special effects left 4 God

EASTER VIGIL @ Cathedral 8pm — a beautiful and event-filled Mass with lots of pictures (’cause it’s the last time I’ll be serving at it).

   

Sometime during the second reading, the power went out and we had to adjust rather quickly.  It was decided to cut out the “bells” (my job) during the singing of the Gloria because it may drown out the singing if the microphones and organ have no power.  Aside, Javier predicted the power would come back when I ran the bells.  I laughed it off until the power actually DID come back during the singing of the Gloria … so … the lights would have come back during the ringing of the bells!  … A wise seminarian reflected on the event after Mass and concluded it was a sign to remind us that “God is in charge of the special effects.”  — Amen!  

           

Beautiful Mass.  The Lord has Risen, Halleluia!

[Note: the last picture fulfills Ryan's prophecy: "Don't let Chris take your picture, or it will end up on his blog."  -- to complete an evening of fulfilled prophecies ... ]

last minor serving

CATHEDRAL — Since I’m graduating from St John Vianney College Seminary (minor) in Miami, FL and (God-willing) moving onto major seminary of St Vincent DePaul Regional Seminary in Boyton Beach, FL … I wanted to take a lot of pictures while serving my last “minor” Cathedral Mass on the Easter Vigil. 

Here is us seminarians getting vested in our cassock & surplice before Mass.
 

As “cross“, my first serving duty was to hold the tray for the Easter Candle blessing.  The items included nails, a knife, tongs for the charcoal fire, and a personalized candle for Archbishop Favalora (that Hector had something to do with).

here comes the sun

DOTS: vet + closet

Vocation talks @ AMHS

Yesterday (Monday) and today, we did “Vocation Talks” at Catholic high schools.  I, along with Nick and Fenley, spent the day at Archbishop McCarthy High School (AMHS) giving talks in theology classes about the vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life … mainly our personal testimonies of how we came to be in seminary.  There are about a dozen other seminary brothers doing the same thing at other Catholic high schools throughout the Archdiocese of Miami … all in an effort to promote Vocations.

The day was GREAT!  We were well received by all students and teachers with some excellent questions about vocations ranging from general to personal questions on our own discernment journey.  Each of us did about 8 to 10 talks throughout the day … I did fewer than the others cuz I spoke over my 10 to 15 minutes … … but we eventually covered all students of the school over the two day period.

We started the day off with Mass with Fr Chris Bartos.  Fairly new to giving our vocation testimonies, we were a bit nervous about sharing out life journeys, but managed to connect with the teenagers very quickly.  The questions ranged from the simple (like “Can you still play paintball when you become a priest?” — my most common questions of the day) to the more challenging (like “How do you know where you’ll be assigned when you become a priest?” and “Why would someone choose to be a diocesen priest over a religious priest?”) to the super personal (like “Are you afraid you may want to get married after becoming a priest?”).  We could definitely feel the attention they gave toward Catholic vocations in their thought provoking questions and comments.

Thank you to the Serra Club for arranging the talks and the staff at Archbishop McCarthy High School for their great hospitality … with extra-special thanks to Fr Chris Bartos and the students who walked us around the beautiful campus as our “guides” each day [there were more than just in the pictures].  They all helped to make it an effective experience and lots of fun!  — Thanks again!

An AWESOME day full of graces, blessings and growth in the Kingdom of God!  — Lunch in their new cafeteria was awesome too …

best brownie @ AMHS

The last couple of day, I was with a couple seminarian brother doing vocation testimonies about our journey to the seminary at Archbishop McCarthy High School (AMHS).  I’ll do another post about the actual talks, but wanted to post some pictures on the beautiful campus that I took walking around, most especially their new cafeteria.

Their chapel, in the center of the campus, has morning Mass everyday with Fr Chris Bartos @ 7:20am.  The chapel is absolutely beautiful [I posted more pictures of it during the summer when I was working with the summer school "Work Study Program"].

Their cafeteria was just finished and opened back in September and has an amazing selection of “5 star” food [with some "5 star" prices ... according to some kids], but is definitely a experience.  Subs, wraps, pizza, chicken, salads, desserts and lots more that I forgot.  Personally, I had their pizza one day and a turkey wrap the next … both delicious.  But what I will never forget … is the softest, moistest, chocolateyness, most delicious BROWNIE EVER!!

P.S.  Sorry Nick … for catching you in all the pictures :)

     

Walk for Life @ SJVC seminary

Today is the annual “Walk for Life” done throughout the US with multiple locations around the Archdiocese of Miami.  Our seminary was one of the locations.  The day began with Mass with Miami Auxiliary Bishop Noonan with a full Chapel.
   

don’t be a loser … commit

MASS - (Fr Santos) — Gospel about the beheading of John the Baptist.

There are 3 kinds of people in this world: (1) Runners avoid their problems, (2) Watchers sit on the fence; both avoid pain, hurt and becoming vulnerable when dealing with difficulties of life.  They lose out on triumph, victory and joy that (3) Those that Commit have as their reward.

more basketball

SPORTS NIGHT (take 2) — again, Sports Night was delayed … so no volleyball … I “played” basketball again … my calves are rock hard.
 

Salesian Spirituality

"Hey, that's St John Bosco!"

RECTOR’s CONFERENCE  – (Fr Alvarez) — for a change, our Vice Rector / Dean of Men did the conference for the whole house on Salesian Sprituality.  He shared some great personal experiences on St John Bosco, Salesian Spirituality, his “Preventative” System of Education (promote love over punishment), his 3 Pillars (reason, religion & kindness … also music and games), and some application to our lives & ministries.

Love is all important.  Be sure people feel loved.

Meet people where their at.  And yourself as well.

It’s a spirituality that helps us realize we need to have fun!

  

coco morning

It’s cold today … even at breakfast!  Hot chocolate for sure!

basketball + clean shoes

SPORTS NIGHT — since Sports Night was delayed (HS practice) until 9:30pm, not enough guys for volleyball.  The basketball players needed 1 more to make even teams, so I “played” (there must be a better word for what I did). 

Beforehand, I finally cleaned those dirty white shoes.

spiritual awareness + God alone suffices

MASS - (Fr Vallee) — No prophet is accepted in his home … Fr Omar laugh … Spirituality is about awareness … stay awake!

HOLY HOUR – (Fr Michael) – “God alone suffices”

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen.  — 1Peter 5:6-11

Haitian food night

CULTURAL FOOD NIGHT — tonight was Haitian food nite.  Great food, especially the pumpkin “freedom” soup!
  

diet: “More Priests Less #s” week #4

The new diet plan here at the seminary, “More Priest, Less Pounds,” (by Fr Jose Alvarez) is still in effect Week #4.  Some guys are getting results.  There are a lot more guys working out at our gym (and some local gyms).  — I’m starting to feel fat just being around all these health-nuts!
 

Superbowl Party @ SJVC seminary

SOCIAL – The Sophomore class was in charge of any AWESOME Superbowl Party.  Great game.  Great fellowship.  AWESOME FOOD (so much, I couldn’t take pictures of all if it … missed the chocolate bread pudding & ice cream).

At half-time, they brought out the killer casadias and chicken wings.  — “More Priests Less Pounds” diet is suspended tonight … in memory of all this food!

         

flag football @ SJVCS

SPORTS — before tonight’s Superbowl game, we played some flag-football.  — only minor injuries … wrists … knees … pride … etc.
     

Our Lady of Lebanon Church + Maronite Rite, Miami

Today we had Mass at Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church in Miami, of the Maronite Rite.  The liturgy was structured a bit differently.  My favorite part is the prayer of consecration said in the original Aramaic (that Jesus spoke) and Communion is distributed under both species, the Body dipped into the Blood and given on the tongue.

After Mass, we were warmly welcomed by the parishoners in their hall with lots to eat.  As visiting was a Rector of a seminary in Lebanon.  Since priest of the Maronite Rite can be married, we discussed some of the pros and cons with married vs celibate priests and dating in the seminary … among other things.
         

Metro Zoo + Coffee House

RECTOR’s SOCIAL TRIP — This month’s excursion was to Metro Zoo.  — A little too cold for me today.

SUPERBOWL SET-UP — lots of cooking happening the last couple days in preparation for tomorrow’s FEAST!  — TV setup.

COFFEE HOUSE — Evening @ the Pauline Book Store.  Full house until 11pm +.

China Buffet II

   

nite volleyball

SPORTS – after our Rector’s Conference, there was outdoor volleyball.  — Great time.