Category: Archived

“Be the servant of all”

Posted on by Father Cioppi

Mark writes out a one line mission statement for us who seek to be faithful followers of Jesus.

“Whoever wants to be first, must be servant of all.”

It is not so much a ‘what to do’ but rather a ‘how to do,’ It is an attitude Jesus seeks in us.

If my actions and my thoughts can conform to those of Jesus Who washed the apostle’s feet, then I can properly withstand the deceptions and the false appeal of those who do not hold on to the One Truth, Who is our only hope for freedom and peace.

My friends, when you get home, read the Gospel again and hear for yourselves the Word of God. Consume it and make it a part of your everyday life so you can articulate for others the joy and freedom you experience through Jesus Who possesses your heart.

“Whoever wants to be first, must be servant of all.”

Jesus…Our Catechist Par Excellance

Posted on by Jenna Violi

Deacon Greg Maskarinec’s Homily from September 16th – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

When I think back to teachers in high school, my math teacher Mr. Pickens comes to mind.   He was an “old man”, probably younger then I am today! He stressed discipline in learning and emphasized the basics of algebra, trigonometry, and geometry.  He put us on the spot by asking us questions and ordering us up to the black board to solve problems in front of the class.  I didn’t always enjoy his class, but I came to appreciate all that I had learned from him.   I regret not going back to high school and thanking him for all that he taught me, specifically about math and more generally about discipline when learning a new subject.  But I give witness to him in word and action by speaking about him, as I am right now, by using the skills and knowledge I learned from him and by passing it on to others. Continue reading “Jesus…Our Catechist Par Excellance” →

Posted on by Jenna Violi

Our Lady of Lourdes praesidium,

Legion of Mary

Mother of Divine Providence Parish

Do you want to become a warrior?!  How about a Prayer Warrior for the Legion of Mary at MDP?  If you already pray or want to develop a prayer life, Jesus might be calling you to participate in some level in the Legion of Mary.  Pray about it!

For more information please contact Rosario Fajardo (rcfajrd@icloud.com). Please keep our efforts with Jesus’ Mother Mary in your prayers!

‘Be strong, fear not! Here is your God He comes to save you!’

Posted on by Father Cioppi

Isaiah proclaims: “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God He comes to save you!”

Saint James tells us that God chooses the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom that He promised those whom He loves.

The Gospel says that the poor are those who can open their hearts to God. They are not enslaved to the things of this world, because they have nothing to offer Jesus but themselves.

Material things and constant busyness can contribute to a sense of alienation in the human person who is by nature social and relational. We only grow with other people, not in isolation.

Continue reading “‘Be strong, fear not! Here is your God He comes to save you!’” →

“May the Word I give you, take possession!”

Posted on by Father Cioppi

“Humbly welcome the word that has taken root in you, with its power to save you. Act on this word. If all you do is listen to it, you are deceiving yourselves.’ (James 1:17)

Each one of us who follows the path Christ laid out, listens to both the spoken word and the Tradition handed on by the Fathers of the Church.

Wisdom tells us even in the Letter from James today, that listening is not enough. Catholics are a sacramental people, we believe in outward signs and as such, we live lives that demand witness even among our enemies.

Continue reading ““May the Word I give you, take possession!”” →

Small acts of humble servitude are important

Posted on by Father Cioppi

‘Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.’ Paul gives us a difficult lesson today. It relates back to the Gospel of Matthew when He said the first shall be last and the last shall be first.

For the Christian, this attitude toward others is paramount in establishing the humble spirit necessary to have a relationship with God.

Small practices of humble servitude are important in conforming ourselves to the servant ideal that Jesus demonstrated at the Last Supper.

I must become less that others can become more does not seem like something attractive in today’s society, especially in the Holy Sacrament of Marriage which is a call to become mutually self-giving without counting the cost.

A truly meek person is not one who allows himself to be humiliated however. They do not allow others or even themselves to be treated with disrespect. Every human person has a dignity directly bonded to the Body of Christ.

To become last is a way to be sensitive to the needs and the accomplishment; the dignity of others so we can learn more deeply the love God dispenses to all his children.

May our hearts always be fixed here, where true gladness is found.

 

Be vigilant and constructive, not angry and destructive

Posted on by Father Cioppi

There has been a lot of anger expressed from last week’s publication of the Grand Jury Report. In trying again to sift through the emotions and indignation against these crimes and trying to make sense of these horrific sins, I find myself frustrated by this rugged road and thinking about the same reaction of Jesus to the temple marketers. I can identify with his righteous anger and I hear the words of Saint Paul, “Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise ones…do not be led into debauchery.”

I am not angry at the Church; the Church is the Body of Christ, Whom I love with all my heart. I am angry at those bishops and priests who have betrayed themselves and the people they were sent, not to abuse, but to serve. I feel somewhat helpless to have prevented these crimes that happened before I was born or when I was a newly ordained priest, but, I know that I can do my best to prevent them now. So, here in this parish we are vigilant with our children and our processes to make sure everyone is safe. I do have an anger that is righteous.

Continue reading “Be vigilant and constructive, not angry and destructive” →

FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE AND ARCHBISHOP CHAPUT

Posted on by Jenna Violi

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Archbishop Chaput’s address the new Grand Jury reports on a new Archdiocesan website.  The website begins:

“TO THE VICTIMS AND SURVIVERS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AT THE HAND OF ANYONE AFFILIATED WITH THE CHURCH, WE ARE DEEPLY SORRY.”

To read more from the Archbishop, please click on the link shown below:

https://view.winstormdp.com/AOP/13/website

The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Christian Life

Posted on by Jenna Violi

Deacon Greg’s Homily from Sunday, August 12th

Do you ever identify with the people you encounter in Sacred Scripture?  Following some of the recent events in the news, I’ve been feeling like Elijah in today’s first reading: the accusations of sexual abuse within 6 diocese in Pennsylvania and similar accusations against a prominent Cardinal in the Catholic Church; The suicides of celebrities who appeared to have had it all; the more than 160 drug overdoses in one weekend in Philadelphia.  For anyone whose life has been touched by scandal, suicide, substance abuse, the news of such events can bring back horrific memories that reopen old wounds.  If your life hasn’t been directly affected by one of these or similar hardships you most certainly know someone whose life as been.  At some point in our lives all of us have moments when we identify with Elijah and cry out…”Enough, O LORD!  Enough!”  We might come to Mass looking for strength to remain hopeful in the midst of suffering amongst our friends, our family or maybe even ourselves.  The answer that the Church gives us and highlights over five Sundays during this period of Ordinary Time….the Eucharist.

Now don’t misunderstand me.  The Eucharist is not magic.   Receiving Holy Communion won’t magically make our problems disappear.   If it did, could you imagine the crowds that we’d have coming to Mass?  You’d have to come hours ahead of time to get into the church!  The Eucharist comes down from heaven to strengthen us on our earthly journey.   And it lifts us back up so that we might participate in God’s divine life.  In the words of the 2nd Vatican Council,  “The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life.”  The Eucharist gives us hope and sustenance, especially in troubled times. Continue reading “The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Christian Life” →