PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life”
(John 6:54).
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Photo Description -Stock Photo ID: 1449956903 -SKOPJE, REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA-APRIL 13, 2016: Fresco of the Last Summer in the Eastern Orthodox Church of St. -Clement of Ohrid. -Important information -Editorial Use Only.Photo Contributor: bumihills
Catholic Campaign Sunday this weekend.
Archbishop Mark’s Message:
Today, Jesus speaks to us about the essential elements of life: food and drink. But his words go beyond physical sustenance. He declares himself as the "living bread" and his blood as the "real drink," pointing to the deeper, spiritual nourishment we need to flourish truly.
Jesus isn't advocating for another diet but emphasising the spiritual food and drink necessary for eternal life—the fullness of life that surpasses mere survival. This Eucharistic language highlights the transformative power of the bread and wine, which become his body and blood, urging us to become what we consume: the body broken and blood poured out for the world's salvation.
The Annual Catholic Campaign embodies this sacrificial love. It calls us to support the Church's mission through our sacrifices, which, in turn, become part of Christ’s sacrifice for the world. Our contributions enable the Church to extend Christ’s love and support to those in need.
Key initiatives of the campaign include:
1. Mary MacKillop Catholic Education Fund: This fund provides students from struggling families with access to Catholic education, allowing them to thrive.
2. Centacare’s Pastoral Ministries: Offering support to victims of domestic violence, the homeless, troubled families, and those in prisons and hospitals.
3. Holy Spirit Seminary: Supporting the formation of future priests and caring for retired or ill priests through the Priests Foundation.
4. Annual Grants Program: Funding grassroots ministries and parish outreach programs to make the Church more missionary.
5. Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre: Expanding facilities and programs to enhance prayer and spiritual growth within the Archdiocese.
These efforts are the practical manifestations of our Eucharistic commitment to become the body broken and blood poured out for others. As we partake in the Eucharist, we are called to discern and embrace the will of the Lord, recognising our role in his sacrifice and mission.
Let us respond generously to the Annual Catholic Campaign, understanding that our support helps the Church to live out its mission, bringing Christ’s love and fullness of life to all. ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN - 17-18th August in all parishes in Brisbane Archdiocese
THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN IS THIS WEEKEND - PLEASE SUPPORT THIS MAIN ARCHDIOCESAN
FUNDRAISER WITH YOUR PRAYERS AND ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. GOD BLESS
For those who are homeless and those who are struggling with financial and mental health pressures, that our Christian generosity through the Annual Catholic Campaign will provide hope-filled practical support.
PASTOR’S POST -
When I was at the Seminary, we had the option to learn a little bit of Latin. A few of us felt that since this was part of the church's tradition, we should at least have an opportunity to grasp it.
I am glad I did this, but really, how I learnt any Latin is a mystery of religion. It was so difficult. There were so many irregular verbs and declensions that my mind boggled. I didn’t prepare enough before the following classes, so I would worry that I wouldn’t be able to answer any questions about it. Mysteriously, though, several things deep seep into my brain, like a form of osmosis. Just by being immersed in the language of Latin, some things did stay with me. Pronunciation, the general structure, basic vocabulary, and a few phrases struck me, some for silly reasons.
Like, our lecturer would present us with old Latin hymns and get us to pronounce the Latin in them. I was intrigued one day when we were reciting an old hymn set to the words of Thomas Aquinas, one of the great Doctors of the Church. It was a hymn to Jesus, and the mysterious Latin words echoed out…. “Pie Pelicane, Jesu Domine,”…..
I thought to myself…. “How odd…. That sounds like… it looks like……. Aquinas is saying to Jesus….. “Good Pelican” !!
How odd…. Indeed, I have mistranslated?…. But no !… I had not !……. But why a “pelican”….. Why would a pelican be a symbol of Jesus?
And here lies an exciting story…..
The symbolism of the mother pelican feeding her baby pelicans is rooted in an ancient legend that is much older than Christianity. Legend has it that in time of famine, the mother pelican wounded herself (‘vulns” herself… as in another Latin word from the exact origin as the word ‘vulnerable,” Able to be pierced), striking her breast with her beak to feed her young with her own blood, to prevent their starvation. Another version of the legend was that the mother fed her dying young with her blood to revive them from death, but in turn, lost her own life. This legend, as I mentioned, comes from a slight observational confusion: A pelican feeds her young by regurgitating food that it has stored in its upper throat by a succession of swift actions with its neck: lowering its neck onto its breast, hence what looks like piercing of its breast is food that is flowing out which the young then feed upon. But even though it’s a misunderstanding, the symbolism is still quite clear and powerful.
Given this tradition, one can easily see why the early Christians adapted it to symbolise our Lord, Jesus Christ. The pelican symbolises Jesus, our Redeemer who gave His life for our redemption and the victory over sin and death he made through His passion and death. We were dead to sin and have found new life through the Blood of Christ. Moreover, Jesus feeds us with His body and blood in the holy Eucharist.
This same symbol is found in Jerusalem's Upper Room of the Last Supper. It is an abiding symbol of Christ and the Eucharist. Still, later, non-Christian occupiers of the room left it untouched, failing to understand its rich, hidden, but distinctly Christian meaning.
This gospel today reminds me of this. Jesus uses very clear, very dramatic, and almost unpleasant words to explain how he intends to be made present to us in a very real way and to allow us to draw life from him by partaking in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is clearly meant to be understood as sharing in the body and blood of Christ so that we might indeed be united to Christ’s life.
Jesus had the difficult task of conveying the meaning of the Eucharist to his followers. He meant for them to understand the dramatic reality of the Eucharist's action.
I am forever grateful to my long-suffering Latin lecturer for this; Christ gives his life and body to us. Christ wants us to enter into a relationship of faith and life with him so close that we will be united with Christ in mind, Spirit and body. This is what we celebrate here in this Eucharist. This is the tangible expression of the life we share with God, which is made flesh for the world's life. The “Pelicanus” whose chest was pierced and his own life force flowed out so that we might have life and life to the full.
Quote:
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” —Annie Dillard.
Fr Paul Kelly
DATE CLAIMER - OFFICIAL INSTALLATION MASS FOR FR PAUL AS PARISH PRIEST - BY HIS GRACE, ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERIDGE
Installation of Parish Priest – Fr Paul
Saturday 31st August 2024
Start at 9.30 am -Mass for the installation of the parish priest, Fr. Paul. Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Qld 4226
WOMENS CONTEMPLATIVE GROUP
Burleigh Heads Catholic Parish Contemplative Women’s Group “Mary: Shadow of Grace”. In John’s gospel, Mary is the church, and the mother of the church, the woman who is in relationship to the Word of God made flesh and dwelling among us… In the life of the church, Mary becomes contemplative, mystic, the one who prays for wisdom and throws her cloak, her mantle of justice, over all those in need…” (Megan McKenna, author). Join us as we walk a sacred path in the footsteps of Mary… Quietude in prayer, reflection and gentle sharing. 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm Saturday 24th August, Mary Mother of Mercy Church, Burleigh Waters.
THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
From One Holy Couple (Creation) to
One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church (Today)
WHEN: On the last Sunday of the Month – commencing on 28th July 2024.
WHERE: in the Parish Hospitality Room - (next to Sacred Heart Church - 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
Queensland 4226, on Sundays from 10 am – 12 pm.
There is no cost; however, you will need to purchase The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation, Study Set ($35.95 plus postage), which can be obtained from Ascension Press – The Faith Formation Leader. The Study Set will contain The Bible Timeline Study Book, Chart and Bookmark - https://ascensionpress.com/
NOTE: If you want us to purchase for you (we may save a little postage in bulk), we will need your details by Tuesday next week (23rd July) to ensure that you have the material on time for 28th July.
Around seven years ago, we looked at Unlocking the Mysteries of the Bible. This study program is the complete study version, an In-depth Exploration of Salvation History, which will require considerable pre-reading monthly of various sections of the Bible, and that is why we will do it monthly to ensure we allow ourselves sufficient time to give this Study our full participation. This way, we will get the most from the sessions, and once we see the big picture of the Bible, we will be able to understand Scripture in a whole new way. The Mass readings will make more sense. You will see how our beliefs as Catholics are rooted in Scripture, your prayers will come to life, and you will know how you are part of this remarkable story.
The Bible Timeline® study program takes you on a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and gives you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven through Scripture. Using a unique colour-coded chart, you will learn the Bible's significant people, places, and events and discover how they all come together to reveal the remarkable story of our Faith. Bookings can be made by ringing the Parish Office (new): (07) 5671 7388 (9 am – 2 pm Mon-Fri). We’re excited to be able to present this resource, so please join us.
CAR PARKING AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCH CAR PARKS
We want to save anyone the distress and financial cost of overlooking the following: It infringes Gold Coast City Council ordinances to park in any Church car park at Sacred Heart, Stella Maris, and St Vincent’s in such a way that your car protrudes onto the footpath. Motorists must also not park any part of a vehicle on a nature strip or footpath. This applies to all vehicles, including motorcycles. Infringement notices have been issued and will continue to be issued.
SCAM ALERT!
Scam messages are doing the rounds again.If you receive a suspicious or confusing SMS message (and any other illegitimate SMS), or a suspicious email, we recommend forwarding it to 0429 999 888 (the Australian Government spam reporting line). Or if it is an email message of concern, please forward it to: report@submit.spam.acma.gov.au
To tune in to The Weekend Mass (the sound podcast), please regularly visit the link below to listen to the Mass (including the sermon) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. Please see this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - (It is updated at intervals just before the following Sunday or Feastday - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk.
Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au.
Please use the information in the table below to begin or continue the faith journey with your child.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
” GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap again (when it has reset) for another $10, and so on.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Nadia Che, Tina Conidi, Helen Cooper, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Christopher Eid, Lorraine Gallagher, Ellanie Gonzalez, Jenny Haines, Tommy Harris, Kevin Junee, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Dannielle Therese Larney, Nathan Lepp, Michael Tiger McCormick, Bill McGuigan, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Denis Mullins, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Carmela Parente, Lesley Petroni, Rachel Raines, Luis Hernan Restrepo, Bob Rogers, Maureen Scott, Brenda Stewart, Betty Taylor, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Paul Trad, Billy Webb.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Sophie Wang, Chieko Kajiwara, Veda Hope, Michael “Tiger” McCormick, John Thomas, Sheila Nelly Brick, Illuminada Concepcion, Peter Casserly, Diane Van Der Valk, Enrico Di Moia, Norma McLennan, Bernard Colahan, Paula Beric, Helen Cooper, Elizabeth Howell, Pamela and Bill Caralis, Joanne Parkes, Rev Bill Adams, Ken Vincent, Robert De Souza, Chris Kopacz, Panfilo Bantugan, Elaine Smyth, Marie Hunt, Ma.Cristina.C.Dagg Dagg, Eufemia Calip, Carlos Alberto Da Silva, Maurice Goss, Diana Cattanach, Ailsa Stack, Penny Ackerman, Vince Shanahan, Natalia Di Pietro, Grant Davenport, Nino Miano, June Mye.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Noel John Ancrum, Shirley Ann Appleby, Fr Harry Bliss, Lynette Margaret Buesel, Carolyn Cameron, Fr Dermott Casey, Veronica Mary Cordingley, Frank Covino, Fr James Cullen, John Davis, Joseph Kendall Farrell, Dorothy Heather Girle, Kathleen (Kath) Gleeson, Anthony Lenchuca, Fr Michael Masterson, Patricia Medway, Fr Frank Moynihan, Babsie Naidoo, Fr James O'Reilly, Fr John O'Shea, John Francis Paul, Fr William Ross, Rose Mary Saldanha, Maurice (Maurie) Turner, Fr Richard Wilson, Joe Yang.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Barry John Arderne, Michael George Armstrong, Janine Ailsa (Jan) Bastian, Mary (Molly) Biltoft, Charles Cam, Fr Bryan Carmichael, Maria Di Certo, Bernie Crane, John Joseph Despard, Russell Forrestal, Gary Foster, John Richard Gardner, Fr Michael Greene, Moira Ellen Hargrave, Wasyl Jakim, Peter George Jitani, Justin McCarthy King, Fausto Mascia, Fr Joe McGeehan, Marija (Marie) Ivka (nee Sunich) Mercep, Marie Peters, Giuseppina Rovella, John Joseph Sesta, Patricia (Pat) Sievers.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and speedily deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies go to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located. Please help us service the region effectively and help prevent delays in response by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Sacramental gifts and many other religious items available at the shops, open before and after the Masses at Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s.
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
Uncollected envelopes have been returned to the Parish Office.
Please phone the office ph 56717388 we will send to your nominated church for collection, the following weekend. Thank you.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray the Divine Mercy and Rosary each day at 8:15 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
ANOINTING MASS - MASS OF HEALING FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
The next Healing Mass is 3/9/24, at 10 a.m, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament First Friday, 6/9/24, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 7/9/24 at 9 am - Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in, or you can bring in your ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join.
For further information, phone the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try? Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge” - It is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome. For more information and to enrol, please phone Cheryl at 5538 8821.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish -
Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish.
If you want her in your home and say the Rosary,
Please contact Maxine or Pat. For more information, please email: psela@bigpond.com
or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are:
19/08/2024 Helen & Thor Skjaerback Merrimac
26/08/2024 Helen & Thor Skjaerback Merrimac
02/09/2024 Bernadette Hensley & Family Arundel
09/09/2024 Bernadette Hensley & Family Arundel
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Thursday from 5-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church,
(40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise). Come along and read/study Break Open the Word
weekly from 5 pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries, please contact the Parish Office. surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
The meditation group meets in the Morris prayer room on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It would very much like to welcome new members. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesus de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please contact Grace. For more information please email:grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
HOMILY: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2234077357 - Pelican feeding its young with its own blood by piercing its body. Jesus Christ sacrificing himself for mankind religion symbol concept. - Photo Formats- Photo Contributor: funstarts33
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Homily: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.Year B - Sunday, 18 August 2024
Prologue: It is that wonderful time to come together and listen to God's word, to praise God and offer prayers to the Lord. This weekend, the readings speak of eating and drinking. There are clearly different types of food that we can eat, some are very good for us, and some are very unhealthy for us. Jesus is clearly speaking about receiving him in the Eucharist - in his Body and Blood. Our Lord is strongly teaching us to take in only that which is truly nourishing for our lives. Jesus offers us everything that is truly good and life-giving. His presence in the Eucharist, transforms, nourishes and strengthens us in our daily mission. His Gospel message and the values contained in his Word give us nourishment in our Spirit and our attitudes. Jesus offers us a diet of only the very best. Also, did you know there is an old Latin Hymn, "Adore Te Devote" by the Great theologian Thomas Aquinas, in which Our Lord Jesus is addressed (among other titles) as: "O Pelicanus" - (O Pelican !)- There is a beautiful symbolic reason for this, which I will explain in the homily...
++
In the readings this weekend, we hear of Jesus telling the crowd in no uncertain terms that he is offering himself to them in Eucharist, so that as they eat the bread and drink the chalice of Eucharist, they are taking in the presence and person of Jesus into their hearts and becoming united with Christ and his mission. Jesus wanted to make it quite clear that he wanted us to become living, cooperating and free instruments of his grace, and that this included receiving Eucharist so that we could be as closely united to Jesus in our lives and in our work as was even imaginable. What a profound and amazing gift Jesus gives to us.
I have a favourite example of a little everyday example of God’s grace… in something interesting.. I was looking around online for some piano music, and I came across some albums of George Gershwin, (1898 – 1937), the brilliant American composer and pianist. This album I came across was called “Gershwin plays Gershwin” - and I was intrigued. Since these “recordings” of his music were made between 1916 and 1933 and of course, sound recording was not at all “hi-tech” back then, I thought they would be scratchy and terrible, (even allowing for the modern digital restoration and enhancement techniques), But these recordings turned out to be as clear as if we were hearing them here and now……But, I asked myself, how was this possible???? How could this be perfectly clear but be the playing of the actual Gershwin?? The answer is, because Gershwin “recorded” in a technique that was (arguably) the forerunner of digital technology, yes, even way back in the 1920’s….. You see, he recorded his music on “piano rolls”... Paper rolls with little slots cut into them that exactly replicated his playing and were designed to be played back on a real piano; a “pianola” or the type. SO, these are effectively modern recordings of his own playing, amazingly experienced as he was playing the music in person.
I mention this example because the activity of God’s Holy Spirit through us humble mortals, has often been compared to the human breath being breathed into a finely tuned musical instrument. When the Holy Spirit fills us up and inspires our actions effectively, it is not like a scratchy, faded, old recording of a bygone event, but rather it is truly God’s gracious action, in and through his cooperating human instruments… here and now, for real, clear and effective…
In some ways, the sacraments are God’s perfect digital music…. God is really and truly touching us in and through his presence in his sacraments… not just a pale symbol or sign that harks back to a long-gone event, but a perfect and real re-presentation of God’s actual presence and action in and through the sacramental encounter. So, when Jesus gives us the Eucharist, the bread broken and the chalice poured out for us, this is truly the presence of Jesus in his Body and Blood. Not merely a scratchy copy, but the real thing, presented to us. We are asked to take in his body and blood in Eucharist, to be united with him, body and soul and to take in words in the Scripture and to become a finely tuned instrument through which God’s grace can be experienced here and now in this world and in this community. A true miracle, better than any human technology could ever achieve…
Another thought……..
When I was at the Seminary, we had the option to learn a little bit of Latin. A few of us felt that since this was a very important part of the tradition of the church, we should at least have an opportunity to have a grasp of it.
I am glad I did this… but really, how I learnt any Latin is a mystery of religion. It was so difficult. There were so many irregular verbs, and declensions… My mind boggled. And I would come to the classes feeling I had not put enough preparation into the next classes, so I would worry that I would not be able to answer any questions about it. Mysteriously, though, several things did seem to seep into my brain, (as if by a form of osmosis); That is, just by being immersed in the language of Latin, some things did stay with me…
For example, pronunciation stuck with me, and the general structure and basic vocabulary stayed with me. And also, a few phrases really struck me, some for various reasons…..
Our lecturer, Fr Michael McClure, would present us with old Latin hymns and get us to pronounce the Latin contained in these beautiful hymns…… I was intrigued one day when we were reciting an old hymn set to the words of Thomas Aquinas, a great Doctor of the Church…… It was a hymn to Jesus…. And the mysterious Latin words echoed out…. “O Pelicanus”…..
I thought to myself…. How odd…. That sounds like… it looks like Aquinas is saying to Jesus as “O Pelican” !!
How odd…. Surely I have mistranslated…. But no… I had not……. But why a pelican?….. why would a pelican be a symbol of Jesus??
And here lies an interesting story…..
The symbolism of a mother pelican feeding her little baby pelicans is rooted in an ancient legend. In ancient thinking, the humble pelican was believed to be very self-sacrificing to its young, especially in times of famine…..The mother pelican was seen to wound herself (it ‘vulns” herself; as in another Latin word from the same origin as the word ‘vulnerable,” that is, able to be pierced); striking her breast with her beak, to feed her young with her own blood, to prevent starvation. Another version of the legend was that the mother fed her dying young with her blood to revive them from death, but in turn lost her own life. This legend, as I mention, comes from a slight observational confusion….. A pelican feeds her young by regurgitating food that it has stored in its upper throat. This regurgitation occurs by the bird lowering and raising its neck repeatedly onto its breast; hence its actions look like it is piercing its own breast and a reddish fluid flows out which the young then feed from…… So, even though it is a misunderstanding, the symbolism is still clear and beautiful……
Given this tradition, one can easily see why the early Christians adapted it to symbolize our Lord, Jesus Christ. The pelican symbolizes Jesus our Redeemer who gave His life for our redemption and the victory over sin and death he made through His passion and death. We were dead to sin and have found new life through the Blood of Christ. Moreover, Jesus continues to feed us with His body and blood in the holy Eucharist.
This gospel today reminds me about this because Jesus is using very clear and very dramatic and quite stark words to explain how he intends to be made present to us and to allow us to draw life from him by partaking in Eucharist; which is clearly a sharing in the body and blood of Christ so that we might be united in Christ’s life.
Jesus had the problem of conveying the meaning of the Eucharist to his followers, and it was very hard… It is quite clear that he MEANT them to understand the dramatic reality of the action of the Eucharist, whilst at the same time not wanting them to be so repelled by the idea of eating flesh and blood…… Christ truly meant us to understand that in Eucharist we truly receive him in his body and his blood and become connected to him and his life.
All that matters, and I am forever grateful to my long-suffering Latin lecturer for this, is that Christ gives his life and body and all for us…. And Christ wants to enter into a relationship of faith and life with him that is so close that we are to be truly united with Christ, and that what we celebrate here in this Eucharist is the real and tangible expression of the life that we share with “God made flesh” - for the life of the world…….
The “Pelicanus”… whose chest was pierced, and his own life force flowed out… so that we might have life……
“Adoro Te Devote”
Verse 6.
Lord Jesus, Good Pelican,
wash my squalidness and clean me with your blood,
One drop of which can free
the entire world of all its sins.
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
https://btk.ppke.hu/uploads/articles/8528/file/6-1-10.pdf
Audio-CD. Gershwin Plays Gershwin. The Piano Rolls: Volume 1. "Rhapsody in Blue" By George Gershwin. Publisher: Nonesuch. (November 5, 1993). ASIN: B000005J1I. Reference Link: http://a.co/2fR2tCc - Portions used for the purposes of Review.
++++
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires conducting working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) or adults at risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or adults at risk.
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
Canticle of the Sun, St Francis of Assisi
In “Canticle of the Sun,” Saint Francis of Assisi praises God for some of the wonders of the material world. Francis believed that everything in the natural world was a gift from God and, as such, deserved to be appreciated and valued. Because of this, Francis refers to the sun, wind, air, and fire as his brothers and to the moon, stars, earth, water, and death as his sisters.
Be praised, my Lord,
For all your creatures,
And first for brother sun,
Who makes the day bright and luminous.
He is beautiful and radiant
With great splendor
He is the image of You,
Most high.
Be praised, my Lord,
For sister moon and the stars.
You placed them in the sky,
So bright and twinkling.
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
Because we have been called, formed, and nourished by Christ, our actions must accord with the great gifts we have received. Struggling for holiness daily means living in agreement with the promises made at baptism. (Eph. 5:15). God has given us living bread from heaven so we may live in Him forever. How may we give of ourselves so others may experience this gift of Christ?
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”John 6:56
This line from Scripture is what ultimately separates Catholics from our Protestant brothers and sisters.Jesus is really present in the bread and wine that are consecrated at Holy Mass.It is His actual body and blood that we consume.This is the greatest gift that we can receive.The Eucharist shows us how great of love that Jesus has for each of us.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, and generous, and accountable for what each has been given.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Respect truth wherever you find it
Our world is getting smaller. We rub elbows with people of many languages, cultures, and beliefs. Do we owe their unfamiliar creeds any respect? The church says we do. The 1965 Second Vatican Council “Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions” states: “The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions . . . . Let Christians, while witnessing to their own faith and way of life, acknowledge, preserve, and encourage the spiritual and moral truths found among non-Christians, also their social life and culture” (no. 2).
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
AUGUST 20 - M - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux., abbot and doctor of the Church
“There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity. Some seek knowledge to be known by others; that is Vanity. Some seek knowledge to serve; that is Love.”
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
“Many of those who are humiliated are not humble. Some react to humiliation with anger, others with patience, and others with freedom. The first is culpable, the next harmless, the last just.”
“What we love we shall grow to resemble.”
“Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. They may change the appearance, perhaps even the conduct, but never the object of supreme desire... Fear is the motive that constrains the slave; greed binds the selfish man, by which he is tempted when he is drawn away by his lust and enticed (James 1:14). But neither fear nor self-interest is undefiled, nor can they convert the soul. Only charity can convert the soul, freeing it from unworthy motives.”
“The wise man, therefore, will see his life as more like a reservoir than a canal. The canal simultaneously pours out what it receives; the reservoir retains the water till it is filled, then discharges the overflow without loss to itself ... Today, many in the Church act like canals, the reservoirs are far too rare ... You too must learn to await this fullness before pouring out your gifts, do not try to be more generous than God.”
“A saint is not someone who never sins, but one who sins less and less frequently and gets up more and more quickly.”
“What I know of the divine science and holy scripture, I learnt in the woods and fields.”
Blessed," he says, "are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Mt 5:9). Consider carefully that it is not the people who call for peace but those who make peace who are commended. For there are those who talk but do nothing (Mt 23:3). For just as it is not the hearers of the law but the doers who are righteous (Rom 2:13), so it is not those who preach peace but the authors of the peace who are blessed.”
“To shame our sins He blushed in blood; He closed His eyes to show us God; Let all the world fall and know that none but God such love can show” ― Bernard of Clairvaux.
St. John of the Cross
"They say, "God told me", or "God replied to me". And yet most of the time they are talking to themselves."
SAINT ROSE OF LIMA -
"If only mortals would learn how great it is to possess divine grace, beautiful, noble, and precious. How many riches it hides within itself, how many joys and delights! No one would complain about his cross or troubles that may happen to him if he would come to know the scales on which they are weighed when they are distributed to men."
"Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven."
"When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbours, because in them we serve Jesus." .
THE POPE
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 165469181-Vatican City, Rome, Italy - Pope Francis on the popemobile. Photo Contributor-neneo
Pope Francis on Compassion:
"The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness."
"A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just."
"Too often we participate in the globalization of indifference. May we strive instead to live global solidarity."
"Let us care for one another and let us be loving custodians of creation." (2nd Tweet as Pope)
"Kindness is firm and persevering intention to always will the good of others, even the unfriendly."
"We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace."
"We will never be disillusioned or lose our way if we are guided by God."
"We all have the duty to do good."
"Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason."
Commitment To Child Safety and adults at risk
(please see pages further below…)
Each Parish in the Archdiocese of Brisbane has a Local Safeguarding Representative who is responsible for:
Making sure that the whole parish is aware of the importance of safeguarding children and Adults-at-risk
Promoting safe practices including articulating for others what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour; and
Assisting the Parish Priest and staff in the implementation of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children and Adults-at-risk Policy in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Children & Adults-at-risk Prevention & Protection Policy can be found at: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/support/safeguard
WAYS TO REPORT A SAFEGUARDING INCIDENT OR CONCERN OR TO GIVE FEEDBACK REGARDING SAFEGUARDING
Here is how you can report an incident or concern, or contact someone to talk about a safeguarding matter or get more information:
Talk to the police (Emergency: '000' Non-emergency: 131 444) or KidsHelpLine (1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au)
Through the anonymous STOPline (1300 304 550 or AOB@stopline.com.au)
talk to our Local Parish Safeguarding Representative
Fill out a Safeguarding Incident Report and send it to safeguarding@bne.catholic.net.au or GPO Box 282 Brisbane Qld 4001
VOLUNTEERS - Parish Ministries, Groups etc.
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has implemented standards of conduct for voluntary church workers to maintain a safe and healthy ministry environment. Our commitment to these standards requires that we have a record of your Blue Card and conduct background referencing for all who intend to engage in voluntary ministry, having direct and regular involvement with children, young people and adults at risk
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has the following safeguarding training packages, Safeguarding Induction, Applied Safeguarding Training and Training for Local Safeguarding Representatives, which can be viewed here https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/safeguarding-training
BLUE CARD - ‘No Card, No Start’
Individuals must have a valid blue card before starting paid work or volunteering. All card holders must apply to renew their blue card before it expires to continue working/volunteering. If an individual lets their card expire, they must cease work until they obtain a new valid blue card. For further information about the Blue Card Application process, please click here >>
SEE ALSO
‘Police Check’ can now be completed online using InterCheck. Volunteers can do this via the Volunteer Portal http://archbne.org/welcome which will inform you whether you need a Police Check for your service.
Acknowledgement of Country -
This is Kombumerri Country, the traditional custodian of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold our Indigenous people's memories, traditions, culture and hopes. We pay tribute to those who have contributed to the community's life in many ways. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (See further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 24”
An ancient medieval practice that developed in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk at the yearly epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
This means that 2000 years ago, after Christ’s birth, Wise Men visited and gave homage to the Lord and were welcomed into the hospitality of the Holy Family’s abode. We dedicate the present year of this century, ‘24, to the protection of the Lord. May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Bathasar and Melchior, the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling place.”
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment