St. John Neumann

As I was in daily Mass today, Msgr. spoke about St. Neumann in his homily.  I was intrigued as he spoke of a man who was so devoted to his Priestly calling, he gave up everything.  He was ordained a Bishop in Philadelphia and was so disliked by the people in his Parish, he was very unhappy.  They didn't disagree with his theology or practice, but genuinely disliked him as a person due to his heritage.  He was Bohemian and they felt he was beneath them.  He asked to be transferred to an other location but was told that the Holy Spirit wanted him where he was and so he was to remain.  He was so devoted to the people, convinced in his calling to Priesthood, and obedient to his superiors, he remained Bishop in Philadelphia until he passed away.  I was so impressed by this amazing man who must have been terribly lonely having no family in this country and disliked due to his background.  I felt for him as he had to have had tremendous strength and faith in the Lord to remain in a place he was not welcome.  But he did so much good and became a beloved Saint.  I looked up some more info. online about him and it is found below.

Retrieved from http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=70   

This American saint was born in Bohemia in 1811. He was looking forward to being ordained in 1835 when the bishop decided there would be no more ordinations. It is difficult for us to imagine now, but Bohemia was overstocked with priests. John wrote to bishops all over Europe but the story was the same everywhere no one wanted any more bishops. John was sure he was called to be a priest but all the doors to follow that vocation seemed to close in his face.

But John didn't give up. He had learned English by working in a factory with English-speaking workers so he wrote to the bishops in America. Finally, the bishop in New York agreed to ordain him. In order to follow God's call to the priesthood John would have to leave his home forever and travel across the ocean to a new and rugged land. 

 

Feastday: January 5
b. 1811 d. 1860 

 

In New York, John was one of 36 priests for 200,000 Catholics. John's parish in western New York stretched from Lake Ontario to Pennsylvania. His church had no steeple or floor but that didn't matter because John spent most of his time traveling from village to village, climbing mountains to visit the sick, staying in garrets and taverns to teach, and celebrating the Mass at kitchen tables.

Because of the work and the isolation of his parish, John longed for community and so joined the Redemptorists, a congregation of priests and brothers dedicated to helping the poor and most abandoned.

John was appointed bishop of Philadelphia in 1852. As bishop, he was the first to organize a diocesan Catholic school system. A founder of Catholic education in this country, he increased the number of Catholic schools in his diocese from two to 100. 

We can all aspire to be as devoted as St. Neumann; realizing that God may put us in a place we are unsure we are suited or prepared for but with His guidance, we can be successful.  We must have faith, hope, and trust in the Lord.  

 

I was listening to Katy Perry's song, Firework and besides a good beat, I liked the lyrics once I stopped to really listen to them.

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe your reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time, you'll know.........

How true those lyrics are.  Everyone is original; special in the eyes of God.  We all have special gifts and talents and God never creates a waste.  We can waste what He has given us, but He makes NO mistakes!  And while we may feel our life is being torn upside down by a hurricane, after the storm is the promise from God, the rainbow.  Sometimes what is worthwhile is not achieved without a bit of struggle.  While we may feel like we are not getting what we want right now, or God is not opening the door we think is right for us, He knows best and if we're patient and have faith, He will show us the correct door for us. 
 

You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth

House full of love

I love listening to my children play together, laughing and using their imagination.  The boys will save a sucker or cookie for their sibling, or will bring a special treat home if they go on a trip or get to go into the "treasure chest" at school.  Watching one help the other with a seat belt or get P.J.'s on is so heartwarming as they are showing God's love by watching out for one another.  Knowing they will have each other after my husband and I are gone is a comfort.

I think a sibling's love is special, unlike a parent or grandparent's love.  They have a confidante; someone they can ask opinions of and tell secrets to.  A shoulder to cry on and when needed a cheerleader to help keep them going when times are tough.  A partner in crime when they explore life with wonder.  An audience to laugh at them when they are being a clown.  While friends may come and go, their siblings will always be there.

Their various personalities are so unique.  While they definitely resemble each other in appearance, they tend to have different traits both physically as well as personality wise.  Some are tall and thin, while the other two are more stocky.  One is always bouncing all over the place, never walking but always running.  His oldest brother was the same way at that age.  The Princess is headstrong, knowing what wants and not afraid to climb all over things to get it.  It's been so much fun so far seeing how they all change over the years, I'm looking forward to seeing them continue to grow and change in the years to come.

I agree with Pope John Paul II when he said "the greatest gift you can give your child is another sibling."
Having a child with special needs, I can see first hand how having siblings both older and younger have helped him to develop social skills as well as coping skills.  You've always got someone to "watch your back".  They all share toys and books, read to each other, and do chores together.  It's always more fun to do work with a group than by yourself.

Growing up I envied the friends who had multiple siblings and large families.  Their houses always seemed busy, fun, and a bit crazy.  Now I feel I have the same and while it can be trying at times, it is a house full of love and laughter.  I feel so blessed that God entrusted these souls to me.  I am eternally thankful. 

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
~Proverbs 22:6

Be not afraid

‎"The Lord has a plan for each of us; He calls each one of us by name. Our task is to learn how to listen, to perceive His call, to be courageous and faithful in following Him and to be found trustworthy servants who have used well the gifts given to us." - Pope Benedict XVI

We can weather the storm of uncertainty, trusting in God's plan for us.  Once we can quiet our mind and listen for His voice, He will guide us to where we are to be.

Be Not Afraid

You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst.
You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way.
You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand.
You shall see the face of God and live.

Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come follow me, and
I will give you rest.

If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown.
If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed.
If you stand before the pow'r of hell and death is at your side, know that
I am with you through it all.
 

Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs.
Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh.
And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you!