December 25, 2011
Funeral Arrangements for Polly Faso
Wake: Monday, November 14, 2011, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM Heartland Memorial Center1340 Otto Boulevard (corner of Otto Blvd and 14th St/Lincoln Highway)Chicago Heights IL 60411 (708-444-2268)
Funeral Mass: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 12:00 Noon St Agnes Church1501 Chicago RdChicago Heights IL 60411(708-709- 2694) Viewing in the Church from 11:15 AM to 12:00 Noon
I am saddened to have to tell you that my sister Polly Faso (Pauline Ann Faso),
59 years old, died today November 11, 2011 at 1:11 (11-11-11-1:11).
Her many years of pain and suffering have ended – pain from high blood pressure,
kidney failure, dialysis for six years, gout, diabetes, arthritis.
A phrase Polly often said with acceptance was: “It is what it is!”
Her joy, her spark for life, her kindness and thoughtfulness endured whatever the pain.
Polly was proceeded in death by our parents Joe and Isabel, two brothers
John (+1985) & Joe (+2004) and is survived by two siblings - her sister Mary and me, her brother Chuck.
Mary and I are so grateful for your prayerful support and loving concern especially during the past four weeks.
May Polly rejoice in the fullness of life promised her in Baptism.
Hello from the sixth floor of St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights Illinois.
Tuesday evening, November 8, we moved my sister Polly from fifth floor CCU to sixth floor Hospice. Nothing more could be done for her in CCU. Her blood pressure medicine and dialysis were stopped, and they extubated her. We thought that Polly would die shortly afterwards. Ten of us family and friends, stayed in her Hospice room all night. We sang, prayed, cried, told stories, laughed, were quiet and tried to sleep a little. We did the same on Wednesday.
Here it is Thursday morning, November 10, and Polly is still breathing. And we continue to do vigil at Polly’s bedside. She is breathing more comfortably and regularly now than she has done in three and a half weeks. Her body over the years has adjusted to so many challenges and difficulties and survived them all. Perhaps Sister Death will visit Polly today and lead her to the joys of everlasting life. How we miss her already.
Thank you for your prayerful and loving support.
“It is what it is!” – so says Polly
As I write this November Legionnaire, I am sitting in the ICU Waiting Room at Franciscan St James Hospital in Chicago Heights, IL. My younger sister Polly is fighting for her life. For some twenty years Polly has proven to be a valiant woman in accepting and battling her illnesses of high blood pressure and kidney failure, of diabetes and gout. Polly is always cheerful, thinking of others, remembering birthdays and anniversaries of our large family and many friends. Polly learned well to cook delicious meals from Grandma Helsel and from our mother. Polly’s skills for baking developed well over the years.
On October 17, 2011, Polly phoned me at 6:30 AM. I struggled out of my blankets to find the source of the ringing (I had been sick all night with the flu). Polly’s voice was filled with pain and fright. Her legs and body would not move. Already Polly had called a friend for help. In a matter of minutes the Ambulance took Polly to the hospital.
Polly had experienced this loss of muscle control a few times in the past five years. Our suspicions were correct: Polly was again experiencing the results of too much potassium in her body. Normal potassium level for a human being is between 3.5 to 4.5. Potassium Level of 7 to 8 is fatal. Polly’s potassium level was 9.8. The doctors all said that it was a miracle that Polly was still alive in the Emergency Room.
What have we been learning about potassium?
One of the wonders that enable our bodies to function is potassium. Too much potassium in your body as well as not enough potassium can be fatal. So what is potassium? Potassium is a major and very important component of our bodies’ minerals. There is a very long list of functions that are orchestrated by potassium, such as the heart's rhythm, nerve activity, collagen formation, production of elastin, acid balance, regulation of blood pressure, preservation of bone mass, and proper functioning of the lungs and kidneys. Generally, if you consume fresh vegetables, milk, fruits and fish you should be able to provide your body with an adequate amount of potassium. It is very important that the levels of potassium stay optimal as a person can develop major health hazards when the levels fall or rise. Having too much potassium, is known as hyperkalemia. Excess potassium suspends the function of electrical impulses in the body, which causes the heart to stop.
For most of us with good kidney function, there is no problem. Our kidneys remove excise potassium. Polly, like many people, suffers from kidney failure and needs dialysis three times a week for four hours each session. The dialysis machine that purifies the body’s blood of impurities does not come close to what our normal kidneys can accomplish. So potassium can build up in our blood and tissues. Then our muscles including our hearts cease to function.
Ten minutes after Polly arrived at the Emergency Room, she suffered a cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is the cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively. The heart stops. A cardiac arrest is different from (but may be caused by) a heart attack, where blood flow to the muscle of the heart is impaired.
Through these last five years, Polly has been on dialysis and has suffered greatly with constant pain from severe gout, arthritis, a failed kidney transplant, etc. Through all of this, Polly often has said: “It is what it is!” And she means every word. You would never know how Polly was
feeling unless you asked her. Polly does not complain about her aches and pains. She is always interested in how everyone else was feeling. For birthdays of family and friends Polly sent flowers and cards and called on the phone. Polly thought about others before herself.
The question for many of us comes up again: Why do bad things happen to good people? Rabbi Kushner in 1981 attempted to answer this question. So I too struggle personally with this question. Why should Polly suffer so very much for so many years – Polly who has a heart of love and thoughtfulness for others. Polly prayed everyday and trusted God. Many of you have probably been confronted with this same question as you stand at the bed of a suffering loved one. Why?
My only way of understanding this part of our human journey is this: If I get cancer or whatever else it will be, I hope I remember that I could get cancer because I am a human being. If I were a rock, I would not get cancer or heart disease. Disease and sickness does not happen because God is punishing me or looking away or…… The Good News is that God is with me through this part of my journey of life, that God is my strength and comfort, that Jesus on his Cross empowers me to say yes to my cross and to join my suffering with his. I am not alone in this journey of pain and loss of health and life. The journey of life is about letting go
and saying yes to the next chapter, whatever it might be. Ah for the Grace to say yes with all my heart, as Polly says: “It is what it is!” and to say this with trust and resignation, with hope in God who loves me and is present with me every moment of my living, suffering, dying and being born into eternal life.
So now to see my younger sister helpless in a bed in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) with a ventilator and a multitude of tubes and wires while bags of fluids empty into her body – My mind says: This is not happening to Polly! “It is what it is!” For Polly not to be able speak and smile, to laugh and share in conversation because of the ventilator in her mouth and throat to bring oxygen to her lungs – unimaginable! “It is what it is!” The doctors do not know whether Polly will live through this or not. Please remember Polly in pray. I will remember all of your families in my prayer.
So many of you reading these pages have experienced this same situation with loved ones – so helpless to relieve the pain or change the discomfort of a family member in pain. “It is what it is!” Those few words express so much hope and acceptance, so much trust and letting go, of placing the journey into the loving hands of God. Jesus showed us how to stay in the struggle of trusting God until you can say as Jesus did: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.”
October-November 2011
September 2011
During this month, I preached two retreats and spent a week teaching music to our OFM Novices in Burlington WI.
The retreats were to two different Franciscan Congregations. One retreat was for the Sisters of St Joseph of the
Third Order of St Francis in Bartlett IL. They used to be three Provinces, but now are one Province with their
Provincial House in Stevens Point WI. The Sisters in Bartlett razed their motherhouse, and built a beautiful
building for lay people and for the Sisters, for independent living, for skilled care and a nursing home. The Sisters
and Lay people eat and pray together, each having influence on one another as they share life in a Franciscan
atmosphere.
The second retreat was for the Felician Franciscan Sisters - the 9th of 10 retreats for the Felicians from New Mexico
to New Jersey and one near Toronto, Canada. There is one more retreat for the Felicians in 2011 - in December
in Enfield, Connecticut. This retreat for the Felician Franciscans I continue to preach with a team of three Felician
Sisters from Chicago and from Rio Rancho NM. We will be happy to present the tenth and last retreat, with joy
and some sadness that it is the last. How we have grown together in appreciating and respecting each other's
gifts and difference. Viva la difference! We had to work and joke at it with lots of discussion and listening.
I spent five days in Burlington WI where 15 OFM novices from seven Provinces in the USA and in Western
Canada. This is the first novitiate with so many Provinces represented. Only Santa Barbara CA Province
decided not to participate in this North American Novitiate. Maybe next year will be better for them. So,
there I was teaching these men from 21 to 51 years old how to read music, how to sing Gregorian Chant,
how to sing some of the chants from the New Roman Missal, how to read notes and name them. They
were attentive and ready to learn. I heard myself saying musical things that I have not said in 35 years.
The whole experience was invigorating and uplifting for me. As for the Novices - you would have to ask them.
July-August, 2011
Hello from Lemont IL where I am preaching a retreat to the School Sisters of St Francis of Christ the King. This year I am preaching seventeen retreats to Franciscan Sisters from New Mexico to New Jersey. Ten of these retreats from last January and to December are for the Felician Franciscan Sisters. (There is a team of three Felician Sisters and me preaching to all eight hundred Felician Sisters in the USA and Canada. The Felicians were divided into eight provinces. A year ago they joined into one Province with their Provincial House in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, north of Pittsburgh.)
From June 13 to June 17, one hundred and twenty of us Friars gathered in St Louis MO for our Provincial Chapter to discuss our life and to elect new leadership.
Easter Sunday this year of 2011 was celebrated on the latest date possible – all because of the Lunar calendar that marks the celebration of Passover and Easter. This year, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated not in June as usual, but on July 1. The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a solemnity in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, and is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost. As Pentecost is always celebrated on Sunday, the Feast of the Sacred Heart always falls on a Friday.
We Franciscan Friars, who serve at St. Peter’s in the Loop and throughout the Midwest, have a special devotion and love for the Sacred Heart. Our Provincial name is the Province of the Sacred Heart. [Other Provinces of Friars Minor in the USA are named: Holy Name (New York), Immaculate Conception (New York), St John the Baptist (Cincinnati), Assumption (Franklin WI), Our Lady of Guadalupe (Albuquerque NM) and St Barbara (Oakland CA).]
Question: What comes to your mind when you hear the title of Jesus – the Sacred Heart? My first memory of the Sacred Heart was praying the rosary with Grandma Helsel in front of the large picture of Jesus showing His heart with flames of love and giving us a compassionate look. And, how we looked forward to First Fridays of each month at St Agnes School which meant a special school mass followed breakfast with hot chocolate. Also, there was a large statue of the Sacred Heart in our church in Chicago Heights. I grew up in the 1940’s and 1950’s often seeing this image of Jesus with his heart on fire for me, for us, with arms extended in a welcoming gesture, and inviting us to love Him in return as He loves us.
This month, let’s reflect on this Devotion to the Sacred Heart and its history. May our hearts be moved and touched by the Love of the Sacred Heart for us.
In 2011, I will be preaching 17 retreats to Franciscan Sisters. Ten of these retreats will be for the Felician Franciscan Sisters from New Mexico to New Jersey. The team for these is retreats is three Felician Sisters and I. We have preached retreats in Lodi NJ, Livonia MI and Buffalo NY. On Easter Monday, April 25, we will begin the next Felician retreat in Toronto, Canada.
Yes, we have gone International. The other seven retreats this year, I will be preaching by myself - from Joliet IL to Rochester MN.
All the dates and locations are on my calendar. Hopefully, I will be close to you perhaps for a visit. Ever onward! At least while I can. As Grandma Helsel used to say: Do what you can and can the rest! And now that I am 70 years old --- well, much older than I have been but not as old as I will be. The real question: How old would I be if I did not know how old I really am.
This new year began for me preaching the first of ten retreats to the Felician Franciscan Sisters throughout the USA and one in Canada.
A team of three Felician Sisters and are planned this retreat with the help of the Provincial leadership and a committee of Sisters with whom I met in Beaver Falls PA many months ago. This new year will find me preaching 17 retreats throughout the country - ten for the Felicians and seven
for other Franciscan Congregations of Sister. (My Calendar indicates when and where these retreats will be.)
The Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs whose offices are located in Franklin WI, has asked me to help with their pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
Two that are planned will be in September and October, depending on the number of pilgrims who sign up. (Check this website under Pilgrimages.)
Somehow, already, on January 30 I will celebrate my 70th Birthday. How did that happen? When I look back over my journey and remember where I have been, what I have done, whom I met, etc.....ah! That will make 70 years easily. What a grand journey it has been and continues to be!
My heart is filled with gratitude for the many blessings received and the lessons learned.
I will continue to live with Fr Bill Burton OFM and Br Clarence Klingert OFM here in Chicago in the area named Humboldt Park - only a ten minute walk to the Blue Line train to O'Hare Airport and to the world. People ask me what is my favorite place in Chicago. I respond: Terminal 5 at O'Hare.
It is the International Terminal. Ever onward! "Oh give me land, lots of land, under starry sky above! Don't Fence me in!" - my theme song.
Blessings on your 2011 journey! Be well, warm and blessed abundantly!
October 2010: On October 3rd, I celebrated Transitus (The Passing/Death of St Francis) with the Secular Franciscans in Crystal Lake IL. I am their Spiritual Assistant. We sang two chant Antiphons in Latin that was always a part of the service. A major part of the service of reading the Letter of Br Elias that he sent to all the Friars in 1226 to announce St Francis' death and the readings from Celano and Bonaventure that described his death, we share stories about Francis - like we all do at a Wake Service - Story Telling time of the deceased. This sharing was a renewal for all of us in lifting up our remembrances of St Francis.
For the Feast of October 4th, I took the train to St Peter's in the Loop for the 11:40 AM Solemn Mass. Beautiful, prayerful experience as usual.
Five of us friars wearing our Franciscan brown robes walked over to the Daley Plaza to view the Fiera Italiana - the Italian Feast. Many booths
selling olive oil, Italian food, breads, jewelry, statues, etc., and booths with info on traveling to Italy, etc.
I will be driving Polly to Rush on Oct 12 to visit her sugar/diabetis doctor and on Oct 14, I will drive her to our cousin John Helsel who is an eye doctor.
On October 21, I will be flying to the Holy Land with John Cella OFM to prepare for the coming a pilgrimage group on October 27. Return to USA on Nov. 3.
September 13, 2010: Polly comes home to Chicago Heights. After four months in hospitals and nursing homes, time to go home. Alleluia!
August 26, 2010: Polly Faso return to Crestwood Care Center
Polly returns to Crestwood IL to the same nursing home where she spent three months. This time Polly is there for physical therapy and dialysis. She needs to strengthen her muscles so she can stand up and walk by herself. When that happens, Polly will return home in Chicago Heights. Here's hoping for a return home in three to four weeks. Thanks to so many for your prayers and support for Polly in her journey. Much appreciated. Be well and blessed!
August 20, 2010: Polly Faso in St James Hospital in Chicago Heights IL
August 16, 2010: Polly Faso goes home after three months in hospital and nursing home.
August 6-14, 2010: in Germany, Austria, Italy, Bolzano, Oberammergau, Germany
July 12-17, 2010: Polly in Christ Hospital
This week Polly Faso, my sister, has been taken by ambulance three times back and forth between the hospital and the nursing home. Three operations this week at Christ Hospital for the new graf in her arm and a port put in her chest for dialysis. Neither of them work. Polly has had no dialysis since last Monday. Tomorrow, the surgeon said that he would fix the situation - this is what he said today. A week ago, the plan was for Polly to be home already. Very difficult days for Polly. Mary was with Polly today. I will be there tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers and support. Much appreciated. July 1 -6, 2010: Polly had skin grafts
On July 1, Polly had two surgeries - two skin grafts for her wounds. The surgeon at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn took skin from her upper legs. During these six days at Christ, the wounds have begun the healing very well. Today, July 6, my sister Mary's birthday, Polly was taken back to Crestwood Nursing Home for one more week. Mary spent most of her birthday taking care of her younger sister at Christ and back at the nursing home. Next Tuesday Dr Ennis will visit Polly and decide whether she is ready to return home to Chicago Heights. Polly left home on May 12 to begin this wound surgery and recovery. I will be free on July 13, next Tuesday, to drive Polly home. We are hoping! Polly especially. Thanks for all your prayerful support. Meanwhile, I am preaching my second retreat in two weeks to Felician Franciscan Sisters: last week, in Coraopolis PA near Pittsburg; this week, in Chicago. I still love preaching. Now I use Power Point slides for my presentation. Ever onward!
June 17, 2010: Polly - two to three more weeks
Dr. Ennis, Polly's wound doctor from St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields IL told us that the wounds are healing very well, but it will take at least two or more weeks for Polly to be in the Nursing Home in Crestwood IL before the skin grafting can be done on both legs. The wound vacs, that cause Polly great pain, are enabling the new flesh to grow quickly and very well. One wound is ready for a skin graft, But Dr Ennis wants to wait until both wounds are ready for that surgery. Continued thanks for all the support and prayers for Polly. Polly is at Crestwood Care Center, 14255 S Cicero Ave, Crestwood IL 60445.
June 13, 2010: Ordination Anniversary
Forty-three years ago today, twelve of us were ordained to the priesthood in the Catholic Church. We were gathered in St Francis Church, Teutopolis IL - 200 miles south of Chicago. We were novices in this town for a year in 1960 and studied Theology at our seminary in Teutopolis for four years - three years before ordination and one more year after ordination. And what a grand journey these 43 years have been - as teacher of music and religion, as choir director and piano teacher, as Liturgy consultant and traveling preacher, as student at Notre Dame University, as leader of pilgrimages, as confessor, liturgist, pastor, fund raiser at St Peter's in the Loop of Chicago for twenty-years, etc. What a journey of love and being loved, of being a friend and making new friends, of growing in age, grace, and wisdom. Thank you God! Thank you - all of you who have graced, blessed, influenced my life, who challenged me, who showed me the way. Be well and blessed as we continue in our lives of love and service.
June 6, 2010: Not a match
At 6:00 PM this evening, I talked with Maria the nurse at Rush Hospital. She said that even though the blood type matched (A Positive), only one of six of the necessary matches were a match. So no kidney for Polly today. We live in hope. I told Polly that today was rehearsal for the next time with a match. We will know exactly what to do. Thanks for your prayers and support. Peace.
June 6, 2010: Possible Kidney for Polly
This morning at 3:20 AM my phone rang. The voice was that of the transplant nurse from Rush. Maria, the nurse, wanted to know where Polly was because a call came in that there is a kidney available and she could not find Polly since Polly is still in the Nursing Home in Crestwood IL. After some ten phone calls to find a nurse who could take a sample of Polly's blood, find the FAX from Maria with all the information Rush Hospital needs, where to take Polly's blood to check for its compatibility with the donor, etc., etc. - my sister Mary is driving from Chicago Heights to the nursing home to then drive the vials of Polly's blood to Itasca IL to the blood lab. Time is ticking away. Hopes are way. Prayers continue. Will keep you posted.
May 20,2010: Polly in Nursing Home
My sister Polly was transferred to the Crestwood Care Center 14255 S Cicero, Crestwood IL 60445. Her Wound Doctor, Dr Ennis from St James Hospital in Olympia Fields IL. He has 25 beds at Crestwood for his wound patients. There are nurses there trained to care for people with wounds. Polly will be here for about two to three weeks. During this time, Polly will be taken back to Christ Hospital for a skin graf surgery on her wounds. Then back to Crestwood before returning home in Chicago Heights. During these weeks, Mary is having Polly's bathroom redone. - a make-over to welcome her home. Thanks for all your prayers and support. Polly is very grateful for your concern and support. As are my sister Mary and I.
Be well and blessed!
May 24, 2010: POLLY HAS MRSA INFECTION:
On Monday, May 24, Polly was supposed to transferred to Crestwood Nursing Home. The transferred was delayed because of electrical problems at the Nursing Home. So Polly remained at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. The nurse came to Polly's room to tell her that on Friday during the surgery, sample of her wound was take to lab. Today they found that Polly has MRSA Infection. Polly with Mary and me are very disappointed, worried, and scared. Tomorrow the infectious doctors will talk with Polly about what this all means. Because of this Polly may not be allowed to go to the nursing home. Always another surprise. Continued prayers please.
Below is info about MRSA from the Mayo Clinic web site:
MRSA = Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Definition
MRSA infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria — often called "staph." MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It's a strain of staph that's resistant to the broad-spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat it. MRSA can be fatal.
Most MRSA infections occur in hospitals or other health care settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers. It's known as health care-associated MRSA, or HA-MRSA. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at most risk of HA-MRSA. More recently, another type of MRSA has occurred among otherwise healthy people in the wider community. This form, community-associated MRSA, or CA-MRSA, is responsible for serious skin and soft tissue infections and for a serious form of pneumonia.
Symptoms
Staph skin infections, including MRSA, generally start as small red bumps that resemble pimples, boils or spider bites. These can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses that require surgical draining. Sometimes the bacteria remain confined to the skin. But they can also penetrate into the body, causing potentially life-threatening infections in bones, joints, surgical wounds, the bloodstream, heart valves and lungs.
Causes
Many people carry staph bacteria and never develop staph infections. If you have a staph infection, there's a good chance that it stemmed from bacteria you've been carrying around for some time. These bacteria also can be transmitted from person to person. Because staph bacteria are so hardy, they can live on inanimate objects like pillowcases or towels long enough to transfer to the next person who touches them. Staph bacteria are able to survive:
Drying
Extremes of temperature
High levels of salt
Even cooking won't kill the toxins produced by staph bacteria, which is why they can cause food-borne illness.
Risk factors
A variety of factors - ranging from the status of your immune system to the types of sports you play - can increase your risk of developing staph infections.
Current or recent hospitalization
Despite vigorous attempts to eradicate them, staph bacteria remain widespread in hospitals, where they attack the most vulnerable, including people with:
Weakened immune systems
Burns
Surgical wounds
Serious underlying health problems, such as diabetes
Invasive devices
Staph bacteria can travel along the medical tubing that connects the outside world with your internal organs.
Examples include:
Dialysis
Urinary catheters
Feeding tubes
Breathing intubation
Intravascular catheters
Contact sports
Staph bacteria can spread easily through cuts, abrasions and skin-to-skin contact. Amateur and professional athletes have spread staph infections by sharing razors, towels, uniforms or equipment.
Complications
If staph bacteria invade your bloodstream, you may develop a type of infection that affects your entire body. Called sepsis, this infection can lead to septic shock — a life-threatening episode of extremely low blood pressure.
Tests and diagnosis
Most often, doctors diagnose staph infections by checking a tissue sample or nasal secretions for signs of the bacteria.
Treatments and drugs
Staph bacteria are very adaptable, and some varieties have become resistant to one or more antibiotics. For example, fewer than 10 percent of today's staph infections can be cured with penicillin. Up to half of the staph bacteria found in hospitals are resistant to methicillin, another common antibiotic. When staph bacteria become resistant to methicillin, they also become resistant to a number of other common antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has led to the use of stronger and more toxic antibiotics, such as vancomycin, but some strains of staph bacteria have become resistant to vancomycin, too.
Your doctor may want to identify what type of staph bacteria is behind your infection, to help choose the antibiotic that will work best.
Prevention
These common-sense precautions can help lower your risk of developing staph infections: Wash your hands. Careful hand washing is your best defense against germs. Scrub hands briskly for at least 15 to 30 seconds, then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. If your hands aren't visibly dirty, you can use a hand sanitizer containing at least 62 percent alcohol. These sanitizers are convenient and may actually kill more germs than soap and water do. Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores often contains staph bacteria, and keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading. Reduce tampon risks. You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently, at least every four to eight hours. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can, and try to alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins whenever possible. Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. Staph infections can spread on objects, as well as from person to person. If you have a cut or sore, wash your towels and linens using detergent and hot water with bleach, and dry them in a hot dryer
April and May 2010 - My sister Polly was in St. James hospital in Chicago Heights last week because of 7.9 potassium level. Polly was released from St. James on Monday and on Tuesday was admitted to Rush Hospital in Chicago. Doctors are trying to bring her potassium, blood pressure, sugar and heartbeat to normal levels. This is has to be done before a second surgery can be done on her legs for the two open wounds caused by Calciphylaxis. Meanwhile, Polly is waiting for a second kidney transplant. Polly is a wonderful example of patience, courage, acceptance and keeping others always before herself, even in this painful part of her journey. Polly often says: "It is what it is!" It is so difficult for me to be so helpless in this situation. Polly is my younger sister, 58 years old and single. Mary is our sister who is older than Polly, younger by 8 years than me. Our two brothers, John and Joe, have died due to MS (John in 1985) and due to kidney failure, heart and diabetis (Joe in 2004).
Please remember Polly in your prayers. Thanks.
December 25 - Christmas in Chicago Heights
Christmas with the family - from December 24 to ...... Polly and I celebrated mass on Christmas Morning in the living room at her home - the Faso home since 1950 - next to the Christmas tree that holds ornaments from 1937 to the present. The tree truly is a history of the Faso family. We prayed for all who have ever visited us on Christmas, for all the family that celebrated Christmas in our living room, etc. - we had a house full of family and friends - theirs spirits and love. Christmas evening - Mary and Polly, my sisters, two friends and I exchanged gifts and enjoyed a feast of ham and potato salad, that Polly and I had made on Dec. 24. Mother's recipe is still the best. I have the next several weeks with no out of town preaching. I hope to visit friends, catch up on emails and finally during the 12 Days of Christmas, to send Christmas cards to all who sent me a card - 100's indeed.
May the joy and hope of the feast of Christmas continue to echo in your heart all through this Christmas season.
December 10-17 - Pennsylvania
I flew to Philadelphia and was met by my 35 year old friend, Sr Christa, a Franciscan Sister of Philadelphia. I stayed at their motherhouse in Aston PA - 30 miles south of Philly. On Dec. 10, I preached at the Penance Service for the Sisters. On Saturday, I drove for an hour to Reading PA to give a three hour presentation to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters on the new Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise Book. Saturday afternoon I drove back to Aston and then Sr Christa drove me to Philadelphia airport so I could fly to Pittsburg and give the same presentation to the Felicians in Coraopolis. Sunday evening, I flew back to Philadelphia. I will be in Aston until Thursday, weather permitting. I now have give nine of these presentation to Franciscan Sisters, from Baton Rouge to Buffalo, from Reading PA to Pittsburg. On Saturday, I will offer the last of the ten presentation to the Franciscan Sisters in Clinton Iowa.
November 27 - December 6 - Holy Land Pilgrimage
Fr. Bill Burton, sixteen pilgrims and I spent ten wonder-filled days in the Holy Land. This was my 28th pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine. From Caesarea Philippi in the north of Galilee to Jerusalem and Jericho and Masada at the Dead Sea in the south. Always like a first time to this land where Jesus walked and taught, died and rose. We celebrated mass every day. Singing Christmas carols in Bethlehem will give this Christmas and every Christmas deeper meaning and emotion. A blessed Advent experience to be sure.
November 14 & 21 - two more Presentations on Franciscan Praise Book
On November 14, I gave the presentation to the Joliet Franciscan Sisters on the new Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise Book. This book is available for all Franciscan III Order Regular, men and women. On November 21, I gave the presentation to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Farmington Hills, Michigan - near Detroit. While there I visited Jim and Mary Kaye Landsberg whose wedding I officiated at 31 years ago in Farmington Hills. Jim was a senior at University of Notre Dame in 1976 when I was there studying Liturgy. It was great to catch up these many years - we have not seen each other in some 25 years. Then I drove a few miles to Bloomfield Hills to visit Jim and Nan Olin. I officiated at their daughter Sue's wedding some 26 years ago. One of the great gifts of getting older - friends and memories. This was a weekend of celebrating and rejoicing in both. Ever onward!
November 10-14, 2009 - Retreat in Winter Park FL
Twenty-six Friars from California to New York gathered at the San Pedro Retreat Center in Winter Park, Florida, north of Orlando. The topic for us over 60 years old Friars was Growing Old Grace-Fully. I thought I need to see if I am doing this aging thing gracefully enough. Fr. Dismas Bonner OFM and Br David Crank OFM were the presenters. Fr. Dismas was my Canon Law Professor in Teutopolis IL from 1964-1968 and then my Provincial in the late 1970's. He is brilliant, spiritual, practical and all with a great sense of humor. Br. David is from Cincinnati and serves the elder Friars in his province. I met him for the first time. A wonderful experience. My friends of 40 years, Bob and Barb Massi picked me up at the airport in Orlando and drove me to Winter Park last Monday and today they drove me back to the airport. One of the joys of getting older - friends, true friends proven so over the years.
November 3-8, 2009 - Visiting Friars and Preaching in Texas
Hello from Crowley Texas - ten miles south of Fort Worth. I am here at St Francis Village - a village for retired people. This village was begun by Fr. Phil Marquard, OFM of Chicago some 30 years ago. I was on the board of directors here 15 years ago. Eight of our Friars are here in retirement and minister to the 500 people who live here. The temperature is 79 degrees, sunny and blue sky today. Beautiful! Besides visiting the Friars, I am preparing to preach a retreat on Nov 6-8, in Dallas Texas to 50 Secular Franciscans of the Dallas Region. The topic they asked me to preach on is the Our Father Prayer, The Lord's Prayer. I am have enjoyed greatly these leisure days to work on the 75 slide Power Point Presentation. The old saying is still true: If you want to learn something, teach it. I return to Chicago On Sunday November 8 PM and then on Monday AM. I will fly to Orlando FL to participate in a retreat for older Franciscan Friars from across the USA. Thought I would be good to find out if I am growing old racefully enough. Always something to learn. Be well and blessed!
October - December 2009
During these months I am on the road offering ten presentation to ten different Motherhouses of Franciscan Sisters. The topic is their new Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise Book. After nine years of meetings, work of choosing readings, themes, Scriptures, etc, after trying out these prayers, readings, hymn and psalm tones, the book arrived for use. Not all Third Order Regular Sisters and Friars are using the book for their individual and community prayer, but many are. My two to four hour presentation with 35 power point slides, explains the make-up and content of the book, the history of the Liturgy of the Hours and how their book is like and different than the Church's official Office Book of the Liturgy of the Hours. We page through the various sections of this great gathering of Scripture and Franciscan Writings and sing through the five new Psalm tones - all the psalms and canticles are marked to be chanted according to one of the five tones and melodies. I have given the presentation in Oldenburg I, in Baton Rouge LA, in Buffalo NY.
This weekend, I will present in Lemont IL and in Chicago to the Felician Sisters on Peterson Ave. I am enjoying this "gig" very much - back in my Liturgy element. Check my calendar on this website for the sites of the presentation. Maybe I will be near you. When I presented to the Felician Sisters in Buffalo NY, I called Fr. Jack Ledwon. We studied music together in the 1960's at Manhattanville School of Liturgical Music in Purchase/White Plains NY. We have not seen each other since the 1960's. I called Fr Jack. He invited me to stay with him for three days at his rectory. We even drove up to Niagara Falls - thirty minute drive across into Canada. So, maybe I will be calling you soon. God bless you and your families.
October 4-10, 2009: I spent the feast of St Francis with the Friars of Sherman IL and Springfield - about 25 Friars live there, those who need Assisited Living Care or Nursing Care. Several of them celebrated their Jubilees = 50 years a priest or 50 or 60 years a Franciscan. Wonderful celebrated! God bless them all greatly.
Next year, 2010, will be my Golden Jubilee as a Franciscan - already. How did this happen so quickly! Praise God!
May 24 - June 4: Pilgrimage In the Footsteps of St Paul - Turkey and Greece
Fr. Bill and I lead 15 people through Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus, Troy in Turkey and on to Greece - Kavala, Philippi, Thessolonki, Athens, Athnes and Meteora. Bill taught and preached about St. Paul and his writings and message as the Church brought to a conclusion the Year of St. Paul. We all learned so much, prayed and laughed and shopped and were overwhelmed by the sights -- all, so much! Truly a blessing on so many levels. Hope you get to Greece and Turkey yourself.
April 10, 2009 - Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Yesterday, Holy Thursday, my sister Polly and I drove for seven hours from Chicago to Rochester, Minnesota to Mayo Clinic. Polly had an appointment with Dr Michet concerning her gout. Polly was here six years ago to meet the Doctor and to begin using a medicine only made in Canada since Polly was allergic to the usual medicine for gout. The Canadian medicine has been a great help for Polly. But two weeks ago the USA started producing a new medicine that should be even more effective than the medicine from Canada. Ever onward with hope.
Now on this sunny Good Friday, we are packing and watching ETWN's coveage of the Good Friday Celebration. Soon we will begin the drive back to Chicago Heights. We will drive
up to the Motherhouse of Franciscan Sisters here in Rochester.
These Sisters with Dr. Mayo began Mayo Clinic.
Happy Eater to you all!
During the Fifty Days of Easter, May the Lord Easter in you and be a Dayspring for any Dimness!
March 14, 2009 - From Malaysia to Singapore
The retreat ended today, Friday March 13, in Malacca, Malaysia. Thirty Franciscan Friars of the Singapore-Malaysia-Brunei Custody met in Malacca, a three hour drive on a bus north of Singapore. We stopped and exited the bus twice - at Singapore border and at Malaysia border. I preached three times a day for five days. The gathering place was a resort on the sea in Malacca (Melaka). A most beautiful setting with beach and pool, palm trees and tropical flowers, dining room was roofed but open sides. The language is English and Malay. The Friars are from Singapore, India, Malaysia, China. There are four novices, two postulants. Three friars made Solemn Profession last summer. Youngest is 29 years old and the oldest is 53 years old. I was very old for them since I am 68 years old. Was a great experience. I return to Chicago on Wednesday March 18.
March 9, 2009 - Singapore to Malaysia
At 10:00 AM this Monday Morning, thirty of us friars will depart on a bus for the four hour bus ride to Malaysia - the border to Malaysia is only 45 minutes away. The friars have never been to this place. On the sea or close to the sea. The retreat on the Rule of 1223 by St Francis that we still follow today. I will be doing a Power Point Presentation - 140 slides are ready to go including photos of the Friars of this Custody. I am a little nervous about the Power Point - the resort said that it has a Power Point projector. Here's hoping. If not, Plan B. Like the old days - I will use my mouth, my gestures, my stories, etc. All will be well! All will be well! I do not know if there is internet connection where we are going. The retreat ends on Friday the 13th at noon. Then I might travel with two friars to their parish in Malaysia and return to Singapore on Sunday AM.
Plesae keep the Friars and me in your prayers that the Holy Spirit may open us up to God's Word, Inspiration, Challenge and give us the courage to say yes. Thanks. Know that I will be praying for you.
March 4, 2009 - Singapore
Hello from Singapore
I am here with the Friars from March 1-18 to preach their Custody Retreat. There are 30 Friars in this Custody, attached to the Province of Australia. Singapore has a population of 4.5 million people. The Catholic Population in this city-state-country numbers 177,000 with 30 parishes, 70 diocesan priests, 67 religious priests, 98 Religious Brothers, 189 Religious Sisters. The OFM’s (Franciscan Friars) arrived here 50 years ago. I am living in their Formation House with twelve friars. The Guardian, Council Member and Head of Formation is Fr. Clifford Augustine OFM, who lived at St Peter’s in the Loop for two years while taking classes at CTU. The retreat for the Custody will be in Malaysia – a four Hour bus ride from Singapore.
The 90 degrees and 97 percent humidity is a welcome change from Chicago’s winter.
For more info on the Custody go to their website: http://www.franciscans.sg/
The friars are most hospitable and welcoming.
Please remember the retreat in your prayers – March 9-13. Peace!
March 1, 2009 - Singapore
The Flight from O'Hare in Chicago left at noon on Friday Feb. 27 and I arrived in Singapore at 19 hours of flying on Saturday night at midnight. Non-stop flight from Chicago - north over Hudson Bay and the North Pole and on over Siberia, Mongolia (beautifully blanketed in snow), China and to Hong Kong. After two hours on the island airport for Hong Kong, we flew in the same United 747 plane for three more hours to Singapore. A friar was there to greet me. He had lived for two years in Chicago with us Friars at St Peter's while he was attending classes at Catholic Theological Union.
I finally got to sleep at 3:00 AM only to be awakened by a cell phone call from Chicago at 6:00 AM. By 9:00 AM I was at the Friars Church where 7000 Catholics come each weekend for mass - one of the 20 churches in this city-state-independent counrty of Singapore. A usual afternoon Tropical storm is raining heavily. So time to press my sheet for a little siesta. Two more days and nights should bring me back to a schedule. A week from tomorrow we will travel to Malaysia for the retreat itself. The 90 degrees and 97 percent humidity feels very good after Chicago's winter. More later.
February 27, 2009 - to Singapore
On Friday the 27th of February I will be flying from Chicago to Hong Kong to Singapore. I have been invited to preach a retreat to the Franciscan Friars there - fifty of them. I was happy to learn that English is their language. The topic we chose is the Rule of 1223 written by St. Francis and the same Rule of LIfe that we follow today. 2009 marks the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Order by St. Francis of Assisi. Celebrations are being planned and held all over the world to remember and be rededicated our history and our Way of Life.
I will try to write here and on my Blog on what is happening. This is my first time to Singapore. Any suggestions? Be assured of my prayers from Singapore.
February 25, 2009 - St Peter's on Ash Wednesday
I spent several hours yesterday, Ash Wednesday, at St. Peter's in the Loop. As usual, as I have been doing since 1978, I joined six others in touching the foreheads of thousands of people and announcing to them: "Remember, man/woman, that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.....Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." Young and old, rich and poor, working and retired.....all were there from six in the morning until seven in the evening, non-stop. Upstairs in the church twelve masses were celebrated during the day, most of them were filled. One man asked me if today was a Holy Day. Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation. But a day that is made holy by the numbers of people coming to be signed with ashes, to begin the forty day journey of Lent to the Triduum and Easter. We all said yes to prayer, fasting and almsgiving - in whatever way we hear that invitation.
I saw and talked with many people whom I only see on Ash Wednesday. As I used to do, I stood outside in the front along Madison Street and talked with people and answered their questions. One man asked me why all the people coming and going to St. Peter's and coming out with ashes on their forehead. He was a Jew from Israel, a teacher at the University in Tel Aviv. He is here teaching a semester at Northwestern. We spoke a little in Hebrew and Arabic. --Truly a wonderful day.
January 28, 2009 - TIA
Since I had a TIA on Dec. 18 and word spread about the incident, many have asked me what is a TIA. Go to Google. This info is what I found:
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
What is a TIA or transient ischemic attack?
A TIA is a "warning stroke" or "mini-stroke" that produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting damage. Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce your risk of a major stroke. Most strokes aren't preceded by TIAs. However, of the people who've had one or more TIAs, more than a third will later have a stroke. In fact, a person who's had one or more TIAs is more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and sex who hasn't. TIAs are important in predicting if a stroke will occur rather than when one will happen. They can occur days, weeks or even months before a major stroke. In about half the cases, the stroke occurs within one year of the TIA.
What causes a transient ischemic attack?
TIAs occur when a blood clot temporarily clogs an artery, and part of the brain doesn't get the blood it needs. The symptoms occur rapidly and last a relatively short time. Most TIAs last less than five minutes. The average is about a minute. Unlike stroke, when a TIA is over, there's no injury to the brain.
What are the symptoms of a TIA?
It's very important to recognize the warning signs of a TIA or stroke. The usual TIA symptoms are the same as those of stroke, only temporary:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
The short duration of these symptoms and lack of permanent brain injury is the main difference between TIA and stroke. TIAs are extremely important predictors of stroke. Don't ignore them! If symptoms appear, CALL 9-1-1 TO GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY. A doctor should determine if a TIA or stroke has occurred, or if it's another medical problem with similar symptoms. Some examples are seizure, fainting, migraine headache, or general medical or cardiac condition. Prompt medical or surgical attention to these symptoms could prevent a fatal or disabling stroke from occurring.
January 25, 2009 - Health Report
Greetings on this Feast of the Conversion of St Paul and the 50th Anniversary of Blessed Pope John XXIII announcing at the Basilica of St Paul in Rome that there would be a Vatican Council II - 1963-1965 - that would open the windows
and doors so we could talk with and listen to others in a new way. Alleluia for St Paul and for Blessed Pope John "the Good"!
I met with my Doctor on January 21. All is good - cholestorel, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc. All as normal as the charts say they need to be. So what is left to do? That's easy: lose 25 pounds of weight this year. So in 2009, you will be seeing more of me and less of me, I hope.
My sister Polly was in the hospital again for the last three days - at Rush. Concern: why is Polly losing blood? The angiogram to her new kidney (April 17, 2008 Transplant) showed that the arteriers are all open and working. A test of putting a camera down her throat showed a hole which they burned closed. More tests next Monday on her lungs. And so the journey continues. Thanks for your prayers and concern and support.
December 25, 2008 - Christmas Day
Merry Christmas to you and your family on this Day that celebrates Love enfleshed in a baby of Bethlehem - God's love for each of us! May you be blessed with much love and peace, joy and hope on this day that announces Light pushing back the darkness, and Hope transforming sadness and despair.
I am in Chicago Heights with my two sisters and nieces and nephews - from forty-years old to eight months! My sister-in-laws and friends too!
Merry Christmas! Buon Natale! Feliz Navidad!
Froeliche Weihnacten! Joyeux Noel! Mele Kalikimada!
Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ur! (Gaelic)
Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia! (Polish)
December 18, 2008
I spent today in two medical facilities of Northwestern Hospital. My doctor is concerned that I had a TIA (slight stroke) on Tuesday evening while at my sisters' home in Chicago Heights. I experienced a tingling numbness on my right side - face, arm, and leg. This lasted an hour. I visited my doctor, Dr Jeffrey Kopin of Northwestern Hospital Group at his office on Clark St in the Loop, around the corner from St. Peter's. After an office check up including an EKG, he ordered tests: MRI, two MRAs, and an Echocardiogram. Now we wait for the results - in two to three days. Ever onward into the aging process. So now I have graduated from 81 mg adult aspirin to 325 mg regular aspirin. And of course, "Loose weight!" So we begin yet again. Take care of yourself.
Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas!
November 30 - December 9, 2008
Fr. Bill Burton and I lead a group of 32 pilgrims to the Holy Land - Israel/Palestine. The pilgrims were from Chicago area, two from St. Louis, and one from Kansas City. This was my 27th pilgrimage to the Holy Places from Abraham, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph, and espeically Jesus made holy by their faith-filled presence.
Our first three days were spent in Galilee. We stayed on the east side of the Sea of Galilee at the Kibbutz En Gev. From there we could see all of the 9 mile by 13 mile lake called the Sea of Galilee from the north shore of Kafer Naum or Capernaum where Jesus had his headquaters for three years at St. Peter's house, across to Tiberius and south to the overflow of the Sea of Galilee into the Jordan River. Each day we celebrated mass and prayed at the various churches and places that recall the various events of the Gospel - Masses at Mt Tabor (Transfiguration), Nazareth (Annunciation), and Capernaum (Jesus healing the paralytic). We prayed at Caesarea Phillippi (Whom do you say I am?), Primacy Chapel (Do you love me?), Tabgha (Multiplication of the loaves and fishes), Cana (Renewal of Marriage Vows), Nain (Prayed for all widows and mothers who lost a child), and an hour long boat ride on the Sea of Galilee during which we read and reflected on the Gospel stories of Jesus calming the storm and walking on the water.
On the day drive from Galilee to Jerusalem (90 miles), we visited the top of Mt Carmel and remembered the story of Elijah the prophet and the priests of Baal as in Kings, and visited the seashore city (recently discovered, dug up, and somewhat restored) Caesarea Maritima where St. Peter preached for the first time to Gentiles, Cornelius and his household, and where St Paul was kept in prison.
In Jerusalem we stayed in the Old City, just inside the New Gate in the Christian Quarter at the Knights' Palace Hotel, owned and run by the Catholic Archdiocese/Patriarchiate of the Holy Land. From the Hotel, we walked for five minutes to the Holy Seplucher the Bisilica that was built around Calvary and the Tomb of Jesus. We celebrated Masses on Calvary, in the Cenacle (Last Supper, Easter Appearances, Pentecost), in Gethsemane, and in Palestine in Bethlehem at the Basilica of the Nativity in the cave below where St Jerome translated the Bible into Latin from the Hebrew and Greek versions.
We spent a day going from Jerusalem at 2400 feet to Jericho and the Dead Sea at the lowest spot on the face of the earth at 1400 feet below sea level - a half hour drive through the beautiful baren desert. A visit to Qumran, home of the Essenses, and to Massada, where 1000 Jews commited suicide 72 AD/CE after two years of Seige by the Romans. As the sun was setting, several experienced the floating experience in the Dead Sea or as the Israelis name this lake, Salt Sea.
We walked through the early morning streets of the Old City praying and Way of the Cross, singing, reflecting and taking turns carrying a large cross. This led to Mass on Calvary at 6:30 AM. Each day we prayed for all of our families, friends, and the many people we promised to pray for back home.
Our Iberia 12 flight back to Chicago through Madrid offered us time to reflect on the great blessing of such a pilgrimage. Our understanding and hunger for more Scripture was deepened greatly. Our appreciation of the land - the Fifth Gospel - will continue to help us grow in kownledge of the past and present historical and political events. I urged everyone to get involved in a Bible Study and to read/pray the Bible each day.
Fr. Bill is taking a group to the Holy Land in February - there are two available sits open (Fr. Bill's website: www.biblicist.net) I hope to lead a group of Secular Franciscans to the Holy Land next October. Hope you all have the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Happy Adventing to Christmas!
November 3, 2008 - Chicago
Today is the eve of election. Lots of early sunshine this morning since we changed time during Saturday night. Hopefully, this sunshine is a good omen that greater light and clarity, of hope and change are coming to our great USA. Everyone vote!
Today I am driving my sister Polly to Rush Hospital in Chicago for a biopsy of her new, April 17th kidney. The creatin has gone up to 2.6. The doctor wants to make sure that the new kidney is not the cause. A pray for Polly, please
October 28, 2008 - Kansas City MO
I am in Kansas City, Missouri - a few blocks from Kansas City, Kansas. The two cities are like one big city. I here to visit friends. When all is said and done, the only thing that matters is the relationships we have nourished, the friends we have loved, the people in whose lives we have made a difference and those whom have made a difference in my life. Whatever it costs - money, time, energy - be in relationships. Every one of us needs to be in love with someone and allow and invite someone to love us. Not how many houses, cars, bank accounts, etc. Call someone today who has touched your life, and tell them of the good difference they have and do make in you life. What a gift to give to others.
October 24, 2008 - Blogging and Trip to Kansas City
This morning, I added three more paragraphs on my Blog about the Synod in Rome on the Word of God and about pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to Turkey and Greece next May, In the Footsteps of St. Paul during this year of Paul.
Tomorrow, Sunday, I will preside at Mass at 9:00 AM in Wheaton at the Franciscan Sisters Motherhouse - two weeks in a row. This is always a very blessed experience - to pray with these holy women who have and still are so dedicated to living the Gospel Life in community, in service and love of others. Their commitment to honor and respect Creation and thus do much for Ecology is so evident as one drives onto their property. Their commitment to give shelter to the poor and to build Marian Joy Rehabilitation Center on their property gives witness to their Franciscan love for the poor and those in need. I feel so blessed to pray with them.
Then, immediately after Mass in Wheaton, I will drive to Everygreen Park IL to preach to Secular Franciscans (Third Order Secular) for their day of Recollection. The topic is their Rule of Life - to live the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. Since 1221, the Secular Franciscans have had four Rules of Life from the Popes. The present Rule is from Paul VI in 1978. With my new Power Point Project, a gift from my friends, Judy and Len, we will reflect together on the Rule for SFOs. Then home to pack for an early Southwest Flight to visit friends in Kansas City MO. More from there next week.
May the Lord give you peace!
October 13-16, 2008 - Visit to Quincy IL
My last trip and visit to Quincy IL was nine years ago when we held our last Provincial Chapter Meeting there to elect John Doctor ofm to be Provincial. Since then, we hold Chapters at hotels. Those dorm rooms and beds and showers and walking the campus from building to building in various weather patterns, all became too much for this maturing group fo 250 Friars. So it was time to visit the new (six year old) Holy Cross Friary for the eleven Friars living at Quincy University. I also visited with Dan Tanna, Bill Hrudika, and Ron Harrington. We three were freshmen in the seminary boarding high school in Westmont IL in 1954. Lots of memories and catching up to do keept us busy and laughing and wondering. Another high point for me was to play the newly installed 45 rank pipe organ at our Franciscan parish across the street from the University - St Francis Solanus Church. What a magnificent instrument which the parish bought from the Cathedral in Columbus Ohio. A reminder to me to practice the organ at St. Peter's in the Loop. Need to keep those skills up. You never know when I might need a job - playing the organ is a possibility.
Be well! Blessings on you and your loved ones! Peace!
October 4, 2008 - Happy Feast of St Francis!
May the Lord give you peace!
September 27, 2008 - Visited new Cathedral in Oakland
September 26, 2008 - 25th Anniversary Celebrat/Fundraiser for CTI
I arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday Sept. 23. For three days I joined Mary Ann Finch, a dear friend of mine since 1970, and a group to 15 people in final preparations for the Anniversary celebratioin of CTI - Care through Touch that Mary Ann founded. From being a massage therapist and running a school of massage, Mary Ann came to the Tenderloin ares of San Francisco, the poorest 20 blocks in the city filled with thousands of homeless, SROs, hungry,....people - one third of these poor and homeless people are veterans. Fasting growing number are female vetrans. Her Care through Touch Institue has trained hundreds of people to reach out in 14 countries with caring touch to people who are alone, homeless,.... I have studied with Mary Ann and have spent hours in a drop in center in the Tenderloin to massage feet. I was/am the one who was blessed.
Some 120 came to the Anniversary/Fundraiser celebration - $11,500 was raised amidst the evening of witness talks, music, food, and sharing stories. I was the last one to turn out the lights at 11:00 PM since I waited for the lady to return to take the six large plants/buses back to the nursery. A great hope-filled evening, an empowering evening that called us all to greater committment to notice, reach out and show care through touch to all people we meet.
I was very happy to introduce Brian Weichel to the Care through Touch Institute. Twenty-three years ago I baptized Brian (since I officiated at his parents' wedding). He graduated from Loyola University in Chicago in May and is working for Burson-Marsteller, marketing-advertising, here in San Francisco.
September 22, 2008 - Catching up
Here it is September 22, already. Sorry I have not been attentive to this column. The most important event during this month was the September 14-15 Celebration of the 150th Jubilee of the arrival of the Franciscan Friars from Germany. Nine friars arrived in New York City on September 13. They stayed on the ship for another day so they could disembard on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - their Province in Germany was named the Province of the Holy Cross. They traveled by train to central Illinois to the town of Teutopolis and thus began our Province of the Sacred Heart.
Four years ago five of us were named the 150th Anniversary Committee. We planned five events that took place throughout the Province from August 2007 to September 2008. About 120 Friars and two hundred laity joined us for the Solemn Mass at St. Anthony's in St Louis. This was followed by a banquet and talks at the Frontenac Hotel. Our General Minister from Rome presided at the Mass and presented each of us individutally with a pocket size copy of the Rule of St Francis of 1223. Very moving moment. A grand celebration to bring to conclusion this year of remembering and committing ourselves to continue. Many times we sang the Jubilee song composed by Fr. Bob Hutmacher, one of our friars. The refrain began with the word of St. Franics: Let us begin! As so, the next 150 years has begun. And I am very relieved and happy the first 150 years is completed. Ever onward! Tomorrow, I will fly Southwest Airlines to San Francisco. More next time from SF!
August 17-22, 2008 - Preaching a retreat to our Senior Friars in Springfield IL
August 15 - 2008 - Retreat at King's Retreat Center in Belleville IL
for Secular Franciscans from St. Clare Region of St. Louis MO
July 28 - 2008 - Sixth Anniversary of my Mother's Death.
July 27-31, 2008 - Appleton Wisconsin - Monte Alverno Retreat Center
I am preaching a retreat this week to 25 Capuchin Franciscan Friars at their retreat center on the north side of Appleton WI - a four hour drive from Chicago. I drove up Sunday morning and stopped for lunch with Kathy and Jim in Pewauke, twenty miles west of Milwaukee. I officiated at their wedding March 17, 2007. Kathy's father, Ed Koncel, was there too. We dined outside on their veranda on a most beautiful July sunny day. Memories! Another two hour drive and I was at the retreat center - my first time here.
Friars are from 28 years old to 88 years old. I am preaching about Prayer: the Our Father, the Eucharistic Prayer, the Magnificat, Lectio Divina....and weaving through these talks are stories of St. Francis, application to our Franciscan life, with a touch of music, lots of humor and stories. Please pray for the friars and for me during this week. I will return to Chicago on Thursday evening.
July 20, 2008 - Chicago IL
Today twenty-two friars visited our friary for our annual Conveniat (Gathering) of the Friars in the Chicago area. Each friary sponsors such a day once a year. Three days ago, Bill, Clarence, and I made our list and drove to Costco's. I made potato salad according to my mother's and sisters' recipe, encouragement, updates on how to make it. I also made lime jello with crushed pineapple and cool whip. Hmmmm good. Bill bar-b-cued brats and pork steaks. Beautiful weather. Our newly elected Provincial Michael Perry joined us and stayed to help wash the dishes. (I have photos to prove it.) At midnight with lots of happy exhaustion, we surrendered to the sheets.
This coming week will be spent mostly in preparation for the retreat I will begin preaching next Sunday in Appleton WI to the Capuchin Friars. Have a great week!
July 16, 2008 - Chicago IL
Today is the birthday of Br. Clarence Klingert OFM. Our custom is to dine out at the restaurant chosen by the Friar celebrating the birthday. With a discount coupon in hand, we headed for a very good Italian Restaurant on 2100 N Halsted - Sapori Italiani. Hmmm good! Clarence is now 66 years old. Since I am still the oldest Friar of the four of us, I got to drive. My GPS served us well. Fr. Bill Burton and our new Friar Vaughn Fayle who will be moving in with us in a month or so, Clarence and I are the four "musketeers" of North Humboldt Blvd. To life! Alla Salute!
July 10-13, 2008 - Teutopolis and Bishop Creek IL
I spent these four days at a wedding in Effingham County - 200 miles south of Chicago. Thirty-Five years ago I officiated at the wedding of the Groom's parents. One of our Friar priests is the uncle of the bride. in 1968, I taught the bride's uncle, Fr. Frank Probst, in high school in Westmont IL. How young/old I felt. It was great to see and celebrate life with the Weber's and Esker's of T-Town. I met them all in 1966 when I was still in the seminary, in theology, in Teutopolis. My class was the last group of Friar seminarians to study theology for four years in Teutopolis. In 1968, the seminary was closed and moved to Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park of Chicago. In 1858, the Friars arrived from Germany in Teutopolis. Was a great four days for visiting people, many whom I have not seen in years. Ah! to grow old slowly and graciously. Memories!
July 3, 2008 - Colorado Springs CO
I have been in Colorado Springs CO for two weeks for a three day Forum on Franciscans and Isalm. Then I stayed for another ten days to preach a retreat to the Sisters of St Francis of Perpetual Adoration. I offered them a workshop twenty five years ago. The Eastern Province of this same congregation of Sisters in Mishawaka IN taught me in grade school in Chicago Heights IL. All went very well. Fifty of us atteneded the three day Forum - friars, sisters, laity and ten Muslims. Since St. Francis in 1219 went to Damietta, Egypt to talk to the Crusaders and the Sultan in an attempt to bring Peace, we Franciscans have been connected with Isalm (the word means Surrender). I continue to participate in Catholic-Muslim Dialog in Chicago for some then years. The forum was very informative, motivating, challenging, and opened other possibilities for dialog.
I am at the Colorado Springs Airport waiting for my departure to Chicago. During these past two weeks here I have not been able to receive any emails on my computer. I took it to Best Buy to their Geek service. After six days of working on my computer, all is working. There were 71 infections: spyware and viruses,... Good to be connected - here at the Airport. Happy Fourth of July!
June 22, 2008
Forty one years ago today, my twelve classmates and I professed our first vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. This ceremony was celebrated in Teutopolis, Illinois, two hundred miles south of Chicago. We finished our year of novitiate which I began at the age of 19 years. After a year of learning about the life of St Francis and of Franciscans today and a year of living Franciscan life, we placed our hands into the hands of the Provincial and professed our life as Franciscans. What a ride it has been! Blessed and challenging indeed!
I am typing this at the Franciscan Motherhouse and Retreat Center in Colorado Spring, Colorado. For the last three day, fifty of us Franciscans - men and women, lay and religious and ten Muslim - have been sharing and praying, dreaming and planning on the topice of Franciscans and Islam. We shared and learned so much. As usual, the only way to get to know someone - some other faith, culture, religion, way of life,... - is to get up close. And so we did as we listened to Muslim and Franciscan speakers and then shared together at round tables. There were seven Friars from my Province of the Sacred Heart in the midwest. All returned home this morning.
I am staying on here in the foothills of the mountains to preach a retreat to forty Franciscan Sisters here at their Motherhouse and Retreat Center. These Sisters are the Western Province of the Sisters from Mishawaka, Indiana, who taught me all through grade school at St. Agnes in Chicago Heights IL. I will return to Chicago on July 3.
Hope you are enjoying your family, and friends, and life during these June days. Peace! Salaam! Shalom!
June 9, 2008
Greetings from St. Louis, Missouri, where I am gathered with 135 Franciscan Friars for our Provincial Chapter. The week we will elect our new Leadership for the Province - eight Friars who will serve and guide us through the next six years. I was elected to the Council (a three year term) in 1992. We also as a Provincial Chapter for our Midwest Province of the Sacred Heart will determine a vision and focus for our next six years of living the Gospel together in community and of serving the Church and the World. Keep us all in your prayers. Thanks. I will return to Chicago on Friday, June 13 - the Feast of St. Anthony and the 41st anniversary of my Ordination.
June 6 - 2008 - Feast of St. Norbert. D-Day
Some years ago I was leading a group through Eastern Europe. On June 6th, we were in Prague in the Czech Republic and we celebrated Mass at the tomb of St. Nobert in the centries old Abbey of the Nobertines. Quite moving!
Polly my sister continues to improve from the April 17 kidney transplant surgery at Rush Hospital.
Instead of going to Rush twice a week, Polly now go only twice a month with blood work being done near Chicago Heights the other two weeks. Jo, Polly's donor, also continues to improve in health. Jo has already signed herself up to give a talk to fellow Secular Franciscans about the importance of and benefits of being an organ donor. The lady is on fire to spread the good news of what a great difference you can make in another's person's life. Yeah, Jo!
Last night I enjoyed The Comedy of Errors by Shakespeare at the Shadespeare Theater at Navy Pier. This evening, Fr. Bill and I enjoyed the musical production Avenue Q. Both were so creative, marvously entertaining with lots of laughs throughout the evening. This will be a good preparation for our Provincial Chapter that begins Sunday evening and last for five days in St. Louis. More about that next time. Be well and remember:
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the Following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.