Padre Pio

"Love is the first ingredient in the relief of suffering"

Padre Pio

Padre Pio, Cappuchin Priest, Mystic, Confessor, Stigmatic. For 50 years he suffered the five wounds of the crucifixion. Like the Apostle Paul, Padre Pio da Pietrelcina placed at the centre of his life and apostolic work the Cross of his Lord as his strength, his wisdom and his glory. Inflamed by love of Jesus Christ, he became like him in the sacrifice of himself for the salvation of the world. For Padre Pio, faith was life: he willed everything and did everything in the light of faith. He was assiduously devoted to prayer. He passed the day and a large part of the night in conversation with God. He would say: “In books we seek God, in prayer we find him. Prayer is the key which opens God's heart”. Faith led him always to accept God's mysterious will. During his lifetime, he enjoyed a vast reputation for sanctity, because of his virtues, his spirit of prayer, sacrifice and total dedication to the good of souls.

12 Rules for Living

1. When you say "I love you", mean it.
2. When you say " I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
3. Never laugh at anyone's dreams.
4. Talk slow but think quick.
5. Say "Bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
6. Remember the 3 R's : Respect for self ; Respect for others ; Responsibility for all your actions.
7. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
8. Read more books and watch less TV.
9. Trust in God but lock your car.
10. When you realize you've made a mistakes take immediate steps to correct it.
11. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
12. Spend some time alone.

Bangkok CCD Newsletter
September 20, 2009

Servant of God

Photo taken during CCD Mass.

September 20, 2009

Parenting My 11 Year Old

My 11 year old son JM will be in high school next year. Two years from now he'll be a teenager.

It is time for me to expect significant changes in his behavior and attitude towards school. I did some searching on the Internet on topics related to changes and behavior of 11 year olds and I found Parenting and Behavior in 9-11 Year Olds and Parenting 9-to 12- Year Olds - What to Expect useful.

Naughty Scoob

by JM, 11 years

To My Son

*A Poem Dedicated to My Eleven Year Old Son John Michael*

Oh how the years go by, Oh how time can certainly fly.

From once just a thought in far away dreams, now into my arms and in my eyes gleam the presence of you.

Your laughter and smiles which go on for miles, warms my heart and soul.

You're growing up so fast, as I wish each moment with you to last forever.

My little boy will someday be a man and right by your side I will forever stand.

I will pick up the pieces when you fall, I will hold your hand and help you stand tall.

And when the day comes when you are on your own, never feel that you are alone.

No matter how near or far apart I am always right there in your heart.

Always remember whatever you go through that no matter what, I will always love you.

-A Son Poem by Amy Campbell

New Species

Scientists, academics and filmmakers from the British Broadcasting Corporation visited the South Pacific island of Papua New Guinea last spring to film a nature documentary and in the process discovered 30 new species of animals all living inside the extinct volcano Mount Bosavi. Read more about these unknown animals here.

Our Lady of Sorrows

Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows

Adriaen Isenbrant

1518-35

The sorrows:
* at the prophecy of Simeon;

* at the flight into Egypt;

* having lost the Holy Child at Jerusalem;

* meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary;

* standing at the foot of the Cross;

* Jesus being taken from the Cross;

* at the burial of Christ.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

John 19:25-27

Involving Kids in Tasks and Chores

The rewards of involving kids in home chores :

1. When children contribute to family life it helps them feel competent and responsible.

2. Sharing housework can minimize stress in a family.

How ?

1. Ask your children for contributions that you value and that suit your children’s age and ability.

2. Do not to give incentives such as pocket money for doing jobs that contribute to the household. Giving children the idea that helping out makes you happy and makes them an important part of the family is more productive.

3. Making the children do tasks that show care for the family as a whole are more likely to promote a sense of responsibility and participation.

4. If your children are old enough, you can have a family discussion, which reinforces that the whole family contributes to how the household runs. Children over six years old can help decide which tasks they’d prefer.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee, for by thy cross thou hast redeemed the world.

*******

Dying, you destroyed our death; rising you restored our life. Save us by your cross, Christ our Redeemer.

A Cheery Day

by JM, 11 years

Most Holy Name of Mary

"O name of Mary! Joy in the heart, honey in the mouth, melody to the ear of Her devout clients!"

St. Anthony of Padua +1231

Superman

Time Picture of the Week

September 8, 2009

Trappist Monastery

A peaceful and sacred enclave in Guimaras Island, Philippines run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance is the Trappist Monastery. The monks in this monastery follow the rule of St. Benedict and are best known for the extreme strictness that characterizes their discipline.The monks earn a living by selling souvenir items and processed foods which are sold in a small shop within the monastery grounds. The ingredients that go to these products are grown in the Trappist grounds.You can tour the monastery grounds and visit their prayer areas. There are also guest houses available at reasonable prices for those who would want to get away from the hassles of daily life.The Trappist Monastery is located in Bgy. San Miguel, Jordan Town in Guimaras. From Iloilo, Jordan, Guimaras can be reached by riding a pumpboat in Ortiz St., Iloilo City.

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"Today the barren Anna claps her hands for joy, the earth radiates with light, kings sing their happiness, priests enjoy every blessing, the entire universe rejoices, for she who is queen and the Father's immaculate bride buds forth from the stem of Jesse" (adapted from Byzantine Daily Worship).

Remembering Mom

She is Gone

*A poem dedicated to the memory of my late mom, Esperanza.*

You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

David Harkins

CCD

CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) opened today at our parish church. I came upon this program three years ago when my son was ready to receive his First Holy Communion. I searched for cathechism classes offered in the English language in churches around Bangkok but found none. Either the church offers the program once a year during the summer in Thai language or the program is integrated in the regular Catholic school curriculum in Thai language also. Our parish church offers this program in English for children who are attending non-Catholic schools. This is my son's fourth year in program . He is in the sixth grade and hopefully will be in the Confirmation class next year.

Remembering Mother Teresa

1910-1997

“It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start.”

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Mother Teresa of Calcutta was an Albanian-born Roman Catholic nun, founder of the Missionaries of Charity, and Nobel laureate. Read about her beatification, her life and her vocation here.

MV Doulos

On August 23rd, we went to a pier here in Bangkok to visit MV Doulos and buy books that interest us. Little did I now that day was the last time I would a see her in Bangkok. She left the following day. And she is now on her last worldwide tour. I have always been facinated by this ship, not only because of her age, but also because of her history and her mission. The oldest active passenger ship, she is now used as the largest floating bookshop, bringing books to port cities around the world. Read more about MV Doulos and her history here.

Worry No More

It's been ages since I last browsed the Catholic Digest online. Since I cannot sleep, I decided to do some reading online on anything Catholic and I found this article, A Catholic's Guide to Worrying. I hope you'll be guided after reading this.

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. - Psalm 55:22

Prevention is Better Than Cure

HEALTHY JUICES

Carrot + Ginger + Apple cleans our system.

Apple + Cucumber + Celery prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and eliminate stomach upset and headache.

Tomato + Carrot + Apple improve complexion and eliminate bad breath.

Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk prevent bad breath and reduce internal body heat.

Orange + Ginger + Cucumber improve skin texture , moisture and reduce body heat.

Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon rid our body of excess salts, nourish the bladder and kidney.

Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi improve complexion.

Pear & Banana regulate sugar content.

Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango eliminate body heat, counteract toxicity, decrease blood pressure and fight oxidization.

Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.

Papaya + Pineapple + Milk Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron improve complexion and metabolism.

Banana + Pineapple + Milk are rich in vitamins and prevent constipation

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Painting by Peter Paul Rubens

'See the beauty of the daughter of Jerusalem, who ascended to heaven like the rising sun at dawn.'

- Benedictus antiphon from Daily Office

Stuffed Animals

We dropped by at Central Plaza Pinklao to buy some English language books for JM and we were surprised by the display of huge stuffed animals for Mother's Day in Thailand. JM at 11 years still loves stuffed animals and he finds these so adorable. He obliged to pose with some of his favorite cuties for souvenir shots.

Dreaming he would one day wear his very own cap and gown.

JM hiding under the ears of mommy rabbit.

With mommy panda and baby.

And last, but not the least with a huge, black Golden.

Keeping Fit

It has now become a daily routine. He wants to keep fit and strong and he thinks exercising is fun. I hope he keeps doing this healthy routine in his adult years.

Honoring Saint Louis Mary de Montfort

Early morning today, all school activities and classes were cancelled to honor Saint Louis Mary de Montfort. The brothers, teachers, students and parents attended the ceremony honoring the patron saint of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel.

Memories from Three Years Ago

JM rehearsing for his First Holy Communion.

All smiles as he lifted the pages of his First Reconciliation Booklet. I'm still wondering until now why he was smiling during his first confession.

The CCD photographer took fancy of him wearing a double scapular during the rites on the blessing of the scapulars.

With his cathechist during a Sunday class session for first holy communicants.

Long Weekend

JM enjoying the long weekend at home.

Bashful

Five year old JM hiding his face behind a bouquet.

Jesus Calms a Storm

He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"
They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"

- Mark 4:39-41

Blessing to All Fathers

Bless my dad and the grandfather of my son.

Bless my husband and the father of my son.

Bless all fathers around the world on this special day.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY !

Father's Day

Bless my father, Lord. Keep us in your care so that we may live in the pattern of the Holy Family.

— The Blessing Cup: Prayer-Rituals for Families and Groups

Teacher Appreciation Day 2009

Cool Sandals

I bought two pairs of sandals recently from this shop . And I found these so comfortable to walk around and classy to wear for work. These are reasonably priced as well ! I'll buy a couple more next weekend.

Wildflowers

Solemnity of the Most Blessed Trinity

Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Matthew 20: 18-20

Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus' arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earth's shadows, Pray to trust our Father's Will.

There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth--You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting,Oh, the joy to see you come!

In loving memory of my mom, Esperanza who joined her creator on October, 2008

Pentecost Sunday

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit that my thoughts may all be holy;

Act in me O Holy Spirit that my works, too, may be holy;

Draw my heart O Holy Spirit that I love but what is holy;

Strengthen me O Holy Spirit to defend that is holy;

Guard me then O Holy Spirit that I always may be holy.

St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)

Pentecost Morning

JM after this mornings Pentecost Sunday mass.

Altar Servers Recognition Day

JM with CCD altar servers coordinator Michelle Harney and husband Michael during this mornings recognition program for altar servers.