Happy Easter
He is risen, indeed!
For us Christians, a Happy Easter follows a well-spent Lenten season.
In my last posting, I enjoined my brothers to take up something for Lent.
Life’s hectic schedule, in all likelihood precluded the optimum time for the required degree of introspection that should have been integral to our Lenten observance. The Easter season has arrived early this year. It seems like only a short few weeks ago that we were wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Perhaps it only seems that way to one of my advanced years, but…….c’est la vie!
Since time seems to be so fleeting these days, shall we indeed be making it (time, that is) to encounter Him by gazing into that prism wherein the pure white light of first world blessings separates into the distressing colors of third world poverty and destitution?
Our mandate to love one another has not been/will never be rescinded.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Lenten Observance
Dear Brothers
What did you give up for Lent?
Is this not a popular question that we are sometimes called to answer?
I gave up nothing for Lent. I have not done this for some years.
In fact, what I have been trying to do, is to: ‘take up’ something for Lent.
Although, despite that we are almost halfway through the period, it may not be too late to make that adoption for Lent. As a time for introspection, we could very well find that a ‘spiritual journey’ may be just what we need. A journey where we encounter Him amongst His poor, may be just what ‘the doctor ordered’.
This ministry stands ready to assist your desire to fulfillment
Dear Brothers
What did you give up for Lent?
Is this not a popular question that we are sometimes called to answer?
I gave up nothing for Lent. I have not done this for some years.
In fact, what I have been trying to do, is to: ‘take up’ something for Lent.
Although, despite that we are almost halfway through the period, it may not be too late to make that adoption for Lent. As a time for introspection, we could very well find that a ‘spiritual journey’ may be just what we need. A journey where we encounter Him amongst His poor, may be just what ‘the doctor ordered’.
This ministry stands ready to assist your desire to fulfillment
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
2007 - A Very Good Year
2007 – A Very Good Year
Anyone old enough to remember that popular song by Frank Sinatra?
“It was a very good year!”
Our ministry is thankful to the Almighty that for us 2007 was a very good year.
Here are a few highlights:
4,338 containers shipped – approx. value - $960 million.
6,345 homes built
45 tilapia ponds established
200 water wells/pumps installed
20 cisterns built
10 water distribution systems established
7 fishing villages established (Haiti)
87 schools repaired/refurbished
686 schools supplied with furniture
263 various projects completed
3,585 children sponsored in various orphanages/homes
Medical supplies to various clinics (100,000 people affected)
Ratio (cost/income) 3.3%
It was a very good year……thanks to those of you who are already a part of us and for those yet to join us, we stand ready heartily welcome you!
Anyone old enough to remember that popular song by Frank Sinatra?
“It was a very good year!”
Our ministry is thankful to the Almighty that for us 2007 was a very good year.
Here are a few highlights:
4,338 containers shipped – approx. value - $960 million.
6,345 homes built
45 tilapia ponds established
200 water wells/pumps installed
20 cisterns built
10 water distribution systems established
7 fishing villages established (Haiti)
87 schools repaired/refurbished
686 schools supplied with furniture
263 various projects completed
3,585 children sponsored in various orphanages/homes
Medical supplies to various clinics (100,000 people affected)
Ratio (cost/income) 3.3%
It was a very good year……thanks to those of you who are already a part of us and for those yet to join us, we stand ready heartily welcome you!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Bishop Boyle
Most Reverend Bishop Paul Michael Boyle C.P. (deceased)
The Food For The Poor family sadly mourns the passing of Bishop Boyle who died earlier today in hospital in Kentucky.
Bishop Boyle was ordained a Passionist priest in 1953 and was appointed Superior General of his Order from 1976 to 1988. Thereafter, Pope John Paul II consecrated him as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Mandeville in Jamaica, a community evangelized and developed by the Passionists.
At an age when most men look forward to completing the evening of their years in peaceful retirement, Bishop Boyle gave up his place as a director on the Board of Food For The Poor in preference for being one of our full-time speakers who, each weekend, appeal to parishes across the nation on behalf of the poor. His last appeal was done on Thanksgiving weekend last year.
His untiring dedication and humility are an everlasting inspiration. May he rest in peace.
The Food For The Poor family sadly mourns the passing of Bishop Boyle who died earlier today in hospital in Kentucky.
Bishop Boyle was ordained a Passionist priest in 1953 and was appointed Superior General of his Order from 1976 to 1988. Thereafter, Pope John Paul II consecrated him as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Mandeville in Jamaica, a community evangelized and developed by the Passionists.
At an age when most men look forward to completing the evening of their years in peaceful retirement, Bishop Boyle gave up his place as a director on the Board of Food For The Poor in preference for being one of our full-time speakers who, each weekend, appeal to parishes across the nation on behalf of the poor. His last appeal was done on Thanksgiving weekend last year.
His untiring dedication and humility are an everlasting inspiration. May he rest in peace.
Monday, December 17, 2007
CHRISTMAS CHEER
Are we all aware that not all of God’s children will be cheerful this Christmas – 2007? Indeed we are reminded that this, for some, can be a time of deep depression, sometimes leading even to suicide.
Christmas comes just one week before the ending of the calendar year….not much time left to make amends for any of our omissions (or commissions) which , in retrospect, we now can consider were not reflective of: “love thy neighbor.” Nevertheless, what little time that is left can be used to commence the planning process, which will see us ending 2008 without any deficit in the accounting of our loving outreach to God and neighbor.
As brothers who are especially ‘called’ to His service, let us pledge anew to throughout use our very best endeavors to ensure that Christmas Cheer becomes reality for all of His children whom we encounter on our pilgrimage.
May His richest blessings be for you and yours this Christmas and 2008
Christmas comes just one week before the ending of the calendar year….not much time left to make amends for any of our omissions (or commissions) which , in retrospect, we now can consider were not reflective of: “love thy neighbor.” Nevertheless, what little time that is left can be used to commence the planning process, which will see us ending 2008 without any deficit in the accounting of our loving outreach to God and neighbor.
As brothers who are especially ‘called’ to His service, let us pledge anew to throughout use our very best endeavors to ensure that Christmas Cheer becomes reality for all of His children whom we encounter on our pilgrimage.
May His richest blessings be for you and yours this Christmas and 2008
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
Quite recently, as is my habit, I thought of changing the ‘motto’, which I attach to my e-mail address. Usually, I use a scripture quote and, for a long time, it was my high school motto: ‘Age quod agis’ – whatever you do, do well. My latest choice, which I think may be with me for a very long time, is: ‘In everything, give thanks’.
One could not possibly work at a place like Food For The Poor and not really learn the meaning of being truly thankful. The real irony of the situation is that we are taught to be truly thankful by the poor, which we strive to serve. These people are obviously not detracted by profusion of material wealth. Conversely, they appear to be blessedly endowed with innate happiness, brought about by not having to care for or about a multiplicity of ‘things’ and are therefore ‘free’ to be always happily thankful.
Permit me a few quotes from my favorite hymn of thanksgiving:
Thank you, for giving me the morning,
Thank you, for every day that’s new
Thank you, that I can know my worries,
Can be cast on you.
Thank you, I see your Word has meaning,
Thank you, I know your Spirit’s here
Thank you, because you love all people
Those both far and near.
Thank you, O Lord you spoke unto us,
Thank you, that for our words you care.
Thank you, O Lord you came among us,
Bread and wine to share.
Thank you, O Lord your love is boundless
Thank you, that I am full of you
Thank you, you make me feel so glad
And thankful as I do.
A most blessed Thanksgiving holiday, my brothers!
Quite recently, as is my habit, I thought of changing the ‘motto’, which I attach to my e-mail address. Usually, I use a scripture quote and, for a long time, it was my high school motto: ‘Age quod agis’ – whatever you do, do well. My latest choice, which I think may be with me for a very long time, is: ‘In everything, give thanks’.
One could not possibly work at a place like Food For The Poor and not really learn the meaning of being truly thankful. The real irony of the situation is that we are taught to be truly thankful by the poor, which we strive to serve. These people are obviously not detracted by profusion of material wealth. Conversely, they appear to be blessedly endowed with innate happiness, brought about by not having to care for or about a multiplicity of ‘things’ and are therefore ‘free’ to be always happily thankful.
Permit me a few quotes from my favorite hymn of thanksgiving:
Thank you, for giving me the morning,
Thank you, for every day that’s new
Thank you, that I can know my worries,
Can be cast on you.
Thank you, I see your Word has meaning,
Thank you, I know your Spirit’s here
Thank you, because you love all people
Those both far and near.
Thank you, O Lord you spoke unto us,
Thank you, that for our words you care.
Thank you, O Lord you came among us,
Bread and wine to share.
Thank you, O Lord your love is boundless
Thank you, that I am full of you
Thank you, you make me feel so glad
And thankful as I do.
A most blessed Thanksgiving holiday, my brothers!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Who do you say I am?
“Who do you say I am?”
Being open to the face of God in any and all circumstances can be life changing. I found this to be true in my going on pilgrimage with Food For The Poor. Actually I’ve been blessed to go to three countries with Food For The Poor, Haiti, Jamaica, and El Salvador. What I’m discovering about myself is that unpacking these experiences can bring one to tears. Because it is in the circumstances my brothers and sisters find themselves everyday; in the countries FFP serves with their struggles specifically; that Christ truly resides in and around them.
In each country I’ve been in, after seeing the poor whether in their homes or schools or orphanage or a feeding center, the same question Jesus asked his disciples rings in my ears, “Who do you say I am”? I think I know the answer, yet knowing that the people whom FFP serves and the varied circumstances each find themselves, I’m incredibly humbled. Jesus said the poor will always be with us, and in Food For The Poor I better realize that my diaconate is more than serving at the altar although that is important. Its understanding that our journey or rather Pilgrimage in this foreign land is one in which helping those whose voices are often unheard or their faces unknown, that we can see the face of God clearly.
I’m praying as I’m writing this because Hurricane Dean has churned in the areas FFP operates and the people in this region have much to struggle with. The poor in these places have in most cases lost everything and in some instances their lives and how FFP seeks to provide emergency aid to thousands of homeless and hungry, is truly God’s work!
When I was in El Salvador recently, one of the places I was privileged to visit was the church where Bishop Oscar Romero was murdered. A beautiful little nun by the name of Sister Lucy shared the story of the events leading up to Oscar Romero being martyred. I remember well what she said of Food for the Poor and the work they do. Because she knew Oscar Romero personally and was there when he died I’m confident of her words to us that day. Sr. Lucy said that Food for the Poor was carrying on the work of Oscar Romero, and that we as deacons and servants of the Incarnate God are helping the light of Christ burn within our brothers and sisters of those in need.
I’m blessed beyond measure in going with and visiting the poor that Food For the Poor serves. Thank you FFP, and may Almighty God Blessed this wonderful organization and the people associated with them.
Deacon Dennis Bennin, Diocese of Green Bay
Being open to the face of God in any and all circumstances can be life changing. I found this to be true in my going on pilgrimage with Food For The Poor. Actually I’ve been blessed to go to three countries with Food For The Poor, Haiti, Jamaica, and El Salvador. What I’m discovering about myself is that unpacking these experiences can bring one to tears. Because it is in the circumstances my brothers and sisters find themselves everyday; in the countries FFP serves with their struggles specifically; that Christ truly resides in and around them.
In each country I’ve been in, after seeing the poor whether in their homes or schools or orphanage or a feeding center, the same question Jesus asked his disciples rings in my ears, “Who do you say I am”? I think I know the answer, yet knowing that the people whom FFP serves and the varied circumstances each find themselves, I’m incredibly humbled. Jesus said the poor will always be with us, and in Food For The Poor I better realize that my diaconate is more than serving at the altar although that is important. Its understanding that our journey or rather Pilgrimage in this foreign land is one in which helping those whose voices are often unheard or their faces unknown, that we can see the face of God clearly.
I’m praying as I’m writing this because Hurricane Dean has churned in the areas FFP operates and the people in this region have much to struggle with. The poor in these places have in most cases lost everything and in some instances their lives and how FFP seeks to provide emergency aid to thousands of homeless and hungry, is truly God’s work!
When I was in El Salvador recently, one of the places I was privileged to visit was the church where Bishop Oscar Romero was murdered. A beautiful little nun by the name of Sister Lucy shared the story of the events leading up to Oscar Romero being martyred. I remember well what she said of Food for the Poor and the work they do. Because she knew Oscar Romero personally and was there when he died I’m confident of her words to us that day. Sr. Lucy said that Food for the Poor was carrying on the work of Oscar Romero, and that we as deacons and servants of the Incarnate God are helping the light of Christ burn within our brothers and sisters of those in need.
I’m blessed beyond measure in going with and visiting the poor that Food For the Poor serves. Thank you FFP, and may Almighty God Blessed this wonderful organization and the people associated with them.
Deacon Dennis Bennin, Diocese of Green Bay
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