Last weekend, I was overjoyed to accompany an Italian family and their son’s school for a weekend trip to Gardaland - the Disneyland of Italy. Well, its a close as it gets. I had an enjoyable time because of the weather, the rides, and the company of people that I was with. When I returned, I came across a quote that I’m going to share with you. It caught my attention because of the names of amusement parks in Italian - Il Parco Divertimenti. This is a selection from the contemplative Thomas Merton who wrote on the human condition vigorously in the last century. Here he comments on man’s avoidance of solitude. “In reality, all men are solitary. Only most of them are so averse to being alone, or to feeling alone, that they do everything they can to forget their solitude. How? Perhaps in large measure by what Pascal called “divertissement” - diversion, systematic distraction. By those occupations and recreations, so mercifully provided by society, which enables a man to avoid his own company for twenty-four hours a day.” Our society does much the same and has ever so much more in the way of sophisticated tools for doing so. I share these thoughts as a reminded to myself and to all who enjoy reading when I get around to posting. Know that Jesus is there is your solitude! Take some time to be alone with Him, your Savior and God. Let his Word in the scriptures speak to you. Allow his Presence in the Blessed Sacrament to show you his love, because only then will you be able to follow his commandment. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:9-12)
May 2006
Sun 21 May 2006
Tue 2 May 2006
Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595) used to lead excursions to the four Major and three Minor basilicas of Rome, often with music and a picnic along the way as a cheerful means of instructing his penitents. In 1559, his famous “Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches” brought censure from Pope Paul IV (1555-1559) and a temporary suspension of all St. Philip’s works. In the same year, however, Pope Pius IV (1559-1565) restored him to favor. Today, friends of San Felipo gather to make the Seven-Church Walk in honor of the “Apostle of Rome” (customarily on Wednesday of Holy Week, “Spy Wednesday”.) Next group of photos will be coming soon - the infamous trip of the Regan family to visit their brother, son and grandson - me! - in Rome. God Bless!