Chi-Chi-Chi, Le-Le-Le!!!

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

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