My mind was significantly shaped by mathematics, logic and informal debate. Thinking things through, stating a position and articulating the case for a position has been constant in my life. For some, the primary way of learning and communication is in the context of
Great Saint Philip Neri, you who wished
to live in a lowly station rather than to be advanced
to the highest dignities of the Church,
intercede for me that I may never seek after honors,
but may be content with that station in life
in which it has pleased Our Lord to place me.
My heart is too much preoccupied with the vain
and passing things of earth;
but you instilled this great maxim: 'And then?',
which brought about so many wonderful conversions,
obtain for me that this saying
may ever remain so firmly fixed in my mind
Heavenly Father,
you have given us the model of life
in the Holy Family of Nazareth.
Help us, O Loving Father,
to make our family another Nazareth
where love, peace and joy reign.
May it be deeply contemplative,
intensely eucharistic and
revived with joy.
Holy Guardian Angels,
be always with us,
guide and protect us.
Amen.
Deliver me, Lord Jesus Christ,
from all my iniquities and from every evil,
make me hold fast to Your commandments
and never allow me to be separated from You.
Amen.
Coming back to Taiwan as a second term lay missionary, I was very excited to go back to serve in the migrant ministry. I have a new assignment which is to help out in conducting the Chinese catechism class among the children of the Filipino immigrants. I was looking
O invincible defender of Holy Church's freedom
Saint Gregory of great renown,
by the firmness that you showed in maintaining
the Church's rights against all her enemies,
stretch forth from heaven your mighty arm,
we ask you, to comfort her and defend her
in the fearful battle she must ever wage
with the powers of darkness.
Do so, in a special manner, give strength
in this dread conflict to the venerable Pontiff
who has fallen heir not only to your throne,
but likewise to the fearlessness of your mighty heart;
Dear God, I spend so much time reliving yesterday
or anticipating tomorrow that I lose sight
of the only time that is really mine,
the present moment.
You give today one moment at a time.
That's all I have, all I ever will have.
Give the faith which knows that each moment
contains exactly what is best for me.
Give the hope which trusts You enough
to forget past failings and future trials.
Give the love which makes each moment
an anticipation of eternity with You.
We ask this in the name of Jesus
Lord, we thank You for our parents,
without whom we would not be here.
We thank You for their sacrifices,
the many they have made.
May they know the strength and comfort
of Your presence – and of ours.
Amen.
- By a Columban Missionary
O Lord Jesus Christ, who granted
to blessed Bernardine, Your Confessor,
a surpassing love for Your Holy Name;
we ask You by his merits and intercession,
graciously pour into our hearts
the spirit of Your love.
Who lives and reigns, with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end.
Amen.
A few months previous, his health started getting worse, and he needed to have an operation because there was a tumor on his neck. The doctor, his family and the staff told him many times that he should have the procedure, but in the end he decided not to go ahead
Missionary Society of St. Columban US