I'm in Awe of Sinisa

Last May when the bishop came to confirmation, a seminarian accompanied him.  His name was Sinisa Ubiparipovic.  That's why I remember him.  His name is unique.  Sinisa rhymes with awe.

I saw him at Mass today.  An expression on a young man's face drew my attention.  He was doing some serious praying.  I had to pull myself away from his look of rapture.  And I found myself praying for his faith and devotion.

Afterwards, I went over to him and said "You look familiar."  I was just making that up because I wanted some excuse to talk to him.

When we introduced ourselves, we both immediately remembered each other, from confirmation.  And for the same reason--our names.

Sinisa told me that he will be ordained this May.  He invited me to his ordination and first Mass.  I've got to remember him in my prayers, and I'm asking you, too, to pray for him.  He's going to make a fine priest.  http://www.vocationsboston.org/seminarian-questionare/sinisa-ubiparipovic

Pray for Sin

I went to a Confirmation, this weekend.  There was a seminarian accompanying the bishop.  I talked with him for awhile.  His name is Sinisa Ubiparipovic.  Everyone calls him, Sin.  He will be ordained, next year.

Imagine, he will be addressed as Father Sin.  Isn't that funny?

Sin requests prayers.

This is the only time I'll ever ask you to pray for sin.

Barabbas

Image via Wikipedia

Tonight my two favorite seminarians, Chris Wallace and David Napoli preached about love.  They were excellent, better than some parish priests.  Chris spoke of agape love (I always think of my husband in connection with "agape love," because that's the way he loves me.)  Chris obviously is becoming a priest because he loves God so much.  Chris, of course, prays like a pirate, so his reflections are deep.

David, conquered his "ah" habit and gave an excellent talk, also.  He talked about Christ love for us.  He loved us so much, He let Himself be crucified for us.  David told us to put ourselves in the crucifixion.  Who would you be?
Pontius Pilate?  Peter who denied Jesus three times?   Mary?  John?  Soldier who nailed Jesus?

Mick, my "cloistered brother" said he'd be Barabbas.

Yeah, think about it.  It really was Jesus who set him free.  Barabbas was freed.  We are freed from sin because of Jesus.

What do you think happened to Barabbas afterwards?

Pray like a Pirate

Image via Wikipedia

Tonight my two favorite seminarians from Methuen, MA came to Mass.  Chris Wallace and David Napoli gave a Lenten reflection following the Mass.  Chris taught us how to pray like a pirate (ARRR)!

A - acknowledge     Who is God and you are His child

R - relate                 God wants a relationship with you
R - receive               God's grace
R - respond             answer in love

Cute, huh?  Sometimes that eye patch hinders my seeing this.  And sometimes that hook on my hand hurts people.  And sometimes my peg leg makes me curse.  But, Arrr   God is my treasure.

Prayer develops a relationship between God and myself, which He desires very much.  

Real Men Aren't Afraid to Cry

One of my favorite blogs has been Kicking and Screaming, which is written by a Paulist Seminarian. The blog journals Tom's life in the seminary. He makes me laugh, think, and pray for him.

Anyway, I was drawn to read an old post of his from a couple of years back, on...I'd say "discernment." He was bitching and moaning on "moving forward." One statement resonated with me: "I'm afraid to express, tears that a part of me thinks will not make me a man if I cry, a loss of control my ego is not comfortable with, and a fear of losing love in my life."

Don't you think that's sad? Thank God I'm a woman and can freely cry and be emotional when the occasion calls for it. Women are blessed not to have that hangup. (Ha! Take that AQ)

I've seen my husband cry a few times, when the occasion demanded it. When Shanana died, his sister died, at Cheryl and Karen's wedding, and at a very personal moment. Dick makes fun of me crying at cartoons, parades, and baseball games but it's affectionate teasing. But he holds me when I need it and he's not afraid to cry himself. Thank you Lord.

Again.