“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”(Matthew 6:10) Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola “God wills, humans dream, the work is born”“God wills, humans dream, the work is born.” This is the first line of the poem “O Infante” (The Infant) by the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935). This famous poem, in which Pessoa exalts the…
The message of the beheading of John the Baptist captures the trauma many of those in Church leadership go through. To be a leader these day and age entails being ready to be beheaded. I have to be ready to see my head on the tray like John as a missionary. We need to see ourselves as John the Baptists…
“He did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith”(Matthew 13:58) Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori Texts of the day:Lev 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37Mt 13:54-58 Dear brothers and sisters: As we gather for this General Chapter, the Word of God presents us with two complementary images: on the one hand, that of unbelieving Nazareth, which rejects…
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”— Matthew 6:33 “‘My friend, who appointed me your judge, or the arbitrator of your claims?’” “‘Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for life does not consist in possessions..’” Indeed, “vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” as Qoheleth…
“You give them something to eat.”— Matthew 14:16 Saint John Mary Vianney [M] Brothers and sisters: In this general chapter, we gather to reflect on our mission and our life as preachers. The Gospel of Matthew (Mt. 14:13-21) offers us a rich source of inspiration for our reflection and prayer on this day. Today we commemorate Saint John Mary Vianney, also…
Reflections on St. Ignatius of Loyola Although the Chapter deals with matters concerning the Order, it does not exist or operate outside the Church—on the contrary, it lives at its heart. Therefore, its rhythm is determined not only by the daily schedule, but also by the liturgical calendar. Today, as we commemorate St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society…
Daily Routine Holy Mass and morning prayers begin at 7:30 a.m. This is followed by a quick breakfast, coffee, and then meetings from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a short break in the middle. Afterwards, there is lunch and a moment to relax—many of the brothers stay in the priory, drinking coffee and engaging in casual conversation. At 3:00…
Ordinary Life in the Chapter One of the brothers recently told me that, on the one hand, he feels that this Chapter has only just begun, and on the other, that it has been going on for a very long time. Another mentioned with a smile that he had finally stopped getting lost and now knew all the entrances to…
The Cost of the Treasure I have written about this before, referring to the Gospel parable of the pearl and the treasure hidden in the field: whoever finds the treasure can possess it. But for this to be possible, he must pay the price—exactly everything he has. Commenting on today’s Gospel scene, Brother Luca Refatti said: “To know whether the…
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.”— Isaiah 55:6 Ninety people went to live for a few months, cut off from the world, at a scientific station at the pole, where there is nothing but night and ice. Almost all are famous scientists and researchers. They have come there from various parts…
