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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Human Dignity and Shady Characters

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Jerome Novotny

Jerry Novotny OMI – Simply defined, the term “politics” refers to the way that countries are governed, and “politicians” to those elected who make rules and laws to manage human society properly. Yet politics and politicians have never been seen as negatively as they are today.  Many people point to politicians as the ones responsible for all the problems in the world today. Because of these negative attitudes many people want nothing to do with politics. They avoid watching the news on TV or reading newspapers because the negativity is just too depressing. This is especially true of young people who are even cynical about voting. 

This is a sad situation, because justice and peace work best when people get involved at every level, whether it’s our society or our world community; otherwise nothing helpful gets done. Unless the people keep politicians accountable, special interest groups take over. 

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To serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45)

Posted on April 6, 2024 by editor

Brad Rozairo, OMI – April is the month of new life and new beginnings. This is very much visible here in San Antonio, Texas. The weather turns warmer, the green grows greener, and the bluebonnets are in full bloom to welcome Easter! These days I am glad to be in San Antonio to experience spring and Easter.

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Do you feel unlovable or disqualified?

Posted on March 2, 2024 by editor

Jerry Novotny OMI – One of the most painful things we can ever experience is being made to feel that we don’t belong. All of us have experienced this sometime in our lives. For example, some people are made to feel different because of their race or ethnic background. All around us we see the damaging effects of racism in society just because of the color of another person’s skin or age. We can also be made to feel different because of our job. Other times, people can be made to feel “less than” because they struggle with physical limitations, mental illness or just feeling different from others without knowing why.

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