May, 2016 - Militia of the Immaculata in the Midwest
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May, 2016 - Militia of the Immaculata in the Midwest
May 2016 Volume VII, Issue 5 MI Monthly Formation A Journey with 5 Ascension 8 Mother’s Day 15 Pentecost 22 Trinity Sunday 26 or 29 Corpus Christi (check with diocese) MI Monthly Intention Immaculata, please intercede… that free from any prejudice we may welcome our brothers and sisters in their uniqueness. Monthly intentions can be found at: http://www.miinternational.org/NEWS/publi c/ENG_Intentions2016.pdf National Center of the Militia of the Immaculata 1600 West Park Avenue Libertyville, IL 60048 847-367-7800, ext. 246 MI@consecration.com MissionImmaculata.com Consecration.com MI National President – Fr. Patrick Greenough, OFM Conv. The Immaculata Dear MI Members and Friends, It has been 20 years since I became the National President of the MI. It has taken me to the most amazing places from EWTN to sleeping under the stars in a pup tent in Tehachapi CA. I have met the most amazing and faithful people from all over the United States as well. And while all this might sound exciting and it was, the greatest journey was the interior journey with Our Lady. A journey of trust; a journey of patience; a journey sometimes in the dark and on unmarked roads. One should never worry however, "are we there yet?" or "where are we going?" Because on the interior, spiritual journey of Consecration, one never arrives. It is a never ending journey! One can always go deeper into union with Mary's Immaculate Heart. For just as She always contemplated the mysteries of God in Her Heart so there are always new and endless mysteries for us to contemplate in our own heart. In the end it does not matter where the journey takes us, as long as we hold Her hand and are united to Her Immaculate Heart. My hope is that each person in the MI holds on tightly to Our Lady's hand and opens their own heart to Her Immaculate Heart even more. Because it is not what we do that matters but what Our Lady does in us. It is our TOTAL Consecration to MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries her that enables Her to do and accomplish God's Will in the world through us. And every day is an opportunity to unite our hearts ever more closely, ever more perfectly, ever more faithfully, ever more lovingly, ever more Totally to Her Immaculate Heart. And that is what Total Consecration is all about. God bless. Fr. Patrick Greenough, OFM Conv (Photo of outgoing MI National Council: Fr. Stephen McKinley, Fr. Patrick, Peter Ptak, Christine Rossi, Br. Augustine Kelly, Ann O’Donnell) FIRST MI NATIONAL ELECTIVE ASSEMBLY to be held for the United States! June 3–5, 2016—Marytown. Election of the National President will be at 10:45 pm on Saturday June 4 followed by the election of Council Members and Board of Auditors at 2:00 PM. Fr. Raffaele Di Muro, OFM Conv, MI International President, will preside over the elections. Please pray! See prayer on page 2. Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 “The giving of oneself completely to the Immaculata in the spirit of the MI is a conscious and dynamic commitment to live the following of Christ after the example of Mary, to grow in faith, hope and charity in such a way as to put oneself at the service of His salvific mission.” The General Statutes Militia Immaculatae, Art. 3. May Reflection Let us welcome one another Prayer in Preparation for the MI National Elective Assembly O Immaculata, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, we gather around you in prayer as did the disciples in the Upper Room. Intercede for us that we might be aflame with the gifts of the Spirit as we prepare for our National Assembly and elections so that we might be your true instruments, consecrated to your Immaculate Heart. Amen. -composed by MI National Assistant, Fr. Stephen McKinley, OFM Conv. Unconditional acceptance of others characterizes Saint Maximillian’s spirituality. He let himself be led, by Christ and the Immaculata’s maternal presence, to an ever greater ability to love, which culminated in Auschwitz. Here’s a noteworthy quote, by the saint, “Hatred divides, separates and destroys, while, to the contrary love unites, brings about peace and is constructive. It is not strange then that only love manages always to render men perfect and, therefore, that only the religions that teaches love of God and neighbor can perfect men.” (KW 1205) The Polish martyr loved his enemies, even those who threatened his and his brothers’ lives. Writing to a German official, investigating the City of the Immacuata’s activity, just before his arrest, he expressed, “I want to emphasize that I do not feel hatred for anyone on this earth. The substance of my ideal is found in the enclosed printed material. What is there is mine: I want to work for that ideal always, to suffer and possibly MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Page 2 give up my own life in sacrifice. What instead is against that ideal is not mine, but comes from outside and therefore, according to my ability, I have fought it, I am fighting it, and will fight it forever. ” (KW 884) The saint nourished a universal love in his heart, free of prejudice and any trace of resentment. This meaningful address to his brothers shows this, “And now we continue and we will continue to fulfill the mission of love to our neighbor, whoever he is, to soften the fate of those who suffer and, through that, to kindle their hearts with a grateful love for the Immaculata, the Mother who loves all the souls on the entire globe.” (KW 914) The act of offering his life, in place of a father of a family in the concentration camp, didn’t just happen in an impulsive, generous moment. It resulted from a spiritual journey imbued with oblation, which climaxed at Auschwitz. Saint Maximilian's death was born of a life marvelously spent, in love and service of God, under the Immaculata’s protection. (Picture: Franciszek Gajowniczek, man for whom St. Maximilian offered his life.) In our opinion, the man of today, especially the one who believes in Christ, has an absolute need to draw on the example of Father Kolbe to rebuild or strengthen their capacity to love. Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 Page 3 The inhuman conditions of the concentration camp, the barbarity that took place in it, were illuminated by the unusual and heroic proposal of giving his life for a family man by the Polish martyr. His choice for love indicates the same light believers today are called to bear into the world, a world, in which all too often, prevails the desire to dominate. Saint Maximilian teaches that love is the real essence of the human person, what makes it noble, precious and more dignified. Charity, for him and ourselves, is the most important thing in life. By his act Kolbe affirms the beauty of the prisoner’s humanity and the love of God against the hatred and destruction of the camp. Saint Maximilian confirms to Christians and people today that it is vital to witness to love, to the point of giving up one’s life for another. In this sense, we are all called to be “Kolbean”, convinced and determined witnesses of charity, which prevails over evil and intolerance. Humanity finds full realization when it reflects the love of God. This is what the martyr of Auschwitz cries to the people of this century. For Reflection Meditate on these words of St. Maximilian, taken from an article from 1939, regarding the M.I. activity and the love it proposes its members to live. “These poor people, therefore need light, a great deal of supernatural light, of supernatural energy. They are unhappy and discontented, because they take as their ultimate goal what is only a means and therefore, after reaching the happiness to which they aspire, cannot find what they are looking for. And they continue to search with a dejected heart, with bitterness in their souls. How can we fail to reach out to them? How can we not help them placate their hearts, lift their minds above all the passes toward the one ultimate purpose, God? Love for one’s neighbor pushes those souls who have already found the true ideal of life not to forget their brothers and sisters around them. One of the many associations that practice this love of one’s neighbor is the Militia of the Immaculata. It is called 'of the Immaculata' because its members have given themselves without restrictions to the Most blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate, that she herself may work in them and, through them, shower other souls with the graces of supernatural light, strength and happiness, Moreover, it is called 'Militia' because it cannot afford to rest, but rather intends to conquer hearts for the Immaculata by way of love, and through her, for the Divine Heart of Jesus and, ultimately, for the heavenly Father. Are you already a member of the hosts of this Militia? Would you like to give a helping hand to your neighbors? Offer yourself up the Immaculata as well! Let her work through you and you shall disseminate much happiness on earth even during this our time. To many a restless soul, you will give peace and serenity in God.” (KW 1237). -Fr. Raffaele Di Muro, MI International President Translated by Antonia Velasco & Ann O’Donnell MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 Page 4 MI National News FIRST ELECTIVE ASSEMBLY for the MI to be held for the United States! June 3–5, 2016—Marytown. Please pray! See prayer composed by Fr. Stephen McKinley, OFM Conv on page 2. The Writings of St. Maximilian Kolbe in English! (Photo) Kolbe Writings display during MI Retreat at Marytown. There are many titles that could be used to describe the sainted author of these works: priest, friar, professor of philosophy and theology, publisher, polyglot, founder, missionary, mystic, suffering soul, and martyr of charity. Readers of this collection will be able to discover even more titles. It’s all here: personal meditations, outlines from talks, scientific speculations, plans for missionary expansion, concerns of a spiritual father, the pains of a publisher, profound reflections on the union of the Holy Spirit and Our Lady, and more. Blessed are we to have them! Fr. Pio Maria Hoffmann, CFR St. Crispin Friary, Bronx, NY Please send me The Writings of St. Maximilian Kolbe two volume set. ___________ Sets ($95.00/Set + $15.00 S&H = $110.00/set) $___________ Total Enclosed Make check payable to Marytown Press Illinois residents add 7% sales tax ($6.65/set) Marytown Press • 1600 W. Park Ave • Libertyville, IL 60048 •CALL 800-743-1177 Marytown, MI National Center Libertyville, IL National MI Youth & Young Adults Leadership Positions Open Leadership positions are open for MI Youth & Young Adults – National Director, National Coordinator and National Core Team. We are looking for candidates who are grounded in the spirituality of St. Maximilian Kolbe and experienced in MI Youth ministry, and who enjoy working with youth and leading them to the Sacred Heart through the Immaculate Heart! The National Coordinator is a salaried position; all others are on a volunteer basis. To find out more about these positions contact the MI Youth Interim Team at mi.interim.team@gmail.com MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 Page 5 MI Monthly Gathering for Adults Third Saturday of the month, 10:00-11:45 AM followed by noon Mass. Meet other MI members and join in prayer, reflection on the MI monthly intention, dialogue and apostolate, update and planning. (photo) New consecrants of the Immaculata. Participants of the MI Marian Retreat for Adults April 22-24 MI Midwest Kansas City, MO http://www.consecration-midwest.org Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows – A Perpetual Pilgrimage Site Shrine of Our Lady of Snows, Belleville, Illinois Retreat (verb): to withdraw to a quiet, secluded place for prayer, meditation, and spiritual instruction. May 13 -15, 2016. We will stay at the Shrine Hotel, with meals at the hotel restaurant. Cost: $25 for the retreat + room and board. Call Christine Rossi at 913-268-0208 MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 Page 6 MI Village News Escondido, CA Militia Immaculata First Saturday Family Rosary at the Park Joe & Sue O’Donnell Please join us as we gather to pray for our families, church, country and schools. When:May 7 Where: Kit Carson Park Time: 2pm-4pm After 2pm rosary all is welcome to play ball... and have a social snack together. BYO: Snack to share, soccer balls, footballs .... Modesto, CA St Joseph Church http://www.stjmod.com/outreachministries.html MI Adult Prayer Village MI Family Village Immaculada Espanol MAY CROWNING OF MARY Calling all children in our Parish to Crown Mary on Saturday, April 30th at the 5:30pm Mass. Houston, TX MI "Domus Mariae" Village http://www.midomusmariae.com West Haven, UT MI Families of the Immaculata Village St Mary’s Catholic Church www.stmary.org 1st Sunday 12:30PM On Divine Mercy Sunday we prayed the Mysteries of Mercy, followed by a small group discussion on the Year of Mercy icon commissioned by the Institute on Religious Life. In May, we will continue our viewing of the DVD entitled "Conversion" by Bishop Robert Barron, as well as organize both the parish May Crowning on Mother’s Day, which will include the praying of a multi- language rosary, and the parish's observance of the Diocesan 40 Hours of Adoration for Vocations program. Fr. Kolbe Missionaries West Covina, CA www. kolbemision.org/en fkmissionaries@gmail.com 626/917-0040 www.kolbemission.org/en MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 Page 7 May Calendar 4 MI Spanish Village, 9-1PM 6 Eucharistic Adoration, 4-9PM “Saintly Success” - Young Adults, 7:30PM 7 First Holy Communion Retreat, Wilmington 12 “Saintly Success” - Young Adults, 7:30PM 13 Teens to the MAX 14 Yard Sale World Youth Day Presentation, 6PM 19 “Saintly Success” - Young Adults, 7:30PM 22 Families to the MAX, 2-5:30PM - May Crowning 26 “Saintly Success” - Young Adults, 7:30PM 30 30th Annual MI Family Picnic Schabarum Park Rowland Heights, CA 10-5PM Join the Family Fun! UPCOMING July 8 College Age Leader Overnight July 9 MI Teen Day July 25-Aug 1 World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland NOTRE DAME MI, IN https://sites.google.com/a/nd.edu/ndmi/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NotreDameMilitiaImmaculata 2016 Kolbe Conference: Mother of Mercy Speakers Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv, with members of the MI at Notre Dame, and Dr. Scott Hahn. MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 Page 8 Union Center, WI Rosa Mystica MI Village Prayer Village Our Story - submitted by Bev Cousineau, Moderator In February 1999 Most Reverend Bishop Raymond Burke came to a Knight of Columbus Council #4295 to enthrone them to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. That night the idea was born to do something special for the upcoming Jubilee year. That something was to reopen St. Theresa's [closed several years previous] as a chapel of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration [PEA]. Bishop Burke put Knight Bob Cousineau and KC chaplain Norbert Tracy SJ to spearhead the project. Bob asked the help of the Rosa Mystica MI prayer village, of which he was a member. Being only 6 members from four surrounding parishes, we prayed for divine help. The Rosa Mystica MI prayer village took on the formal task of organizing the adoration program with the support of the KC membership and parish coordinators. Group members contacted the local pastors about providing information to parishioners explaining what PEA was all about. Bev Cousineau, moderator for the MI prayer village, recalls not being too optimistic as she met with much skepticism. "I did not feel very hopeful and thought it very likely the adoration program would never happen but I didn't want to go before the throne of God knowing that I didn't at least do my part to move things along." The hand of God was evident at many points along the way an outpouring of financial donations for St. Theresa's renovation non-active Catholics and even a non-Catholic signing up for regular hours. On January 1, 2000, after midnight Mass, when the world was anticipating a global event called Y2K, Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration began at neighboring St. Jerome's in Wonewoc. After months of intensive planning, hard work and elbow grease provided by five local KC councils, the adoration program was finally transferred to its permanent home at St. Theresa's. It was the only church in the diocese to have adoration around the clock. The KC continue to give their full support; performing many chores, maintaining the grounds and within the interior quiet giving thanks and praising God. Many people report favors and blessings. KC Bob Cousineau was moved to tears to hear that his mother was being baptized and reported that he has been healed of a lifelong reading problem. Paul Arbanas relayed that his father was healed of terminal, inoperable throat cancer. Another adorer was thrilled to have heard from estranged family members. Visitors from the Superior diocese report PEA chapels opened at Dobie and Hayward, rural parishes in northern Wisconsin, an outcome to their pilgrimage to St. Theresa’s. Photo: Fr. Donald Bauer, chaplain for St. Theresa Perpetual Adoration Chapel, Union Center, Wisconsin, blessing a copy of St. Maximilian's canonization picture to be displayed there. MI FAMILY NEWS Sick and Suffering We continue our prayers for Fr. John Grigus, OFM Conv - Rector of the Shrine St. Maximilian Kolbe, Marytown, Libertyville, IL and all MI members battling cancer and terminal illnesses. MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 Page 9 Soul of the Faithful Departed Br. Rafael Ruffolo, OFM Conv March 23, 1919-April 19, 2016 http://www.marytown.com/event/bro-raphael-homily-fr-john As a young man, Michael Ruffolo enlisted in the Army and served with great distinction winning a Purple Heart among his many honors. After witnessing the brutality of war, Ruffolo felt blessed to have survived and felt a calling to spend the rest of his life in service to God and others. He left the military and met a Conventual Franciscan named Fr. Dominic Szymanski who was starting a new apostolate inspired by Maximilian Kolbe’s goal of global evangelization. Ruffolo was equally moved and entered the community in 1949 becoming one of the founding members of the friary they called Marytown. He held many roles there over the next half century and was instrumental in moving Marytown to its current location in Libertyville, Illinois in 1979. In 2000, the National Council of Catholic Bishops designated Marytown the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe. In 2010, Br. Raphael received the Maximilian Kolbe Award given to individuals who have dedicated their lives to teaching others about St. Maximilian Kolbe and exemplified his dedication to the Virgin Mary and the Eucharist. His health took a sudden turn for the worse in the hours before his passing and he died peacefully at the Little Sisters of the Poor Home in Chicago. His family was notified in time and they were able to be with him before he died. Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Daily Renewal of Total Consecration Immaculata, Queen and Mother of the Church, I renew my consecration to you this day and for always, so that you may use me for the coming of the Kingdom of Jesus in the whole world. To this end I offer you all my prayers, actions and sacrifices of this day. Daily Miraculous Medal Prayer of St. Maximilian O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you, and for all those who do not have recourse to you, especially the enemies of Holy Church and all those recommended to you. Links MI International Calendar http://www.mi-international.org/calendario.asp?month 12&year-2016 US Catholic Conference of Bishops www.usccb.org Zenit News Service info@zenit.org MI Canada PO Box 21003, 314 Harwood Ave. South Ajax, ON L1S 2J0 • 416-465- 9466 immaculatacanada@yahoo.com • www.consecration.ca MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 Page 10 ESPAÑOL Tema del Año 2016:“Kolbe, mártir de la caridad y signo de la misericordia de Dios” COMENTARIO A LAS INTENCIONES MENSUALES Para que… Libres de todo prejuicio, acojamos a los hermanos en su diversidad. a cargo del Padre Raffaele Di Muro, Presidente Internacional M.I. La aceptación incondicional es una característica esencial de la espiritualidad de San Maximiliano. Él se deja conducir por Cristo y por la presencia maternal de la Inmaculada hacia una cada vez mayor capacidad de amar, que alcanza su punto culminante en Auschwitz. Estas son algunas de las expresiones significativas del santo: “El odio divide, separa y destruye, mientras que el amor une, da paz y edifica. No tiene nada de extraño que sólo el amor llegue a hacer a los hombres cada vez más perfectos. Por lo tanto, sólo aquella religión que enseña el amor a Dios y al prójimo puede perfeccionar a los hombres. La religión de Jesucristo es realmente esta religión del amor, del amor perfecto, y ello es evidente en las santas palabras de Jesucristo”; (EK 1205). El mártir polaco aprende a amar también a los enemigos, incluso a aquellos que ponen en peligro su vida y la de sus hermanos. Escribirá a un oficial alemán que investiga las actividades de la Ciudad de la Inmaculada, en las vísperas de su arresto: “En fin, quisiera subrayar que no tengo odio a nadie en esta tierra. La substancia de mi ideal se encuentra en las publicaciones adjuntas. Lo que se desprende de ellas es mío: por este ideal deseo trabajar siempre, sufrir y hasta ofrecer en sacrificio la vida; mientras que lo que es contrario a este ideal no es mío, sino que procede de fuera y por eso, según mis posibilidades, lo he combatido, lo combato y lo combatiré siempre.” (EK 884). El santo aprende a cultivar en su corazón un amor universal, libre de prejuicios y totalmente libre de cualquier rastro de resentimiento. Son significativas estas expresiones dirigidas a sus hermanos: “Y ahora nosotros cumplimos y seguiremos cumpliendo la misión del amor hacia el prójimo, quienquiera que sea, para paliar la desgracia de los que sufren y para inflamar, mediante ello, sus corazones de un amor agradecido hacia la Inmaculada, Madre que ama a todas las almas del mundo entero.”(EK 914). El acto de ofrecimiento de la vida en el lugar de un padre de familia en el campo de concentración no es el gesto de un momento de fervor y de generosidad, sino el resultado de un camino espiritual marcado por su cotidiano ofrecimiento que llega a su punto culminante en Auschwitz. La muerte de San Maximiliano es hija de una vida gastada maravillosamente en el amor y en el servicio a Dios, bajo la protección y la guía. Creemos que el hombre de hoy, sobre todo el que cree en Cristo, tiene absoluta necesidad de inspirarse en el ejemplo del Padre Kolbe para reconstruir o fortalecer su capacidad de amar. Las condiciones inhumanas del campo, las barbaries que se llevaron a cabo en él fueron iluminadas por la insólita y heroica propuesta de dar la vida por un padre de familia, por parte del mártir polaco. Su elección de amor indica a los creyentes la luz que deben llevar al mundo actual, en el cual muy a menudo prevalece el deseo de dominar. San Maximiliano enseña que el amor es la esencia misma del ser humano, lo que lo ennoblece, lo embellece y hace que su vida sea más digna. La caridad es para él y para nosotros la dimensión más importante de la existencia. Él afirma la belleza de su humanidad y el amor de Dios contra el odio y la destrucción del hermano. El confirma a los cristianos y a los hombres de hoy MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Layout-America Ornelas MI Monthly Formation May 2016 Page 11 que es fundamental dar testimonio del amor hasta la entrega de sí mismos: en este sentido, todos estamos llamados a ser “kolbianos”, a estar convencidos de la importancia que tiene el ser testigos de la caridad que prevalece sobre toda clase de maldad y de intolerancia. La humanidad encuentra plena realización en el ser un reflejo del amor de Dios: es lo que el mártir de Auschwitz grita a los hermanos de este siglo. Para la reflexión Es útil meditar en estas palabras de San Maximiliano, tomadas de un artículo del año 1939, que se refieren a la actividad de la Milicia de la Inmaculada (MI) y al amor que este Movimiento. “Estas pobrecitas personas, pues, tienen necesidad de luz, de mucha luz sobrenatural, de muchas energías sobrenaturales; son unos infelices, unos descontentos, ya que consideran como fin último lo que es sólo un medio y por ello, después de haber alcanzado la felicidad a la que aspiran, no encuentran lo que buscaban. Y siguen buscando con la decepción en el corazón, con la amargura en el alma. ¿Y cómo no darles la mano? ¿Cómo no ayudarlos a apaciguar su corazón, a alzar su mente por encima de lo pasajero, hacia el único fin último, Dios? El amor al prójimo empuja a aquellas almas que ya encontraron su propio ideal de vida a no olvidar a los hermanos que los rodean. Una de las muchas asociaciones que ponen en práctica este amor al prójimo es también la Milicia de la Inmaculada. Se llama “de la Inmaculada”, porque sus miembros se han consagrado sin restricciones a la Sma. Virgen María Inmaculada, para que Ella misma obre en ellos y por medio de ellos y derrame sobre otras almas, siempre a través de ellos, la gracia de la luz, de la fuerza y de la felicidad sobrenaturales. Además se llama “Milicia”, porque no puede permitirse descansar, antes bien, por medio del amor pretende conquistar los corazones para la Inmaculada y, a través de Ella, para el Corazón Divino de Jesús y, en definitiva, para el Padre. ¿Perteneces ya a las filas de esta Milicia? ¿Querrías tender una mano caritativa a los que te rodean? ¡Conságrate también tú a la Inmaculada! Deja que Ella obre por tu medición y esparciré sobre la tierra mucha felicidad también en estos tiempos nuestros, ofrecerás a muchas almas inquietas paz y serenidad en Dios.” (EK 1237). -Fr. Raffaele Di Muro, MI International President Centro Nacional del la MI Oficina Hispana de la Milicia de la Inmaculada Fr. Kolbe Missionaries 531 E Merced Ave – West Covina, CA 91790 626-917-0040 FKMissionaries@gmail.com http://www.kolbemission.org/es/home MI Formation compiled by Father Kolbe Missionaries Layout-America Ornelas
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