús, bienvenido a nuestro mundo, a nuestra comunidad, a nuestro hogar, a nuestra problemática,... temas que se retoman en la Homilía. Terminada la Misa, sigue la adoración al Niño acompañada por los danzantes y seguida por todos los fieles que en larga procesión se acercan a venerar al Niño Jesús con un beso.

La celebración, sin embargo, no termina aquí, sino que continúa en las casas en donde familiares y amigos se reúnen “para mecer y arrullar al Niño Jesús”. Todos los presentes por turnos arrullan al pequeño Niño cuya estatua es colocada en una manta, mientras todos cantan “duerme, niñito, duerme”, hasta que por fin… el “niño se duerme”. En ese momento se le coloca en un cestito adornado con chocolates que pasa por todos los asistentes. Cada uno le da un beso al Niño Jesús y toma a cambio un chocolate. Luego, el Papá y Mamá de la casa colocan al Niño en el pesebre y en este momento, todos “sin hacer ruido para que no se despierte” pasan a saborear la Cena de Noche Buena con los regalos.

Hermosas costumbres estas de la piedad popular que ayudan a vivir de una manera muy sencilla uno de los más profundos misterios del amor de Dios por el hombre: la encarnación del Hijo de Dios, que fue enviado a salvar el mundo, y que nació en el seno de una doncella de Nazareth, la Virgen María.

Con un abrazo muy cordial

Javier San Martín S.J.

jsanmartin@shc.edu

Fr. San Martin: The End of the Year Colorful Hispanic Community Celebrations

The end of the year for the Hispanic Community is full of lights, color and Latin American flavor. The first lights begin to illuminate the scenario of the Latin Community in the opening days of the month of December when the curtains up to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Latin American people, and especially, the Mexican, could sometimes, be cold and even religiously indifferent. Many do not attend Sunday Mass. But "the feast of the “Guadalupana", is quite another thing. On December 12, those who during the year ignore religion will be fervent and enthusiastic participants. Even the Mexican restaurants of the town add flavor to the fiesta offering typical dishes and the folkloric groups make Gallic of their best dances in honor to the “Virgencita of Guadalupe”.

The retelling drama of the appearance of the Virgin the Guadalupe to the “Indiecito Juan Diego” is one of the stellar moments of the fiesta. The characters of that unforgettable moment of the Latin American History with the incredulous Bishop, come to life in the scene. Despite the fact that every year the script is the same, the simple and charming story always bring tears to the eyes. This proves that these appearances that took place on that distant December 12 1531 at the hill of the Tepeyac, in the Mexico City, was truly a gift of God for the America.

The “guadalupanas celebrations” joyfully prepare the way for the Christmas feasts, which will commence few days later. These celebrations begin nine days before the Savior's Birth with the “inns” (posadas) when every night in different homes in the community is reenacted the arrival of Mary and Joseph at Bethlehem requesting "inn" (posada). The "liturgy" of the posada is always the same. A group of people, with Mary and Joseph at the door of the house, ask for refuge with a traditional song, and another group from the inside, refuse them entry “because they can be some "ruffians"! The dialogue continues to the rhythm of guitar and song until finally the doors of the house are opened and all enter singing ", pilgrims enter pilgrims”. Once inside, everybody continues singing the traditional Christmas songs, Afterwards, there is a social when the hosts of the house offer a dinner and drinks to all "the pilgrims.” With that dinner, the weary pilgrims are refreshed.

The “posada” liturgy is an excellent way to prepare for Christmas because it creates an atmosphere of devotion, solidarity and Christian happiness.

On the Christmas Night, the last inn take place, at the door of the Church, and everyone enters into to celebrate the "Midnight Mass". In that moment, there is a single feeling in the hearts of the whole community: "Welcome, Oh Jesus, welcome to our world, to our community, to our home, to our problems...” themes taken up in the Homily. With the conclusion of Mass ends, there follows adoration to the Child Jesus, accompanied by dancers followed by all the faithful in procession to venerate the Child Jesus with a kiss.

The celebration, however, does not end here. It continues in the houses where families and friends get together “to rock the baby Jesus and to coo him.” All present take turns rocking the little child whose statue is in a blanket, until... "He falls asleep." At this moment, he is placed in a basket adorned with chocolates which passes by through all the assistants. Each one gives a kiss to the Child Jesus and takes a chocolate and finally, the Mom and Dad of the house place Him in the manger. In this moment everybody without making any noise, “not to wake up the little child" pass to the dinning room to have the Holy Night Dinner and the gifts.

Beautiful customs of popular piety help us live in a very simple way one of the most profound mysteries of the love of a God for man: the incarnation of His Son, who was sent to save the world, and of the Virgin Mary who gave birth to a son, God with us.

Cordially

P. Javier San Martin S.J.

jsanmartin@shc.edu

Three Kings find their way to Richmond!

On Sunday January 6, the Epiphany, the Three Kings, (Los Tres Reyes Magos), found their way to Sacred Heart Church in Richmond astride a camel (a new 2008 model BMW), a thoroughbred horse and an elephant whose trunk seemed to have a mind of its own...

At the 11:00 Mass, with standing room only, the community celebrated Mass as usual, but the offertory procession included the three kings presenting their gifts to the Christ child, each with an explanation of what the gift meant. Then the told the children present that they would be across the street at the Sacred Heart Center where there would be a dramatic presentation of their journey to Bethlehem and hot chocolate, rosca and goodies for the children.

The event was covered quite extensively in an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. You can read it at http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-01-07-0113.html

More of my pictures can be viewed at

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bill.Rickle/SacredHeartThreeKings2008

Happy New Year!

Bill Rickle, SJ