Wow, what a wonderful and powerful victory it was last week for the Chilean miners, the Chilean people and all those who watched and cheered for their rescue! How can one not be happy for the country and their well-orchestrated effort to rescue these thirty-three men trapped for over two months. Much credit must be given to their government for the way that they aggressively tackled the situation, from having the men deal with psychologists, dividing up the responsibilities, keeping them from physical and mental ailments, right up to the drilling of the passages and raising of the miners. What a gripping story, and, finally, broadcast we watched unfold.
This seems like it was one of those stories where the good-guys won, and, hopefully, there will be no more situations such as these, although with mining, it really is inevitable.
At the same time, one of the great story lines all along was the issue of these men's faith. They recognized that it really was miraculous (and even CNN did, too) that they survived and were rescued. They stated that there were little miracles witnessed all along and it caused their belief in God to grow. It, is God, afterall, who preforms miracles! One miner stated that they, "Saw the devil and they saw God. And they chose God." Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all say that, all the time!!
Kudos to the worldwide community for the help they provided and the support and prayers they offered. While the technology and support that was provided was imperative, perhaps the miners survived and were rescued by the prayers of the world.
At Chilean soccer matches, the crowd often chants, "Chi-Chi-Chi, Le, Le, Le" in an effort to support their nation or to celebrate a particular victory. As the miners were brought forth from the depths of the world, the nation chanted this as a sign of victory for their nation. How appropriate! Hopefully, their faith in God and His great miracles will grow and stand firm and continue to be a witness for all the world to see!
--Fr. Marc A. Vicari
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tyler Clementi
A few weeks ago we heard the terrible and tragic news about a young college freshman, Tyler Clementi, from Rutgers University who committed suicide after his roommate had revealed and made public an intimate relationship Tyler had had. Some positioned that this was a misuse of modern technology and social networking gone bad; some said that it was homophobia; most agreed that it was an invasion of privacy at the very least. I am not sure of the accused's intentions, and as of now, neither is the prosecutor's office. No doubt the invasion of privacy was caused young Tyler to fall into despair.
Certainly, there was more to Tyler Clementi's background that this caused him to react so drastically. He probably was struggling with many things and his sexuality was, no doubt, one of them. Perhaps he was never really able to discuss with someone what was going on in his life.
What I found as troubling as anything was that after his suicide, there were many Rutgers students interviewed who lived near him in the dorm, and only three had stated that they had had a conversation with the young student. Only three! Yet on the evening of the vigil that the students and faculty held in his memory and honor, 700 or 800 students attended. Many showed up to remember him, which was kind, but I wonder how many were there to support him or love him before the terrible tragedy.
One of the great examples of Christian living we can show is a willingness to be kind to others. Offering a word of encouragement, a gentle "hello" or a simple smile to those that we might not know so well. For some who receive this kindness, it could make all the difference in the world. Jesus spoke to people he didn't know; Jesus listened to people when they spoke; Jesus asked those in need what he could do for them. Perhaps, this kindness might have been the difference between life and death for Tyler Clementi. Rest in peace, Tyler.
Fr. Marc A. Vicari
Certainly, there was more to Tyler Clementi's background that this caused him to react so drastically. He probably was struggling with many things and his sexuality was, no doubt, one of them. Perhaps he was never really able to discuss with someone what was going on in his life.
What I found as troubling as anything was that after his suicide, there were many Rutgers students interviewed who lived near him in the dorm, and only three had stated that they had had a conversation with the young student. Only three! Yet on the evening of the vigil that the students and faculty held in his memory and honor, 700 or 800 students attended. Many showed up to remember him, which was kind, but I wonder how many were there to support him or love him before the terrible tragedy.
One of the great examples of Christian living we can show is a willingness to be kind to others. Offering a word of encouragement, a gentle "hello" or a simple smile to those that we might not know so well. For some who receive this kindness, it could make all the difference in the world. Jesus spoke to people he didn't know; Jesus listened to people when they spoke; Jesus asked those in need what he could do for them. Perhaps, this kindness might have been the difference between life and death for Tyler Clementi. Rest in peace, Tyler.
Fr. Marc A. Vicari
Friday, August 6, 2010
My friend Eli
Every once in a while I get a chance to meet up with a friend of mine, Eli, with whom I used to practice martial arts and we now just stay in touch. We usually go for Kosher vegetarian Indian food in the New york and that is what we were able to squeeze in yesterday.
While he is a very busy guy, involved in real estate and continuing his education, while being a husband and father of two, we always get back to the topic of religion. Eli is an "orthodox" Jew (although he has disdain for labels), so often we speak of the similarities and differences of our two faiths. Marriage, marriage preparation, birth control, prayer and spirituality, philosophy and history are just some of the topics we discussed last night and are usual areas of conversation.
What I truly appreciate about our friendship and conversations are that we truly listen and appreciate the differences in our beliefs and belief systems and the more we know and understand, the greater respect we both have for our respective faiths. There is never a debate but there is always a dialogue that leads to better understanding. This always leads to fun and enjoyable evenings and greater understanding.
Last night I felt like I had continued my class on World Religions and found our conversation to be enlightening and edifying at the same time. While we are world's apart in many ways, we are both in search of much of the same thing.
"A Catholic priest and a Jew walk into an Indian restaurant and the waiter is a Muslim..."
--Fr. Marc A. Vicari
While he is a very busy guy, involved in real estate and continuing his education, while being a husband and father of two, we always get back to the topic of religion. Eli is an "orthodox" Jew (although he has disdain for labels), so often we speak of the similarities and differences of our two faiths. Marriage, marriage preparation, birth control, prayer and spirituality, philosophy and history are just some of the topics we discussed last night and are usual areas of conversation.
What I truly appreciate about our friendship and conversations are that we truly listen and appreciate the differences in our beliefs and belief systems and the more we know and understand, the greater respect we both have for our respective faiths. There is never a debate but there is always a dialogue that leads to better understanding. This always leads to fun and enjoyable evenings and greater understanding.
Last night I felt like I had continued my class on World Religions and found our conversation to be enlightening and edifying at the same time. While we are world's apart in many ways, we are both in search of much of the same thing.
"A Catholic priest and a Jew walk into an Indian restaurant and the waiter is a Muslim..."
--Fr. Marc A. Vicari
Friday, March 5, 2010
Olympic Hockey
Wow, what an exciting hockey game last Sunday's gold medal game was as it pitted the United States against Canada! I admit I have not been much of a fan over the years after having grown up loving the game as a kid. Wayne Gretsky, Guy LaFleur, Phil Esposito, Ron Hextall were some of the names that I remember watching and cheering for and against. My hockey knowledge and recollection are from THAT era.
I do, however, very clearly recall the 1980 Olympics and how the US defeated the Soviets, then went on to win the gold medal. As a boy, that was one of the great sporting memories of my life. It was great to see the US make another run at the gold during these Olympics. It did bring back some memories, but I know it was not a parallel situation.
About eight years ago the movie "Miracle" came out that detailed those 1980 Olympics and the story of the US hockey team. It was a wonderful opportunity to reminisce and not only was exciting because of the story, but also because of the patriotic theme.
While our nation's hockey team fell short this time, they were still wonderful ambassadors both for the sport as well as for our nation!
--Fr. Marc A. Vicari
I do, however, very clearly recall the 1980 Olympics and how the US defeated the Soviets, then went on to win the gold medal. As a boy, that was one of the great sporting memories of my life. It was great to see the US make another run at the gold during these Olympics. It did bring back some memories, but I know it was not a parallel situation.
About eight years ago the movie "Miracle" came out that detailed those 1980 Olympics and the story of the US hockey team. It was a wonderful opportunity to reminisce and not only was exciting because of the story, but also because of the patriotic theme.
While our nation's hockey team fell short this time, they were still wonderful ambassadors both for the sport as well as for our nation!
--Fr. Marc A. Vicari
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Super Bowl and the Saints
It is that wonderful time of year again! The weekend of the Super Bowl is always an exciting time, although without a New York team- particularly the Giants- it is not as exciting as it could be, but fun nonetheless.
I have never been to Indianapolis, so I do not know what that football city is like. I am certain that they are excited and amped up and ready to go. No doubt, with the talent on that team, especially headed by Peyton Manning, they are expecting that the Super Bowl trophy will be brought to Indianapolis.
Conversely, I have been to New Orleans and was stunned by the devotion of the fans in the Big Easy. There is a surreal love affair that is going on between the fans of the Saints and the team itself. With all the Saints' paraphernalia on sale and all the fleur-de-lis earrings that women were and t-shirts and jerseys that the residents wear, it is hard to spot anything not marked with this Saints' symbol.
The residents of Louisiana, however, will remind you that the fleur-de-lis is not just a symbol of their football team, but also of their Louisiana culture and history, present since the time of the Louisiana Purchase. At the same time, in the last four years or so, it has become a symbol of the resurrected city of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. They are similarly proud of this fact and use this flowery symbol to remind all that not only is the football team great (at least for this year), but that their city is great as well.
I particularly like the symbol of the fleur-de-lis, not because it is a symbol of the team or of the city or even of the French ancestry of Louisiana, but most importantly and proudly, because it is a sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary- a representation that long outdates the team, the state and even the French!
While either the Colts or the Saints are worthy of the championship this year and also worthy of my support, as they are both classy organizations, a team that has risen from the destruction of that terrible Hurricane, has brought to life the region with hope of celebration and at the same time both calls itself the "Saints" and sport a beautiful symbol of Mary, our Blessed Mother, will garner my official support. Go Saints!
--Fr. Marc A. Vicari
I have never been to Indianapolis, so I do not know what that football city is like. I am certain that they are excited and amped up and ready to go. No doubt, with the talent on that team, especially headed by Peyton Manning, they are expecting that the Super Bowl trophy will be brought to Indianapolis.
Conversely, I have been to New Orleans and was stunned by the devotion of the fans in the Big Easy. There is a surreal love affair that is going on between the fans of the Saints and the team itself. With all the Saints' paraphernalia on sale and all the fleur-de-lis earrings that women were and t-shirts and jerseys that the residents wear, it is hard to spot anything not marked with this Saints' symbol.
The residents of Louisiana, however, will remind you that the fleur-de-lis is not just a symbol of their football team, but also of their Louisiana culture and history, present since the time of the Louisiana Purchase. At the same time, in the last four years or so, it has become a symbol of the resurrected city of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. They are similarly proud of this fact and use this flowery symbol to remind all that not only is the football team great (at least for this year), but that their city is great as well.
I particularly like the symbol of the fleur-de-lis, not because it is a symbol of the team or of the city or even of the French ancestry of Louisiana, but most importantly and proudly, because it is a sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary- a representation that long outdates the team, the state and even the French!
While either the Colts or the Saints are worthy of the championship this year and also worthy of my support, as they are both classy organizations, a team that has risen from the destruction of that terrible Hurricane, has brought to life the region with hope of celebration and at the same time both calls itself the "Saints" and sport a beautiful symbol of Mary, our Blessed Mother, will garner my official support. Go Saints!
--Fr. Marc A. Vicari
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Prayers for Haiti
There is no doubt that there are many emotions we are feeling these days. Feelings like sadness, fear, suffering, anxiety, wonder, frustration, anger and many more. We are sad because, Haiti, which has for years been suffering because of poverty, poor infrastructure, greed and corruption and sorrow, is now, again, afflicted by more tragedy. It is not fair to them.
We are angry because we say, “How can an all-good and all-loving God allow this travesty to occur? How can God let good people, innocent people, innocent children die?”
We are suffering because we have loved ones who are missing or dead, or we are suffering because we have friends who are mourning and saddened. Perhaps we are frustrated because we feel powerless: what can we do but stay here and perhaps offer our prayers and our donations, but how frustrating it is when we want to go and help and comfort the sorrowing and wipe the tears of the crying and help unearth those who are buried, only to be rebuffed in our effort, as, sadly, there is nothing we can do but pray and donate.
And we become anxious about many things: are my family members and my friends ok, especially if we have not heard from them? And we think, “Will Haiti ever recover, as she has already suffered so at the hands of the corrupt and the greedy, forced to live in poverty for so long. We might also think, what is to prevent tragedy and suffering from happening again?
Situations like these often tempt us to think in ways we ordinarily would not. Thoughts like, “God does not really love His people,” or “It was God’s way of punishing us,” or worst of all, we might think, “There is no God at all.”
Psalm 46 of the Old Testament reminds us of God as our protector in difficult times. The psalm reads:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in distress.
Therefore we fear not, though the earth be shaken and mountains
Plunge into the sea;
Though its waters rage and foam and the mountains
Quake at its surging.
The Lord of Hosts is with us.
While we will never understand with our limited minds the infinite ways of God, we do know that God is not simply out there and away from us, but very much with us. He has a hand in our lives and now He inspires us to show love to our neighbors. Love through donations; love through efforts to physically help and love through our prayers for the mourning, saddened and the faithful departed.
And so we pray:
Blessed are you, Lord God of power and might. God who makes the earth quake and the wind blow and the seas rise, we bless and praise you for your presence in the world and in our lives, hear our prayers as we cry out to you in sadness and joy, in fear and in security, in sorrow and in hope.
We pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer, those who have died and those still who will die: raise them up to be with you forever in joy and happiness. For the missing, that they will still be found and rescued and returned to their families, even if it requires a miracle. For those who mourn, that because of the hope you give us, wipe every tear away and replace it with lasting memories of love and beauty.
Please help to never forget that you are with us always, and you are our hope, especially when all seems hopeless; that you are our rock when we are in need of strength; that you are our peace when there is turmoil; that you are our comfort when we are mourning and you are our joy, as all miracles and salvation come from you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
We are angry because we say, “How can an all-good and all-loving God allow this travesty to occur? How can God let good people, innocent people, innocent children die?”
We are suffering because we have loved ones who are missing or dead, or we are suffering because we have friends who are mourning and saddened. Perhaps we are frustrated because we feel powerless: what can we do but stay here and perhaps offer our prayers and our donations, but how frustrating it is when we want to go and help and comfort the sorrowing and wipe the tears of the crying and help unearth those who are buried, only to be rebuffed in our effort, as, sadly, there is nothing we can do but pray and donate.
And we become anxious about many things: are my family members and my friends ok, especially if we have not heard from them? And we think, “Will Haiti ever recover, as she has already suffered so at the hands of the corrupt and the greedy, forced to live in poverty for so long. We might also think, what is to prevent tragedy and suffering from happening again?
Situations like these often tempt us to think in ways we ordinarily would not. Thoughts like, “God does not really love His people,” or “It was God’s way of punishing us,” or worst of all, we might think, “There is no God at all.”
Psalm 46 of the Old Testament reminds us of God as our protector in difficult times. The psalm reads:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in distress.
Therefore we fear not, though the earth be shaken and mountains
Plunge into the sea;
Though its waters rage and foam and the mountains
Quake at its surging.
The Lord of Hosts is with us.
While we will never understand with our limited minds the infinite ways of God, we do know that God is not simply out there and away from us, but very much with us. He has a hand in our lives and now He inspires us to show love to our neighbors. Love through donations; love through efforts to physically help and love through our prayers for the mourning, saddened and the faithful departed.
And so we pray:
Blessed are you, Lord God of power and might. God who makes the earth quake and the wind blow and the seas rise, we bless and praise you for your presence in the world and in our lives, hear our prayers as we cry out to you in sadness and joy, in fear and in security, in sorrow and in hope.
We pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer, those who have died and those still who will die: raise them up to be with you forever in joy and happiness. For the missing, that they will still be found and rescued and returned to their families, even if it requires a miracle. For those who mourn, that because of the hope you give us, wipe every tear away and replace it with lasting memories of love and beauty.
Please help to never forget that you are with us always, and you are our hope, especially when all seems hopeless; that you are our rock when we are in need of strength; that you are our peace when there is turmoil; that you are our comfort when we are mourning and you are our joy, as all miracles and salvation come from you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
--Rev. Marc A. Vicari
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Disaster in Haiti
The news of the terrible earthquake in Haiti is unsettling to say the least. News report this morning are saying that the number of dead may be upwards of 100,000 persons. As we speak there are individuals who are still alive under rubble, struggling to live. The Army's 82nd Airborne and the Marines will be landing today in order to maintain peace and avoid chaos.
President Obama has asked former President George W. Bush to act as a special envoy for the relief efforts to help briong aid to the Haitian people. At the same time, former President Clinton, already the envoy for the UN to Haiti has been activiely raising funds to obtain the immediate necessities of water, food, temporary shelters and medicine to provide for the survivors and victims.
Others nations are sending helicopters and rescue workers to try to find survivors and provide aid to the suffering. Nations like Mexico, Brazil, China and Germany, to name a few are very active in giving help.
So many are doing so much so quickly that it really is both impressive on the world scale and edifying. At the same time, in the face of such tragedy, we need to remember to continue to pray for the dead, the suffering, the volunteers, the mourning and all those affected, escpecially so many Americans awaiting word about loved ones. It is a terrible tragedy and we know that God will hear our prayers, especially if that is all we can offer. And it should be the least we can offer at this time for our brothers and sisters who are suffering.
--Rev. Marc A. Vicari
President Obama has asked former President George W. Bush to act as a special envoy for the relief efforts to help briong aid to the Haitian people. At the same time, former President Clinton, already the envoy for the UN to Haiti has been activiely raising funds to obtain the immediate necessities of water, food, temporary shelters and medicine to provide for the survivors and victims.
Others nations are sending helicopters and rescue workers to try to find survivors and provide aid to the suffering. Nations like Mexico, Brazil, China and Germany, to name a few are very active in giving help.
So many are doing so much so quickly that it really is both impressive on the world scale and edifying. At the same time, in the face of such tragedy, we need to remember to continue to pray for the dead, the suffering, the volunteers, the mourning and all those affected, escpecially so many Americans awaiting word about loved ones. It is a terrible tragedy and we know that God will hear our prayers, especially if that is all we can offer. And it should be the least we can offer at this time for our brothers and sisters who are suffering.
--Rev. Marc A. Vicari
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