"Celebrate Our Seminarians"

Last evening I attended a great event at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, Long Island titled, "Celebrate Our Seminarians." It began with a Holy Hour which included Eucharistic Exposition, Benediction and Evening Prayer. Bishop Murphy, the bishop of Rockville Centre presided and it was sacred and reverent. Bishop Murphy spoke during his homily about the need for prayer. He said, "We can choose anxiety/worry or we can choose prayer...." I liked the way he put it and I'll remember that. It's something I believe very strongly in-the power of prayer and the need for it in the modern world we live in, which sadly is filled with so much uncertainty. (The Scripture from yesterday's Mass comes to mind from St. Paul, "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything." (I often share that quote with children and adults when I speak and I have it placed into my "Magnificat.") But anyhow, another thing that Bishop Murphy did was during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament he spoke directly to God, looking at the monstrance, as if no one else was present. I can't remember the exact words he used, but those words were filled with praise and love and it moved me. I told him so afterwards. He replied, "You can do that too." And that's true, of course, but it takes a certain amount of confidence to do it in public prayer.

After the holy hour, the cocktail hour began in the Cloister area outside the Seminary overlooking the beautiful grounds. The dinner in a big tent on the grounds, came next.

The seminarians who are a talented bunch of guys from both the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre provided the entertainment which was very good. There was a great spirit of fun, as well as some serious moments when a seminarian shared his vocation story. God kept calling him until he answered God's call. God never gave up. It was uplifting. I thought afterwards, if only more responded yes to God.....if only more were truly listening and attentive to God...........

A great time was had by all. I was glad that S. Alice Michael, my friend and guest for the evening enjoyed herself. She works so hard for the Diocese of Brooklyn, in an administrative position that she deserved a nice evening of relaxation. Msgr. Peter Vaccari, the rector of the Seminary worked hard to ensure it was a great evening, as did Beverly Malone, the Director of Development. It was a success!

It was an evening of Catholicism at its best-prayer, reverence, praise and worship to God, fellowship, friendship, good food, a wonderful spirit, and support of a good cause.

NJA

In Honor of the Feast Day on October 1st of St. Therese (couldn't leave her out!)

My little way is the way of spiritual childhood, the way of trust and absolute self-surrender.

Always do everything in order to please Jesus.

Love Jesus who is Love itself.

A God who became so small could only be mercy and love.

St. Therese, the Little Flower- Saint and Doctor Extraordinaire