Surgery – an experience

Posted on December 21, 2024 by editor

Brad Rozairo, OMI – “It is not a disease but a disorder and a mechanical issue”. This is what I heard from a doctor when he spoke about inguinal hernia. A disorder needs to be fixed, but how it will be done was my concern as I was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia recently. I began a short research on the internet to learn more about it and discovered that a hernia repair can only be done through a surgical procedure. This sounded a bit scary for me as I have not gone through any surgeries in my life. However, having consulted two Doctors I decided to go for a laparoscopic surgery.

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A sad face of Japan

Posted on December 14, 2024 by editor

Brad Rozairo, OMI – Japan’s population is rapidly ageing. This year, before the “Respect-for-the-Aged Day” event, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released its population survey. According to that, the number of elderly people in Japan surged by 20,000 from September 2023 to 36.25 million! The main reason for this is depopulation.

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Experience in Aix-en-Provence

Posted on December 3, 2024 by editor

Brad Rozairo, OMI – Experience in Aix-en-ProvencThe De Mazenod Experience, sometimes also called DMX, is a program held every year at the birthplace of our congregation in Aix-en-Provence. The program is centred on the charism of our Founder St. Eugene and has a few objectives. They are personal conversion, deepening of the Oblate charism in one’s own life, reflection on the lived experience of the charism, personal renewal in the Oblate vocation, a deeper understanding of the person of the Founder and ongoing formation. The two-month experience, held in an atmosphere of prayer, reflectionandfraternal sharing, enables an Oblate to look back at his own experience of the Oblate charism lived in daily life and ministry. The program has two pillars, namely, pilgrimage and a fifteen-day silent retreat.

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World Day of the Poor: November 17, 2024

Posted on November 17, 2024 by editor

Brad Rozairo, OMI: This year will mark the eighth since the Pope established the “World Day of the Poor”. As has become customary, the Holy Father, after the Eucharistic celebration will have lunch with 1300 poor people. But before the celebration, he will bless 13 keys, each representing thirteen countries where the Vincentian congregation will inaugurate “13 houses” project for the poor.

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“Do not cast me off in my old age”

Posted on September 14, 2024 by editor

The IV World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was celebrated on Sunday, 28 July 2024. The theme chosen by the Holy Father – “Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9) – is meant to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly persons, so often the victims of the throw-away culture.

Psalm 71 the Pope states, “speaks to a conspiracy surrounding the life of the elderly.” And he explains, that the “abandonment of the elderly is not by chance or inevitable, but the fruit of decisions – political, economic, social and personal decisions – that fail to acknowledge the infinite dignity of each person, ‘beyond every circumstance, state or situation the person may ever encounter’.”

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Nature – a sacred space

Posted on September 3, 2024 by editor

Brad Rozairo, OMI – Nature is a source of beauty and inspiration that expresses God’s wonderful work of creation. It is also a place for rest and healing. Some people go on walks in nature to engage the senses and connect their spirits to nature. Others go into the woods for bird watching or photographing nature to pause and take in the beauty of creation. Taking time to look at and appreciate creation is a good thing to do; it makes us feel the closeness of God.

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Message of Pope Francis for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

Posted on September 1, 2024 by editor

Hope and Act with Creation

Dear Brothers and Sisters! (1st September 2024)

“Hope and Act with Creation” is the theme of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to be held on 1 September 2024. The theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25), where the Apostle explains what it means for us to live according to the Spirit and focuses on the sure hope of salvation that is born of faith, namely, newness of life in Christ.

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What is the Season of Creation?

Posted on July 22, 2024 by editor

Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI – Pope Francis calls for a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

The Season of Creation is an ecumenical month-long moment of prayerful reflection and celebration which began several years ago and calls us to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During this Season we join together as sisters and brothers of a universal family in prayer and action to renew our appreciation, our commitment, and our care and activities to protect and bring new life to Mother Earth, our Common Home, as we thank our loving God for the beautiful gift of all creation.

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“Busyness” Finances “Time Poverty”

Posted on July 9, 2024 by editor

Jerry Novotny OMI – “How are you?” Are you one of those who reply, “I’m busy.” If so, you are not alone. In a recent survey taken, 70% of people who were asked this question replied, “I’m busy.” Ask yourself, do I suffer from “Time Poverty”, do I really need to be as busy as I am? Is it possible that being busy-busy-busy is my way of avoiding the more important issues in my life? Another question, do I set aside time for God? In the Bible, Jesus tells Martha that what Mary is doing, is a very important for life. In fact, Jesus states, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing…” The message is loud and clear. Jesus is asking Martha, “How much do you really love me? Can you find room for me in your busy schedule?

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“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31)

Posted on June 2, 2024 by editor

Brad Rozairo, OMI – Does your day unfold from your priorities or are you chasing a to-do list? This question caught my attention as I reflected on my life in Japan.

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Living the “YES” of Mary

Posted on May 6, 2024 by editor

Brad Rozairo, OMI – Another new month has just dawned; as we know, it is dedicated to our Blessed Mother. During this month, I invite us to reflect on the vocation of Mary and her response to God.

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Pastoral statement for World Earth Day

Posted on April 19, 2024 by editor

Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI – Earth Day focuses attention on appreciation and stewardship for Planet Earth.

The 54th Earth Day anniversary will be celebrated on April 22nd, 2024, by millions of people in many countries to safeguard and fight for a brighter future for Planet Earth. World Earth Day always focuses attention on appreciation and stewardship for planet earth. In a particular way, EarthDay.ORG, the global organizer of Earth Day which grew out of the first Earth Day, has announced the global theme for Earth Day 2024; Planet Vs. Plastics.

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