Author: ANTONINO

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – A «Revenge» of a Saint

– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade

DIVINE MERCY IN ACTION

A TIME magazine issue in 1984 presented a startling cover. It pictured a prison cell where two men sat on metal folding chairs. The young man wore a blue turtleneck sweater, blue jeans and white running shoes. The older man was dressed in a white robe and had a white skullcap on his head. They sat facing one another, up-close and personal. They spoke quietly so as to keep others from hearing the conversation.

The young man was Mehmet Ali Agca, the pope’s would-be assassin (he shot and wounded the Pope on May 13, 1981); the other man was Pope St. John Paul II, the intended victim. The Pope held the hand that had held the gun whose bullet tore into the Pope’s body.

This was a living icon of mercy. John Paul’s forgiveness was deeply Christian. His deed with Ali Agca spoke a thousand words. He embraced his enemy and pardoned him. At the end of their 20-minute meeting, Ali Agca raised the Pope’s hand to his forehead as a sign of respect. John Paul shook Ali Agca’s hand tenderly.

When the Pope left the cell he said: « What we talked about must remain a secret between us. I spoke to him as a brother whom I have pardoned and who has my complete trust. ».

This is an example of God’s Divine Mercy, the same Divine Mercy whose message St. Faustina witnessed.

A BLANKET AND A BOTTLE OF MADEIRA WINE

Carmina, one of the leaders of People Helping People and of the English Mass, was driving through one of the streets of Funchal on a cold and dark night. All of a sudden her sight was caught by a homeless man sleeping (was he sleeping?) on the street’s sidewalk.

Carmina stopped her car and approached him. Her heart was broken. She knew that she had found Jesus by surprise. [This is the point where mercy meets misery.] Standing before this misery she could not be indifferent. Something needed to be done, but what?

It didn’t take too much time to decide: Carmina went home, brought a blanket and something else. Kindly, like a mother covering her baby, she extended the blanket over him. And at his side she gently left a delicious bottle of Madeira Wine.

This is Divine Mercy.

MY THREE FAVOURITE THOUGHTS OF MOTHER TERESA

“Small things done by small people in small places change the world.”

“What I do for others is just a drop of water in the ocean. But without that drop of water the ocean is smaller.”

“I would prefer to have a person making a mistake with kindness than being right with rudeness.”

Love and Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade

Scripture Readings 23rd April 2017, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A

Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 117; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

The Book of Acts is read only between Easter and Pentecost, when it replaces readings from the Old Testament. This second part of Luke’s book describes the beginnings of the Church, as the Holy Spirit continues Christ’s work on earth. Today we hear Luke’s somewhat idealised picture of the early believers’ close-knit community, holding their resources in common, and practising their Jewish faith before meeting in their homes for the Eucharist.

This year the second readings during Eastertide are from the First Letter of Peter, the only time this letter is read on Sundays. Written from Rome to the Gentile Christians in Asia Minor. God gives us a new birth and a hope based on the resurrection. We must try as good citizens to maintain Christian standards amid pagan people. Suffering can purify our faith, enabling us to imitate Christ more. God cares for us while we look forward to our inheritance in heaven.

This first week of Easter ends with the first ending of John’s Gospel. Jesus appears twice to the apostles, sending them out to forgive sins. After doubting without seeing, Thomas utters the most complete expression of faith. The brief accounts of Jesus’ ministry are that we may “believe that Jesus is the Christ, and “have life in his name”.

Psalm Response: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.

EASTER TRADITIONS IN MADEIRA

RELIGIOUS

Easter is one of the most important religious events in Madeira. This is a time full of traditions and customs that are lived with great intensity by the devoutly Catholic Madeiran population. Here are some of the events that took place in Holy Week this year:

ON HOLY THURSDAY:

During the Mass of the Lord’s Supper that took place at the Sé Cathedral, the Bishop of Funchal, D. António Carrilho, celebrated the traditional “washing of feet”, this year in collaboration with 3 members of the confraternity “Confraria do Santíssimo” from the Sé parish, 3 seminarians, and 6 patients from the health institution: “Casa de Saúde de São João de Deus”.

ON GOOD FRIDAY:

A group of locals from the Santa Cecilia parish acted out the Stations of the Cross in Pico da Torre (Câmara de Lobos). Among the local “actors” there is always someone who carries the Cross, and enacts the crucifixion.
At 7pm, thousands of Madeiran Catholics gathered at the Sé Cathedral in Funchal for the Good Friday procession known as “O Enterro do Senhor” (The Funeral of Our Lord).

FOOD

FOLAR DA PÁSCOA: A sweet bread, scented with cinnamon and Fennel seeds, often with one or more cooked eggs nestled in the center.
AMÊNDOAS: Sweet candy-covered almonds of different colours.
TORRÕES DE AÇÚCAR: These are very popular. The main ingredient is sugar, and there are different flavours, eg. Cocoa, almond, walnut, strawberry, orange, coconut, etc.

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – He Is Risen Indeed

Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade

You probably do not remember the name Nikolai Ivanovich Bukharin. Many years ago he was one of the most powerful men on earth. A Russian Communist leader, he took part in the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. He was the editor of the Soviet newspaper “Pravda” and was a full member of the Politburo. His works on economics and political science are still read today.

There is a story told about a journey he took from Moscow to Kiev in 1930 to address a huge assembly of Communists. The subject was atheism. Addressing the crowd, he attacked Christianity, hurling insults and arguments against it. When he had finished, he looked out at the audience: « Are there any questions? » he demanded.

Deafening silence filled the auditorium, but then one man approached the platform and mounted the lectern. After surveying the crowd, he shouted the ancient greeting of the Russian Orthodox Church: « CHRIST IS RISEN! ». The crowd stood up and shouted in a thundering voice: « HE IS RISEN INDEED! »

Amazed and dejected, Bukharin left the stage in silence. Perhaps he had learned the lesson that Faith in Christ’s Resurrection was deeply rooted in his Russian Orthodox Communist followers!

HAPPY EASTER!

Fr. Bernardino Andrade

Scripture Readings 16th April 2017, Easter Sunday, Year A

Acts 10:34,37-43 Psalm 117 Romans 6:3-11/Colossians 3:1-4/1 Corinthians 5:6-8 Matthew 28:1-10/John 20:1-9

Continuing his gospel about Jesus’ ministry before he died, Luke’s Book of Acts describes Jesus’ activity on earth through his Holy Spirit. In a vision Peter was told that all animals and birds are suitable for eating, indicating that the restrictions of the Jewish Law were coming to an end. He is then able to enter the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. Peter’s speech about what God has done in Jesus, is interrupted by the Holy Spirit welcoming the Gentile community into the church. Peter then realises that forgiveness of sins is offered to “everyone who believes” in Jesus’ name.

The short reading from Paul’s letter to the Colossians also draws attention away from earthly marks of religion: they should focus on the life to come when they “will appear with Christ in glory”. The alternative reading is an early Easter homily. In the Jewish calendar Passover was followed by the feast of Unleavened Bread.

In the three synoptic gospels three women discover the tomb empty and run to tell the apostles. But in John’s gospel Mary of Magdala is alone. She finds the stone removed from the tomb. Without going inside she runs to tell Peter. Peter goes in first and sees the empty burial cloths. When the other disciple goes in, he believes.

Psalm Response – Vigil: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.
Psalm Response – Sunday: This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.

Acts 10:34,37-43 Psalm 117 Romans 6:3-11/Colossians 3:1-4/1 Corinthians 5:6-8 Matthew 28:1-10/John 20:1-9

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – Natalia’s First Communion

At the English service on the 9th April, we were happy to celebrate the first communion of a little girl called Natália. This is Father Bernadino’s letter to her as contained in the weekly newsletter.

– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade

Dear Natália

Welcome to the banquet of Jesus. Congratulations! Today you are making your First Holy Communion. We all feel very privileged that you have chosen us, the members of the Community of Penha de França Chapel, to be part of this very Sacred Meal. I feel very privileged to have been walking with you on your exciting faith journey.

I baptized you on March 15, 2009. I baptized your two brothers, Manolito and Pedrito. Your parents Manolo and Carolina took very seriously their commitment with the person of Jesus and His project that is «to bring good news to the poor» (Lk. 4: 18).

For the last few years, through the project «People Helping People», it is your family that has been paying the house rent of an extremely poor and large family. Your father is in the list of volunteers who give car lifts to the needy. Your grandmother Arlinda, very often, has surprised us with her generous donations to the poor. This is Gospel. This is Good News. This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Borrero’s and Catanho’s Family. With St. Paul you can say: «It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me» (Gal. 2: 20). And because Jesus lives in you, the Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23), will always be your way of life.

Let me remind you the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit in a very special way.
Natalia is LOVE; Natalia is JOY; Natalia is PEACE; Natalia is PATIENCE; Natalia is KINDNESS; Natalia is GENEROSITY; Natalia is FAITHFULNESS; Natalia is GENTLENESS; Natalia is SELF-CONTROL.
There is no law against such things (Gal. 5: 22-23).

Congratulations, Natalia! Jesus loves you and so do we.

Fr. Bernardino Andrade

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – If you can learn from your children, you are smart

– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade

Having been a pastor in California for 12 years made me learn a lot from my parishioners. And many of my columns written for my Sunday newsletter were made of stories from them, stories which had the biggest impact on me. Today I share with you one which was published in January 2000, called “If you can learn from your children, you are smart”.

A few weeks ago I was introducing a parishioner to Clyde Hawkins. During the short conversation it was revealed that this wonderful man had stopped drinking because his little daughter had asked him to. And I believe the best reason to do or not to do something is when we do it for love and not just because it is right.

Clyde in all his wisdom commented, “If you can learn from your children it is because you are a smart man.”

Days later I received from Carl Ross the following message.

Good morning, Father,

The other night my daughter and I were making fun of my son Eric. You know, harmless stuff, just having fun with him.

Well, Eric did not think it was funny and he said to us, “You know, you are making the Devil happy. He’s smiling right now because you are saying bad things about me. Why don’t you say good things about me so God will smile?”

My daughter Angelica said, “You can’t see God, you don’t know if He is smiling or not.”

Then Eric replied, “I know I can’t see God, but I can feel Him in my heart.”

Wow! What I beautiful and powerful message my son just made and he’s only six years old, I thought to myself. I kept staring at him like he was an angel.

I thought this would put a smile on your face. Children are truly a gift from God. Peace be with you.

Carl

Dear Carl

Surely it put a smile on my face. Thank you and I agree with you and Clyde, “When you can learn from your children, you are a smart man”.

Love and Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade

Scripture Readings 9th April 2017, Palm Sunday, Year A

Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 21; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14 – 27:66

Second Isaiah was writing during the exile of the Israelites in Babylon after Jerusalem was destroyed. The people are discouraged, in despair, and tempted to give up their faith in God. In the ‘servant-song’ Isaiah offers consolation, recommending non-resistance and trust in the Lord.

Today Isaiah’s words express both our horror at the way Our Lord was treated, and our admiration for his example of patient non-retaliation. Trusting confidently in his Father, he “sets his face like flint”, even though it is covered with spittle. The Psalm continues this mood, but ends with praise.

The hymn in Philippians rejoices that – unlike Adam – Jesus did not seek to be equal to God. But God raised him to glory and gave him the name ‘Lord’. Jesus on the Cross invites us to imitate his humility.

Matthew’s Passion, with its lively dialogue, shows Jesus aware of what is to happen – and allowing it. After the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, bitterness between Jews and Matthew’s Jewish-Christian community led Matthew to blame the Jews for Jesus’ death. Jesus died just before Passover, when Jews celebrated their freedom from slavery. Soldiers, Jewish leaders, the inscription on the Cross, all ironically give Jesus his true title of ‘King of the Jews’, the Messiah, who overcomes death. Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan gives the Cross meaning.

Psalm Response: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 21; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14 – 27:66

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – The Church: A Hotel or a Journey?

– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade

ARE YOU SAVED?

One of the many privileges I had during my ministry in California was my frequent contacts with members and leaders of different religious denominations. Even if we were aware of our differences, more than that, we were aware of the so many things that unite us.

This happened one day during a spiritual retreat with Protestant Pastors:
During a meal, this lady asked me: «Are you saved?»
My answer was:
«Oh no! God still has lots of work to do to save me. No I am not saved yet».

Maybe this is one of some of the differences between Catholics and a few Evangelical church denominations. Many people see the Church as a hotel. «I am converted: I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I arrived. I am saved». This is like if I arrived to a hotel. Now I can unpack, take my shoes off and relax. I arrived.

The Church sees herself as a journey. A journey, with ups and downs, like the Hebrew people who are walking throughout the desert always with the temptations to return to the old life. Yes. They were slaves. Their suffering was unbearable, but they also remembered some of the many good things that they had left behind. They had some pleasures that they were not able to enjoy in their journey to freedom.

I remember a man telling me, long time ago: «I like to sin. I enjoy sinning. But then I feel so empty. I feel so sad. I feel so frustrated with myself». On that day he came for Confession where finally he felt peace.

LENT IS A JOURNEY

Lenten Journey

On the first Sunday of Lent (Year A), we are invited to join Jesus in the desert.

On the second Sunday of Lent we are invited to go up to the mountain and be transfigured with Jesus. We are invited to transform or change our way of thinking, talking and acting. We are invited to have with Jesus a mountain top experience.

On the third Sunday of Lent we are invited to approach Jesus at the well like the Samaritan woman. One thinks what was that woman looking for in those six men? Finally she met a seventh man who also needed her because he was thirsty. She had been drinking «dead water» full of mosquitoes, garbage and poison. Finally she found in this man called Jesus the «living water».

On the fourth Sunday of Lent a blind man is cured and sees light for the first time.

On the fifth Sunday of Lent the Church presents the Resurrection of Lazarus. We celebrate life. Then we celebrate Palm Sunday.

Finally the Paschal Mystery that includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday together with Easter Sunday make just one celebration.

Now… have a nice trip! Have a nice journey!

Love and Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade

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Scripture Readings 2nd April 2017, 5th Sunday of Lent, Year A

Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 129; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45

Ezekiel was a priest exiled with the Jews to Babylon in 597 BC. The Jews had lost their king, land, and Temple, and all seemed lost for them as a nation. Ezekiel’s messages during the exile were encouraging, giving hope that the nation would rise and live again, like a field full of dry bones coming to life. But this will be the Lord’s doing, for the sake of his name, which they have profaned by their idolatry.

Writing to the Jewish Christians in Rome, Paul has been puzzling over our human condition: “I do not do the good that I want, but I do the evil that I hate”. Mortal flesh is weak. “But God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh” so that the Son’s Spirit might give us the strength to live according to His Spirit. Paul’s conclusion: with Christ’s Spirit in us we are given life reconciled with God both now and in bodily resurrection after death.

These foretastes of resurrection prepare us for John’s description of the Raising of Lazarus, the third of the three beautiful dramatic Lenten readings from John, which need to be read in full. Perhaps we should sit and ponder how difficult it is to believe, and how difficult it was for Martha to open the tomb?

Psalm Response: With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.