St. Louis Catholic Church and Covenant School

St. Louis Catholic Church and Covenant School
7270 SW 120th Street • Pinecrest, FL 33156 • Church/School: 305-238-7562 • FAX: 305-238-6844
Web site: www.stlcatholic.org • information@stlcatholic.org • covenantschool@stlcatholic.org
Seventeenth Sunday In Ordinary Time/ C
July 28, 2013
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Young Adult Group
Are you a young adult? Do you have questions about the
faith? What is the Mass? What are sacraments? What is the
Eucharist? Come learn more about your faith with other young
adults.
We have restarted the young adult group for ages 18-28. We
will discuss topics about how to grow in our faith and have
social outings. We meet in the Youth Center at 7:00 PM
every Thursday.
If you have any questions please contact Stacy Lopez:
(305) 498-7465 or stacylo32@hotmail.com
Celebrating 50 Years of Living Stewardship
School Principal
Mr. Edward Garcia
BAPTISMS (Infants - 5 yrs. old)
In English the 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sunday
when there is a 5th Sunday. Please call
the Office TWO months in advance.
Book and Gift Center
Pray for the Sick
Daphne Abraham
Monty Abraham
Pablo Arevalo
Isabel Avila
Alejandro Baldelomar
Verónica Bermudez
Jeannette Bernard
Daisy Bernardo
Rosa Maria Bestard
Maria Eugenia Bolaños
Gudrun Brandl
Giana Brendeke
Jerry Byrne
Joanne Calfo
Angelita Castillo
Dolly Chirino
Sandra Chung
James Clark
Rosemary Clark
Dominick Columbro
Michael Connor
Aramis Cruz
Cici Culverhouse
Olga Del Valle
Luis DeVarona
Alba Díaz
Lorraine Ditzel
Danilo Dominguez
Vincent Evans
Mary Alice Fleming
Mary Glynn
Richard Goethel
Doris Green
Marjorie Gross
Daisy Guerrero
Dorothy Haiduven
Joan Hawk
Alyse Hernández
Salvador Hernández
Andrés Hidalgo
James Houck
Kate Y. Houghton
Carole Howard
Gabriela Imbimbo
Irene Johnson
Lázaro Junco
PASTORAL HISPANA
Misa en Español
Los domingos - 8:15 AM, 7:15 PM
Los miercoles - 7:00 PM
Bautismos - En Español el último
domingo del mes. Favor de llamar a la
oficina con DOS meses de anticipación.
Matrimonio - Favor de llamar a la
Oficina con SEIS meses de anticipación.
Hora Santa -Tercer jueves de cada
mes en la Capilla a las 7:30 PM.
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305-238-7562 X7029
Mary Ann Kerr
Gerry Knowlan
Robert Kopp
Pat Krupczak
Joseph Kuethe
Helen Labime
Josh Lane
Esperanza Lara
Genaro Llave
Evelyn López
Manolito López
Isabel Luperón
John Mangialetto
Harrison Margulies
Jane McKeon
Kathleen Magrath
Luis Magallanes
Wendy McLendon
Reinaldo Melendez
Angela Mitchell
Elizabeth Moreira
Paula Moore
Michael Mulsford
Ana Carolina Nacif
Greg Page
Gladys Patiño
Michael Pavloff
Jim Petee
Peter Pick
Javier Piñeda
David Pritchard
Karen Pegues
Dinorah Rangel
Shawn Rice
Rolando Rodríguez
Clara Romero
Graciela Rosas
Nicola Roxby
Josephine Sánchez
Jimmy Sarandis
Claudia Schaefer Jones
John Shubeck
Joseph Schneider
Jorge Theye
Toribio Tijerino
Isah Marie Tomas
Chris Warren
Aurora Van de Waters
Josefina Vidal
Concepción Villaborres
David Young
Nick Zwatney
We are in the process of updating the prayer list for ill members of the parish.
Names will remain on the list for 2 months unless you notify us to remove a name
sooner. If a name is removed in error please notify the office to have it reinstated.
To provide the Eucharist at home for ill parish members or family,
Call Pedro Valentin at 305-251-7335 or the parish office at 305-238-7562.
Si estas enfermo o impedido de asistir a la Misa y deseas recibir la Comunión en tu casa, puedes comunicarte con Adriana Morales, 305-969-0960.
Ministry to
The Sick
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
r a n ce
Director of Music
Mr. Juan Salazar
MATRIMONY
Please contact the parish office at least
six months prior to the proposed date.
Saturday
of F
Director of Youth Ministry
Mr. Mark Witkowski
RECONCILIATION
(Confessions)
Saturday:3:30 - 4:30 PM
7:30 - 8:30 PM
Anytime by appointment
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
g
in
Director of Religious Education
Mrs. Jeannie Modroño
Sunday:(English)
5:30 PM (Sat. Vigil)
7:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM
12:30, 5:30 PM
(Español)
8:15 AM, 7:15 PM
6:30 AM Monday - Friday English
8:30 AM Monday - Saturday English
7:00 PM Miércoles – Español
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
F
Parochial Vicars
Rev. Biju Vells
Rev. Fredy Yara
Rev. Michael Kish (vicar emeritus)
Deacons
Deacon Vincent McInerney
Deacon John Peremenis
Deacon John Green
Deacon Thomas Hanlon
Deacon Alex Lam
Deacon Bob Yglesias
Deacon Jeff Reyes
Deacon George Labelle
Deacon José Villena
HOLY EUCHARIST (MASS)
The Pa
ris
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PASTORAL STAFF
Pastor
Rev. Paul Vuturo
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rest, Flori
da
Baptisms
LIAM JOAQUIN GILSON
son of Michael & Carolian Gilson
TIFFANY ANN GOMEZ
daughter of Guillermo & Nelly Gomez
Remember the Departed
Edward Wong
German Parra
Delia Lopez
Camillus Casserole
Project
Backpack
Drive
Baked Chicken
due for drop off
August 7
in the circular driveway from
7 AM - 9 AM &
5 PM - 6:30 PM
Contact: June England
305-235-7257 or
786-493-0881
juneengland@gmail.com
for question and /or pans.
Go to http://stlcatholic.org/
parish-ministries/camilluscasserole-project/
to download the recipe.
The Humanities Ministry will be providing
Backpacks full of supplies to children in the
Homestead Area and others. Your donations of
school supplies are most welcome during the
months of July and August.
Boxes will be placed outside the Church in the
vestibule area for the collection of all supplies.
We will be sorting and packing on August 10 in the
Family Center from 9 AM - 2 PM.
Thanks and God Bless you.
Are you ready for the FIRE?
August 5 - 9 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Speaker: Jim Murphy
Praise and Worship, Teaching, Healing Prayer
St. Louis Covenant School
Our parish school has openings for the 20132014 school year. We cordially invite you to
consider sending your child/children to our
wonderful school. The Covenant School is
fully accredited through the Florida Catholic
Conference and offers education for grades PK2
through 8th grade. The school offers a vibrant
Catholic spirituality, top-notch education, after
school sports and activities all within a warm and
welcoming family community.
We currently have a limited number of openings.
If you would like further information, kindly contact
the school office at: 305-238-7562 X 7025 or
covenantschool@stlcatholic.org
Summer Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9 AM - 1 PM
until the school year begins.
Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th Grade
Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th Grade
Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th Grade • Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th Grade
Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th Grade • Covenant School News Pre-K2 - 8th Grade
Last chance to take advantage of early discount fee
$95.00 for 1 child, $45.00 each additional child prior to August 1st
$135.00 for 1 child, $45.00 each additional child after August 1st
Registration Now Open For
School Year 2013-2014
Baptism Certificate Required for All New Students
Certificado de Bautismo Requerido para Todos los Nuevos Estudiantes
For Schedule of Classes, Registration Form, Fees, Curriculum, etc.
please go to our website at www.stlcatholic.org or contact us at:
favor de contactarnos en nuestra página Web www.stlcatholic.org o puede llamarnos a
Office of Religious Education
305-238-7562, Ext 7017 (Monday - Thursday) or ccd@stlcatholic.org
Oficina de Educación Religiosa, 305-238-7562 Ext. 7017 (lunes - jueves) o ccd@stlcatholic.org
CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade • CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade
CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade
CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade
CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade • CCD News Kindergarten - 6th Grade
For more information
contact our Youth Minister
markw@stlcatholic.org or
305-238-7562 Ext. 7016
stlcatholic.org
For more information
contact our Youth Minister
markw@stlcatholic.org or
305-238-7562 Ext. 7016
stlcatholic.org
Stuebenville Retreat 2013
stlcatholic.org/parish-ministries/youth-ministry/
Rock the Universe &
Night of Joy
Summer Life
9th - 12th Grade Students
9th - 12th Grade Students
When: Friday - Sunday, September 6th – 8th,
Where: Orlando, FL
Cost: $225 + Food
Cost includes: 1 ticket each to Night of Joy &
Rock the Universe, Transportation, Lodging
Cost does not include: Food (4 meals at the
hotel, 2 at the parks, 2 on the road). Register at
stlcatholic.org/parish-ministries/youth-ministry/
R.O.C.K.
7th - 8th Grade Students
Registrations are open for our 7th – 8th grade
youth group. We gather every Tuesday in the
Assembly Hall. The students experience a variety
of activities designed to help them spiritually,
socially, physically, and emotionally. Typical
meetings include games, skits, music, talks, and
small group discussions of the topic presented
that night. Topics range from Catholic doctrine
to spiritual and social issues relevant to a middle
schooler’s life and development. Go to our
website to download the registration form.
High school Youth Group meets every
Wednesday from 7:45 PM to 9:00 PM in the
Lecture Hall. Meetings consist of gathering,
opening prayer, live music (Christian rock and
praise music), topic presentations, small group
discussion time, and closing prayer. We go
to Dairy Queen after the meeting to hang out.
Students need their own transportation to and
from Dairy Queen.
Confirmation Year 2
9th Grade Students
Register online now to join us in September
Wednesday or Sunday for Confirmation Year
2 classes. You can choose which day is better
for your family. Wednesday’s class is from 7 PM
– 7:30 PM followed by attendance to New Life,
our high school youth group, which runs from
7:45 PM – 9:30 PM in the Lecture Hall. Sunday’s
class is from 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM followed by
attending the 5:30 PM Mass as a group. Go to
our website to download the registration form.
Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade • Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade
Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade • Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade
Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade • Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade
Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade • Youth Ministry News 7th - 12th Grade
A New Spiritual Springtime
Lectio Divina
Ultimately, Lectio Divina is a path that leads those who believe in Him to knowledge of Him, to
unity in Him, to the fruitfulness and freedom of being “[b]orn, not of blood nor of the will of the
flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13)
“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has
granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own
glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these
you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine
nature. For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and
knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness
with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these things are yours and abound, they keep you
from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these things is
blind and shortsighted and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be the more
zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for
you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:2-11)
© Bohn E. Phillips
Catholic Bible Fellowship
Each year our ministry offers a journey into the Word of God. With the
help of the Holy Spirit we learn the story of God and His children. From
Genesis to Revelation God’s Word takes us from the beginning of Creation
to God’s final destination for man, His eternal kingdom.
Along the way we read the accounts of other spirits who are messengers,
guides, guardians, helpers and teachers. They are called angels. Most of
the books of the Bible mention these pure spirits. This year’s study has
gathered those scattered passages together to discern the truth God has revealed to us about angels. In addition
we will be drawing from St. John Paul II's 1986 catechetical series on the angels, the Catechism of the Catholic
Church and other official documents as well as consult the early Church Fathers.
We are pleased to offer:
A Scriptural Study of Angels
For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways. Ps 91:11
o 25 week study includes 10 weeks “Entertaining Angels” and 15 weeks “Angels throughout the ages”.
o Commentaries and Workbooks
o Weekly video lectures by Fr. Mitch Pacwa.
o Cost of materials $49.95
Beginning: Wednesday evening, Sept. 25th, 7:30 PM
Thursday morning Sept. 26th, 9:30 AM (Child care Provided)
Sign ups after all Masses Aug. 3/4 and 10/11
Wed night Study: Marie Rhugnanan, mbirdie@hotmail.com, 305-255-7593
Thurs. morning Study: Joan McCaffery, joanfmccaffery@aol.com, 305-595-3351
Cenaculo Contemplativo De La Divina Misericordia
Les invita a un encuentro
profundo y personal con Jesús,
contemplando la Imagen de
Jesús de la Divina Misericordia
a una noche de sanación interior
Con el Padre Fredy Yara Martes,
13 de agosto, a las 8:00 PM,
en la capilla.
Para más información contactar:
María de los Ángeles Expósito ocv
E/mail: misericordia7@live.com o
Cell: 786-326-7969
Only One Hour
Our Lady adored Jesus from the very first moment of conception through the Holy Spirit in
her womb to the end of her earthly life when she was assumed into Heaven. She continued her earthly
adoration throughout Jesus earthly life. The early Church Fathers wrote that after Jesus ascended into
Heaven, St. John, the beloved Apostle, would have provided the Eucharist for Our Lady as he cared
for her. If Our Lady spent most of her days and nights in Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
can we not as parishioners come face to face with our Creator in the Adoration Chapel?
To sign up for an hour e-mail us at peastl@bellsouth.net or call 786-242-0481.
50th Anniversary News
For half a century the St. Louis Community has had
a positive influence in this community far beyond
the confines of parish membership. Part of the
Anniversary year celebration will be a 5K Run – 1K
for each 10 years – on Saturday, October 26th.
The sponsorship levels are:
Platinum $1500,00
Gold $1000,00
Silver $500.00
Bronze $250.00
Each sponsor will have their name on the race
application and race t-shirt. The Platinum sponsor
will also have their logo on the application and
the t-shirt. Please consider supporting this
event. On behalf of our parish community I want to thank
you for your support and kindness over the years.
50th Anniversary
Jubilee Choir
Calling all singers,
16 - 106 years old!
We are forming a Jubilee Choir
for our 50th Anniversary Mass on
Saturday, November 23. We will
be having a concert at 4:30 PM with
Mass to follow at 5:30 PM.
We will begin rehearsals in August
and desire singers who were
previously in the choir or new to the
choir.
Please call or e-mail Juan to join
this Jubilee Choir.
(305) 496-6840 or
juan@stlcatholic.org
Dear Parishioners of Saint Louis:
In the name of all the members of Totus Tuus, I want to thank all of you for your generous
donation. It is through your support that God is able to continue to change the lives of his little
ones who are under our care.
Let us now think about the children whom you help through Totus Tuus. These children, who are afflicted in
different ways both spiritually and physically, are relieved of their pain and suffering thanks to your generosity
and kindness. No act of devotion on the part of you, faithful donor, gives God more pleasure than that which is
lavished on his poor. Where he finds charity with its loving
concern, there he recognizes the likeness of his own fatherly
love. This picture is a drawing done by our Children.
Please includes us in your daily prayers and be assured of
our prayers for all of you.
Your Brother in Christ,
Mauricio Torres
14955 SW 48 terr. # E
Miami, FL 33185
Stay Connected With Us!
www.facebook.com/STLCatholic
twitter.com/STLCatholic1
stlcatholic.org/homilies-from-the-pastor/
stlcatholic.org/live-feed/
Mass Intentions, Saints and Readings for the Week
Intenciones de la Misa, Santos y Lecturas para la Semana
Sunday/domingo
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jul.28th
Gn 18: 20-32; Col 2: 12-14; Lk 11: 1-13
7:00 am
+ Recently Deceased/Bereavement Ministry
8:15 am
+ Fernando Tolosa/St. Louis Parish Staff
9:30 am
+ Mary Jane Renuart/Cindie Blank
+ Maria Lucy Morales/Cindie Blank
11:00 am
St. Louis Parish Family/Parish Priests
Carlos Lafaurie/Tom & Kiki Lopez
12:30 pm
Salvador López/Carlos & María Teresa López
5:30 pm
Bebé Lasa - In Thanksgiving
+ Roseline Antoine/Loving Family
7:15 pm
Pablo Camelo/Elvira Galindo
Eliandro García/Antonia Hernández
Monday/lunes
St. Martha
Jul. 29th
Ex 32: 15-24, 30-34; Jn 11: 19-27
6:30 am
+ Souls in Purgatory
8:30 am
Tom & Kiki López - In Thanksgiving
Tuesday/martes
St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop-doctor
Jul. 30th
Ex 33: 7-11; 24:5-9, 28; Mt 13: 36-43
6:30 am
+ Souls in Purgatory
8:30 am
Michael Manhatton/Tom & Kiki López
+ Isabella Rojassuso/Nana Londoño
Wednesday/miércoles St. Ignatius of Loyola, priest
Jul. 31st
Ex 34: 29-35; Mt 13: 44-46
6:30 am
+ Michael Manning/Hacker Family
8:30 am
Erin & Aurora Connell - Special Intention
+ Robin Bailey/Tom & Kiki López
7:00 pm
Lope Delgado/Carlos & María Teresa López
+ Carlos Estrada/Loving Family
Thursday/jueves
St. Alphonsus Liguori, bishop-doctor
Aug. 1st
Ex 40: 16-21, 34-38; Mt 13: 47-53
6:30 am
Carmen Mello - Happy Birthday
+ Jaime Blades/Aitken Family
8:30 am
+ Guillermo Noguera/Amalia Noguera
Yamil Tabrave/Tom & Kiki López
Friday/viernes
St. Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop St. Peter Julian Eymard, priest
Aug. 2nd
Lv 23: 1, 4-11, 15-16,27, 34-37; Mt 13: 54-58
6:30 am
+ Souls in Purgatory
8:30 am
+ Rita Dubouched/Silvia Castellvi
Ana Cesuso/Nana Londoño
Saturday/sábado
Aug. 3rd
Lv 25: 1, 8-17; Mt 14: 1-12
8:30 am
Special Intention
5:30 pm
+ Dora Romero/Loving Family
Sunday/domingo
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Aug. 4th
Eccl: 2; 2: 21-23; Col 3: 1-5, 9-11; Lk 12: 13-21
7:00 am
Mass for Life/Respect Life Ministry
+ Violet Chance/Loving Family
8:15 am
+ Fernando Tolosa/Pilar Carson
9:30 am
In Thanksgiving - Parish Staff
11:00 am
St. Louis Parish Family/Parish Priests
+ Carlos Estrada/Loving Family
12:30 pm
+ Miguel Benitez/Loving Family
Special Intention - Gaspard Family
5:30 pm
+ Reggie Sermersheim/Miriam Columbro
7:15 pm
+ Domanticantonio De Bonis/Giordani Family
Next Week’s Schedule
MASS
5:30 pm
7:00 am
8:15 am
9:30 am
11:00 am
12:30 pm
5:30 pm
7:15 pm
ALTAR SERVERS
Schue/Debs
--
Steiner/Felipe
DeFerrari/Martin
Lyden/Lagos
Bauta/Fuertes
Vega/Christian
Chuy/López
LECTORS
Loffredo/Díaz
Sánchez/Pattinson
Alvarados
Ball/Ratcliffe
Cervantes/Rodríguez
Bauta/Clements
Youth
Rotulos
VOCATION CHALICE*
Stephen Porter (786-837-4117)
Lourdes Manning (305-245-4423)
Zoraida Torres (305-270-7936)
Bob & Pat Desbiens (305-251-8988)
Lauren Chue-Sang (305-233-9494)
Milagros Marrou (305-234-2729)
Miriam Columbro (786-430-0302)
Oriele Joya-Lobaton (786-488-4298)
The Nursery
is OPEN every
Sunday for the
9:30 and 11:00
AM Masses.
*These are the persons in charge of the scheduling of the Vocation Chalice for the respective Mass. Please call them.
10
Save the Date
You are cordially invited.
50th Jubilee
Anniversary Mass
Saturday, November 23, 2013
at 5:30 PM
This will be our only Mass of the weekend.
Bank United Center
at the University of Miami
1245 Dauer Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
4:30 PM Concert with all of our choirs,
singers, dancers and musicians.
5:30 PM Mass celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski
11
Jubilee Events
Join us as we continue to celebrate
our 50th Jubilee year!
August 5-9 Five Nights of Fire
Jim Murphy will return to lead us in five nights
of teaching and worship.
August 10/11 Bumper Sticker Weekend
Fr. Paul will distribute our new MAGNETIC
bumper sticker with the winning logo you chose
with our survey!
August 24/25 we will celebrate our Feast of St. Louis and
have our long awaited History Museum.
October 25 Handbell Choir Concert
October 26 5K Run (1K for each 10 years)
November 23 Concert at 4:30 PM to celebrate 50 years
of inspiring music. We will have our Jubilee
Choir, Children’s Choir, Cantors, Singers,
Dancers, Musicians as well as the Sunday
night 5:30 PM Music Ministry perform.
Midnight Musings / Pensamientos de Media Noche
Royal Birth
El Nacimiento Real
The birth on Tuesday of His Royal Highness, the
Prince of Cambridge, third in line to the British throne,
made headlines around the world: the newest member of
the royal family, an heir to a kingdom, a great grandson
of a queen. With much less heraldry and fanfare, every
Sunday we celebrate even more important royal births, as
children are reborn in Baptism: members of God’s family,
heirs to an eternal kingdom, beloved children of God the
Father. The love of William and Kate gave birth to the
new baby; God’s children are born again of water and the
Spirit. Not a physical birth, but a spiritual, eternal birth
makes Christians members of the divine, the most royal
family of all.
The little Prince-ling can claim a colorful, historical
lineage all the way back to William I (William the Conqueror,
a decidedly non-British invader in 1066); the new baby is
William I’s 25th generation grandchild! In the Christian
Church God has no grandchildren. All believers call God
their immediate Father, with no intervening generations.
Each royal child in God’s kingdom knows personally the
love of the God the Father, the divine”Abba,” who loves
each and all of his children, as if there were only one to
love (so explained St. Augustine in the fifth century).
If the new Prince lives long enough to outlive
his father and grandfather, he too shall become king.
The British monarch reigns but does not rule. Real
governance belongs to the Prime Minister and Parliament;
the royals have ceremonial duties, no real decisionmaking responsibilities. In God the Father’s kingdom, all
his royal children have real responsibilities in spreading
the kingdom by word and action. Children of the Father
must live as disciples of the Son.
But a caution to the new Prince: a royal birth to a
life of guaranteed royal privileges does not guarantee royal
happiness. Unhappiness, marital strife, insecurity have
marred the royal images of Princesses Margaret, Anne
and Diana, and the brother Princes Charles and Andrew.
Queen Elizabeth II called 1992 her “annus horribilis” or
“horrible year,” filled as it was with so much family strife.
Hopefully the baby Prince will grow to take seriously
his new birth as a child of God and heir of the eternal
kingdom. Hopefully he will learn and practice the values
of that kingdom to help him find happiness that royal
trappings cannot guarantee. Decades will pass before
he is anointed king. Much sooner he will be anointed in
Baptism with the gift of the Holy Spirit. May that Spirit
guide him and all of us royal sons and daughters of God
to his eternal kingdom.
El pasado martes fue el nacimiento
de su Alteza Real, el Principe de Cambridge,
tercero en línea de suceción al trono
Británico, que acaparó todos los titulares
alrededor del mundo: el nuevo miembro
de la familia real, el heredero del reino, el
biznieto de la reina. Con menos fanfarrea
y blasones, cada domingo celebramos
nacimientos mucho más importantes que los reales, cuando
los niños renacen en el bautismo: miembros de la familia de
Dios, herederos del reino eterno, adorados hijos de Dios Padre.
El amor entre Guillermo y Kate produjo el nuevo bebé; los hijos
de la familia de Dios son fruto del agua y el Espíritu. No es un
nacimiento físico, sino espiritual, nacimientos eternos hacen a
los Cristianos miembros de la divinidad, una familia real más
grande que todas.
El pequeño Principito puede reclamar su colorido e
histórico linaje hasta Guillermo I (Guillermo, el Conquistador,
el intrépido invasor no-británico de 1066); el nuevo bebé es la
vigésimoquinta generación de Guillermo I. Cada niño real en
el reino de Dios conoce personalmente el amor de Dios Padre,
el “Abba” divino, que ama a cada uno de sus hijos, como si
fuera uno a ser amado (como explica San Agustín en el quinto
siglo).
Si el nuevo Príncipe vive lo suficiente como para
sobrevivir a su padre y a su abuelo, será rey algún día. La
corona Británica reina pero no gobierna. El verdadero gobierno
pertenece al Primer Ministro y al Parlamento; los miembros de
la casa real tienen obligaciones, no responsabilidades de tomar
decisiones. En el reino de Dios Padre, todos sus hijos reales
tienen la responsabilidad de divulgar el reino con palabras y
hechos. Los hijos del Padre deben vivir como discípulos del
Hijo.
Pero una advertencia al nuevo Príncipe: un nacimiento
real con privilegios garantizados no garantiza una felicidad real.
El infortunio, las contiendas matrimoniales, las inseguridades
enturbiaron la imagen de las Princesas Margarita, Ana, y
Diana, y la de los hermanos Carlos y Andrés. En 1992, la reina
Isabel II lo llamó “annus horribilis” o sea “año horrible,” un
año lleno de tanta disputa familiar. Esperamos que el nuevo
Principe crezca bien y tome seriamente su nacimiento como
hijo de Dios y heredero del reino de los cielos. Esperamos que
aprenda y practique los valores de ese reino para que lo ayuden
a encontrar la felicidad que la trabas reales no le garantizan.
Pasarán unas cuantas décadas antes de que sea unjido como
rey. Mucho más pronto será unjido en el bautismo con el
don del Espíritu Santo. Que el Espíritu le guíe a él y a todos
nosostros, hijos e hiijas de Dios hacía el reino eterno.
Yours in Christ,
Suyos en Cristo,