tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19288375904551582942024-03-19T03:42:32.680-07:00CampionProjectLive the ordinary in an extraordinary way - become a man, a saint in the humdrum of today's world.Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-70900340735564948862013-04-21T15:00:00.000-07:002013-04-21T15:00:05.124-07:00Vocation - finding real joy and meaning.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hard to believe that I've been a priest for over four months! It's been a complete transformation of my life! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Let's say a prayer for vocations - the world is hungering and thirsting for Christ. Have a question or trying to figure out your vocation - <a href="http://www.whynotpriest.org/">www.whynotpriest.org</a>. </span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-31776902420738080572013-03-28T07:28:00.000-07:002013-03-28T07:28:26.779-07:00The Real March Madness - get off the sidelines!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lent's almost over. Today is Holy Thursday, and Easter is just days away. But it's not too late!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This video might strike us as kind of fake or cheesy. But it's the TRUTH. Do I realize what is going to happen in the next three days? I've got a major part to play whether I realize it or not! This drama will unfold. Christ will die on the cross for me. I've nailed him to the cross. Do we know how much he loves me?!</span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-62889930953986512822013-03-13T14:45:00.001-07:002013-03-14T04:53:32.116-07:00Habemus Papam! Pope Francis "I" and a lot of other firsts!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Just back from St. Peter's Square where the atmosphere was electric - sorry, I know that's usually for a rock concert, but there's really no other word! It must have been the Holy Spirit. Shortly after 7pm, I was sitting in my office here in Rome glued to the papal smoke stack watching live as... more black, no wait, gray, no... actually WHITE smoke started to pour out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I don't think I've ever changed into my Roman collar and suit so fast in my life, but I barely had time to think before I was practically sprinting to the subway. On the subway, off the subway, dashing down the sidewalk, sidestepping nuns, almost bowling over tourists, stopping for the official papal marching band (or something like that), and finally squeezing into the square and wriggling to the front. All of that in about a half of an hour. Not too bad!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Square was already full of people singing, cheering, laughing, praying - doing just about everything. That is until the window opened, and, "Gaudium magnum..." We had Pope Francis I. Though most people were checking exactly who he was, since he didn't appear among the CNN frontrunners, he was a hit before he even came out. The Church was no longer "orphaned". We have our pastor! The first Jesuit. The first from the other side of the Atlantic. The first Francis!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I could go on, and I on, but I should let him talk for himself! (Taken from Zenit.)</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Brothers and sisters, good evening!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You know that the duty of the Conclave was to give a bishop to
Rome. It seems as though my brother cardinals went almost to the end of the
world to get him. But here we are. I thank you for your welcome. The diocesan
community of Rome has a bishop. Thank you! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Before all else, I would like to say a prayer for our Bishop
Emeritus Benedict XVI. Let us all pray together for him, that the Lord may
bless him and that Our Lady may watch over him …</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory be]</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">And now let us begin this journey, [together] as bishop and
people. This journey of the Church of Rome, which is to preside over all the
Churches in charity. It is a journey of fraternity, of love, of trust between
us. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the world, so that a
great brotherhood may be created. I hope that this journey of the Church, which
we begin today and in which my Cardinal Vicar who is present here will assist
me, will be fruitful for the Evangelization of this beautiful city. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">And now I would like to give you my blessing. But before I do, I
would like to ask you a favor: before the bishop blesses the people, I ask you
to pray to the Lord that He bless me…. the prayer of the people for a blessing
upon their bishop. Let us take a moment of silence for you to offer your prayer
for me.”</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Silence … the Holy Father bows]</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Cardinal N. says … “The Holy Father, Francesco …”]</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Now I will give you my blessing and to the whole world, to all
men and women of good will.”</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Pope’s blessing]</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Brothers and Sisters,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I leave you now. Thank you for your welcome. Pray for me. And
we’ll see one another again soon. Tomorrow I want to go and pray to Our Lady,
asking her to watch over Rome. Good night and have a good rest.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">If you want to read more about Pope Francis, Jorge </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Bergoglio, check out John Allen's piece <a href="http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/papabile-day-men-who-could-be-pope-13" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i></div>
Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-798815489351282572013-02-27T13:11:00.002-08:002013-02-27T13:48:56.705-08:00What is Benedict XVI doing? His last two days as pope.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Sitting in St Peters and praying my rosary today,
I couldn't help but think back eight years. I wasn't in Rome at the time for the election of Joseph Ratzinger as Benedict XVI in 2005. Still it seems like yesterday I was at our
seminary in Ireland staring at a little chimney which suddenly started to spew
white smoke - a historic moment! Today was one more in that series of spiritually earth-shaking moments in the Church and the world.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Today was Benedict XVI's last general audience, and the reading was from St. Paul's letter to
the Colossians. Faith lived in fidelity necessarily bears fruit. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">What does
Benedict<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>think as he looks out over the
Square and see thousands of pilgrims waving flags from almost every country on
the face of the earth? It's exactly the same enthusiasm, joy, and hope as 8 years
ago and yet so very different. Problems still face the Church and the world,
but at the same time, the Church is, alive, young, vibrant, and growing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">He thanked God for the Church, the body of
Christ, which includes individual communities around the world which he
has visited on his numerous trips. It is the Word of God that gives life and
confidence in God's plan.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">He accepted the Petrine office because the
voice of Christ echoed again in his heart calling him to a new and even more
difficult mission, one that will continue even after stepping away from the
rudder. There have been moments of light and moments of difficulty,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but Christ had always been in the boat.
Christ is at the head of his Church, and he chooses who will lead it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Not by chance, we live the Year of Faith,
confident and certain that Christ carries us in his arms and wants us to
experience the authentic joy specific to being Christians. No one can ever take that
away from us. God's gift will never be revoked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">As pope, it certainly seems a lonely and
solitary path, but he's felt the constant support of numerous coworkers, many
people that have accompanied him in his ministry - the Cardinals and the
Secretariat of State along with the diocese of Rome. So many have helped and
walked along side him on the difficult voyage of piloting the bark of Peter on
rough seas.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">He carried, and carries, each one of us in
his heart of a father through prayer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">But beyond the official thanks to the
diplomatic corps and authorities around the world, he thanks so many normal people,
who write him as brother and father. The Church is a family, not some
organization for religious purposes. The Church is alive, and the Church is
young.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNsu-JPW9HS_q5m1NozfgqBXWzqDZ9ixXenImhKAe-DjMGGPd5C5Fr14pZUN5t8s_YbhpgovhX3fgR6-BpuQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">After expressing his gratitude to all, he
made clear that his resignation was and is a decision made in insistent prayer
seeking the good of the Church, not his own.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">From the 5 of April onward, he no longer
belonged to himself but to the entire Church and the world. Pope
Benedict doesn't abandon the cross but will remain at the foot of the crucified
of Christ. St. Benedict gives him a great example.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">He'll accompany the Church, and asks
prayers for himself, the Cardinals, and the new pope. God guides and
accompanies his Church no matter what!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><i>Reply with your thoughts and comments - very interested in your reflections!</i></b></span></div>
Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-17971170955069521342013-02-25T10:41:00.002-08:002013-02-25T10:41:48.625-08:00The Church is alive! And the Church is young!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I just received the new English anthem for World Youth Day 2013 in Brazil. There's certainly a lot going on in the Church especially with the resignation of the pope in Rome, but let's not forget what Benedict XVI said in his inaugural homily almost eight years ago. So what did he say?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">During those sad days of the
Pope’s illness and death, it became wonderfully evident to us that <b>the Church
is alive. And the Church is young.</b> She holds within herself the future
of the world and therefore shows each of us the way towards the future. The
Church is alive and we are seeing it: we are experiencing the joy that the Risen
Lord promised his followers. The Church is alive – she is alive because
Christ is alive, because he is truly risen.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is truer than ever. No matter the date. No matter the concrete situation of the Church or the World. With John Paul II, with Benedict XVI, or with or next Holy Father - the Church is alive and young. Though Lent is a time of penance and conversion, though there are continual problems in our own lives and in the Church as a whole - Christ has conquered sin and death! Suffering culminates in the resurrection. <br /><br /><i><b>Ooberfuse</b> (<a href="http://www.ooberfuse.com/">www.ooberfuse.com</a>) is an experimental music project led by Cherrie and Hal. I met them both in London a couple of months back! They're great and share a common vision to infuse the increasingly moribund traditions of western pop with fresh eastern vigour. In addition to performing in front of two million young pilgrims in the Madrid World Youth Day in 2011 they also sang the Youth Anthem for Pope Benedict’s visit to the UK in 2010.</i><br /></span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-49605258850710625632013-02-19T11:48:00.003-08:002013-02-19T11:48:46.923-08:00What time is it really? Understanding our lives as a pilgrimage.<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>This is the concluding reflection from my ordination pilgrimage, and it sums up what I feel after a couple months of priesthood - I've barely scratched the surface. Each day is an adventure that builds on his grace.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Wow! Time has really flown by, and you’re already on your way back to America. All of us are probably saying, “I wish it could be a couple of more days.” Couldn’t we just go back in time and even just repeat some of it. God has a time for everything. “There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven…” (<i>Ecc</i> 3:1ff). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We’ve experienced Christ and his Church in a special way. We’ve relived that grace and mission of our baptism. Baptims brought us in, and baptism sends us out. Now we go back to our homes, jobs, families, and sometimes the humdrum of the everyday grind. Yet, we go back differently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As John Paul II says to us in Mystery of the Incarnation, “ A pilgrimage evokes the believer's personal journey in the footsteps of the Redeemer…the pilgrim progresses along the path of Christian perfection, striving to attain, with the support of God's grace, ‘the state of the perfect man, to the measure of the full maturity of Christ’ (<i>Eph</i> 4:13).” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In Rome, we’ve walked in the steps of Peter, Paul, and so many other saints and martyrs. Hopefully we’ve grown in prayer, virtue, and become more like Christ. We’ve come together with fellow pilgrims on this path and strengthened each other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yet the experience isn’t over. It must be shared with others. In five short days, Christ will be born on Christmas into the world, into our hearts. Are we ready? How can we help those around us be ready? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It depends in part on us. We’ve been given graces and gifts but we’ve also been commissioned to share the Good News and to bring Christ to those: “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the gospel to all creation” (Mk 16:15). Like Peter walking on the water, we have nothing to be afraid of! No matter the winds or the waves, we have his strength. If we trust in Him, He will pull us up even when we fall. We just need to keep our eyes fixed on Christ!</span><br />
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Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-15753597063342635772013-02-18T11:33:00.004-08:002013-02-18T11:34:04.119-08:00Mom!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Last reflections on my vocation and the ordination from December.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Okay, you’re probably sick of me by this time. After who knows how many reflections, homilies, spontaneous words, tours. Just bear with me, we’re almost there. You’re on your last day in Rome. I can’t close without talking about Mom, the mother of all of us. <br /><br />Last and not least is an understatement. Many Legionaries have the habit of mentioning her last, and one of the seminarians the other day compared her to a “landing strip”. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In reality, the Blessed Mother is much more. She has accompanied you from the beginning. Most of you left on the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. She was present at the ordinations, during each day in the rosary, Mass, homily, and so on. But at the end, we remember just how important she is in our lives so that she can continue to care for and guide us closer to her Son. <br /><br />The Blessed Virgin has been present on every step of my path even when I wasn’t aware of her quiet, gentle, and loving presence. I was born September 15, 1981, and I can remember looking up my patron saint for the first time: Our Lady of Sorrows, and there was this strange photo with Mary with seven swords sticking out of her heart. “That’s not fair,” I thought to myself, “everyone gets Mary as a mother. I got gypped. I don’t even have a patron saint!” Little did I know that from the first moment of my existence, Mary was claiming me as her own. <br /><br />Later when I joined the Legion of Christ, I found out that it is devoted to the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Sorrows. I made my first profession on September 8th, Mary’s birthday. I professed my perpetual vows on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and here I am ordained on a Saturday, her day of the week. She has always been there guiding me with a maternal hand and leaving signs of her love. There haven’t been any moments where I’ve had a vision or seen the sun dance, but in no way has she been less present.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBQgzj6HfuSFVZeVwgv2ILEleK10Eh71lCrh__1TdCwKmFKL8t65cVndBEtUAUZhduWIZXWXKdeolRUOrtcehpvZLEhzgHiYiwaaa3MoTxgCc5TUfbdUd6Nc64fqDhgiGeJU_btCc9Ac/s1600/Rosary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBQgzj6HfuSFVZeVwgv2ILEleK10Eh71lCrh__1TdCwKmFKL8t65cVndBEtUAUZhduWIZXWXKdeolRUOrtcehpvZLEhzgHiYiwaaa3MoTxgCc5TUfbdUd6Nc64fqDhgiGeJU_btCc9Ac/s320/Rosary.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the Legion, our devotion to Mary
consists primarily in two things: loving her as a faithful son and
imitating her virtues. I haven’t been a perfect son, but I’ve done my
best. We speak to her daily in the rosary. All of our centers have a
grotto, and we greet her when we up in the morning and say goodnight
before going to bed. There have been many tough and difficult moments,
but she is always accompanying me in my crosses and joys and showing me
the meaning of everything in her Son. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As for her virtues, she is truly a complete treatise of Christian life. Perhaps the most significant ones for me have been her prayer, silence, and obedience in the hidden life. I joined the seminary to be a priest, a missionary, an apostle, a Legionary to fight for Christ, but it takes time. Until now, I have spent all my time in a seminary forming myself and helping others to form themselves into Christ. There haven’t been earth shaking events, worldwide recognition, or many external signs of success. But that doesn’t it make it any less important or fruitful. We just have to look to Mary in Bethlehem and Nazareth. <br /><br />She has been my mother and model, one I have seen very clearly reflected in my own mother and numerous other women that have supported me on my path. She sustains and supports us with her unconditional love. Now in Rome we can be sure that she is closer than ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I always like to contemplate the Pietá.
There she is! In every Mass she gives us her Son in a new Bethlehem and
Calvary. She gives him to us in the Eucharist. But she also accompanies
us. It is only in Christ’s cross and above all his resurrection that we
can make sense of the cross and suffering in our own life. It is she
that will help us to keep our eyes focused on Christ despite the wind
and waves and take us by the hand even if we fall. How can we be better
sons and daughters? Maybe it’s just saying a Hail Mary or bringing her a
flower. What virtues of Mary inspire us? Humility? Obedience? Charity?</span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-78318479045591870982013-02-16T12:24:00.001-08:002013-02-16T12:24:12.717-08:00Benedict Resigns, a New Pope, and the Inside Story.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was November 30, 1406, and all the Cardinals were gathered to elect a new pope. Angelo Corrario was among them. There was tension in the air. Before anyone had even voted, let alone been elected, he had sworn to resign from office. In fact every cardinal had sworn to resign from office should he be elected. <br /><br />This was the Western Schism and not only was Corrario elected as Gregory XII, but there were two other “popes” or claimants to the papacy at the time – Benedict XIII and Alexander V. Elections at that time were difficult with many political and economic pressures. At times substitute elections were organized to elect the “true pope”, leaving the Church oft in confusion and uncertainty. <br /><br />As it turned out, Gregory didn’t resign for almost another ten years, during the Council of Constance in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1415. And he died two years later before seeing the end of the schism with the election of Martin V.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That was 1415, and no other Pope has resigned until 2013, 600 years later! What happened? Why is Benedict stepping down?</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />What was I going to talk about? Homilies are never easy and less in a foreign language! Here I was preparing one in Spanish with hardly a clue. Then it came to me: Illogic - God’s lack of logic... <br /><br />In the Gospel of Luke, Christ asks Peter to let him step into his boat and preach. Peter helps spread the Good News by letting Christ be heard. But look what happens next! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Peter has been fishing all night. They caught nothing. Now he’s cleaning the nets. He already let Jesus use the boat. This is a little much – row back out there, through the nets in, they get all dirty again, and to top it off – it’s broad daylight. <br /><br />Well, Peter does just that, and he catches more than two boats can hold. God wasn’t too wrong after all. <br /><br />The next morning, it was another Mass in Spanish. But someone stopped me before I could get ready. He wanted me to look at something on his Iphone. I almost told him to stop distracting me, after Mass would be fine, but he looked pretty serious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">He showed me the latest message, “Pope Benedict's Address on…” Great, we’ll pray for the pope and his intentions. A nice touch. <b>“…Resignation From the See of Rome”</b> Wait a second, I did about a triple take, RESIGNATION. I did’t know what to think. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It wasn’t (and still isn’t) easy to take in, but God was trying to tell me something. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">During Mass two things came to mind: the previous homily and the feast we were celebrating, Our Lady of Lourdes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><b>What to do?</b></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First - God's lack of logic is better than human wisdom. The world, history, Church, even my life, and personal story are in his hands. We’ve never got things all figured out. God’s ways are far above my way. <br /><br />Second - how should I react? Sit back and be confused? No! What did Mary do? Now she had a confusing life – promises virginity, finds out she is going to be pregnant with God’s Son, her almost husband almost leaves her to have her stoned. She finally gives birth to her baby in a stable, and then everyone seems to want to kill him so she has to flee the country. That certainly wasn’t in the small print or even remotely logical. <br /><br />Yet what does she do? Treasure everything and think about it in her heart. It seems to me that we should be doing the same, and I would dare to guess Benedict XVI did exactly that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><b>What he said?</b></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Let’s have a look at his own words.<br /><br />In 2005, on the occasion of his election: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. The fact that the Lord knows how to work and to act even with inadequate instruments comforts me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers. Let us move forward in the joy of the Risen Lord, confident of His unfailing help. The Lord will help us and Mary, His most holy Mother, will be on our side. Thank you.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />In 2013, on the occasion of his resignation: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason… I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter…</span></blockquote>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What it all means?</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> To me, it doesn’t sound like much has changed. Benedict accepted the ministry because God asked it, and he lays it down because God asks it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today's media just don't get it. They're not talking about Benedict because they're too busy with the fictious power struggle to become the next pope. Yet, it seems to me that God might be trying to help us solve our uncertainty and confusion just like 600 years ago. And not just us in general, but you and me!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08SZlqM2xILNWYIizCHxg8lXKN435YtM0wteNfCzymuacFqUHzz_GY1nCa1R70F7EqmElOrjk93bDHk8X7ZFYVFBIQsSuQFAv7HK_PO7beWQP5UQu7ZDhWnGVq81PSEOGdY2P48RgCgc/s1600/images2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08SZlqM2xILNWYIizCHxg8lXKN435YtM0wteNfCzymuacFqUHzz_GY1nCa1R70F7EqmElOrjk93bDHk8X7ZFYVFBIQsSuQFAv7HK_PO7beWQP5UQu7ZDhWnGVq81PSEOGdY2P48RgCgc/s320/images2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How are our lives? Do we live trying to please God and fulfil his plan
and only that? The Cardinals will soon be walking into the Sistine
Chapel only to be met by a bigger than life Terminator-Jesus (okay,
sorry for the comparison but he's no weakling). Michelangelo’s Last
Judgment is not a fingerpaint. It’s not vague, abstract, or ambiguous.
We will be judged on our decisions. But Christ’s greatest desire is to
save us from sin and bring us up to heaven to live with him for
eternity. Benedict XVI certainly has that clear? Do we? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Please send me your thoughts and suggestions by commenting below, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CampionProject" target="_blank">FaceBook</a>, or directly on the <a href="http://www.campionproject.com/p/ask-question.html" target="_blank">page</a>.</i> </span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-65962961219730601632013-02-04T09:09:00.001-08:002013-02-04T09:09:02.995-08:00Finding a Home in Rome: citizens of the Church and of the world<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Being in Rome, we experience the universal Church and the pope in a real and almost palpable way unlike any on earth. St. Peter’s Basilica is a microcosm of the tremendous reality of the universal Catholic Church. I love to share the image of St. Peter’s truly being the parish Church of the world that all Christians can call home! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It’s kind of funny because I think I have met more people in Rome from the United States than when I was on the other side of the ocean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When I meet someone in St. Peter’s Square, we have so much in common. We’re pilgrims on a journey. We speak the same language of faith. Often we’ll come to the table of the Eucharist and give thanks together. We belong to the same family, the Body of Christ, the Church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As Christians, how often we experience this in our parishes at home, in the Christian charity of a neighbor, or simply the hospitality of others all around the globe! We, priests, participate in this family, and Christ has called us to be the fathers and older brothers. Not only do we participate in this community of love, but in some ways we are called to provide for, to protect, to fight for the Church, “just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her” (Eph 5:25). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the Square, the keyhole shape also reminds us of Peter and his keys to bind and loose. He was Christ’s Vicar and continues to be present in the Church through his successors. Even as we walk in we are led forward by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove who in turn illuminates a gigantic bronze chair, which represents the pope’s governing, teaching and sanctifying power. He is the one to lead us on our journey within the family of the Church through time towards our eternal destination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3TkovP1CYfWLy-Avji87uxsdKGUUrK4Fq7dktqUJ0DXfQuBKED7KsxYhoFuJw_yGPhNQCUqcMmantnFyECWW4KNs0pzY6fALxrrI7lDF4m6Yvl_WjkMRRfS04gI0TxZyWvumechRXSE/s1600/pope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3TkovP1CYfWLy-Avji87uxsdKGUUrK4Fq7dktqUJ0DXfQuBKED7KsxYhoFuJw_yGPhNQCUqcMmantnFyECWW4KNs0pzY6fALxrrI7lDF4m6Yvl_WjkMRRfS04gI0TxZyWvumechRXSE/s320/pope.jpg" width="320" /></a>All of this symbolism can be very beautiful but it has a very real and concrete dimension. One thing that I have learned in very practical ways within Regnum Christi and the Legion is how to love and follow the pope no matter what. We are constantly reading the addresses of the pope, keeping up-to-date on his travels and activities, praying for him and his intentions, and countless other small details. There can even be, and have been, times when he or his representatives give indications that we don’t fully understand, but we know when we are with him, we are with Christ. The past couple of years have been a little like a roller coaster, but with the pope in the lead, we cannot go astray. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today we’ll see the pope in the audience. We will listen to Christ’s Vicar and gather with thousands of other Catholics around the successor of Peter. We are all in the boat of the Church with a sure hand at the helm. Let’s experience this reality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Sometimes it can seem very far away and distant, but in Rome we live on a
physical level what is the spiritual reality of our lives – we’re part
of a family that includes brothers and sisters all over the world. We
support each other in prayer and charity and are called to follow and
support our Holy Father as he guides the Bark of Peter to safe harbor. </span><br />
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Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-47187306655225841412013-01-31T10:29:00.001-08:002013-01-31T10:32:07.161-08:00True Love: nice quotes vs. real action<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Love for souls sounds theoretical, vague, and ambiguous. But we’re talking about authentic Christian love, charity. We don’t just love on a human level, but we love others as spiritual and eternal persons, images of God himself. “God created man in the image of himself, in the image of God he created him” (Gn 1:27). </span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The example that the Holy Father gives
at the beginning of the Year of Faith is that of the Samaritan woman at
the well. She asks Christ for water, but he goes far beyond her physical
needs and loves her more deeply. “If you only knew what God is offering
and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me something to drink,’ you
would have been the one to ask, and he would have given you living
water” (Jn 4:10). He recognizes her real thirst and tries to quench it. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is one of things that impressed me when I joined the Regnum Christi Movement. We have a custom of praying for all of those souls entrusted to our care. In other words, as members and potential members of Christ’s Body, the Church, we are joined in a very real way to all other members throughout the world. In God’s infinite Providence, he linked the good and even eternal destiny of others to me, my actions, my words, my prayers, and my love. What better intention than to pray for my brothers and sisters who depend in some way on me as an instrument of God’s grace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So in some way, I’ve been praying for all of you for the past 15 years (Mom and Dad, don’t worry, I started praying for you earlier). God has wanted to link all of us in his History of Salvation, and I thank God daily for your prayers and support. There is no way I could have been faithful without your outpouring of support, and I hope to be able to repay it in some way through my priesthood, remembering you in my daily Mass. What a mystery – why has God given such a great mission and responsibility to poor, weak men. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Walking the streets of Assisi, this becomes so clear through the examples of men like Francis. If it wasn’t for him, where would the Church be? It was he and his brothers that tirelessly walked the roads of Christendom preaching the radicalism of the Gospel and calling people to conversion and Christian charity. The Franciscans, their hospitals, schools, monasteries, and the monuments of Christian service can be traced to this simple friar who gave away everything even to the cloak on his back and the shoes on his feet to help his brothers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today we stand in the same place where Francis renounced everything, even his family, to live in poverty, chastity, and obedience for Christ and his brothers. As he, himself, said, “For it is in giving that we receive.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On our pilgrimage, we experience this reality in a very real, even if sometimes uncomfortable way. Loving others and especially in a spiritual way is not always easy or fun. It will call us out of our comfort zone. How interested are we that the one at our side goes to heaven? This requires prayer, patience, effort, and above all a truly generous love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Okay we don’t really have the chance to lay all we have, even the clothes on our back, like St. Francis, at the foot of Christ. Nor can we rebuild a church. But we can lay aside our likes and preferences to make those around us happy. We can rebuild Christ’s dwelling in our hearts by talking to him in silence and prayer. </span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-78502992540311241932013-01-29T09:30:00.000-08:002013-01-29T09:30:31.410-08:00The Eucharist: a Gourmet Recipe for the Soul.<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whenever I try to explain to Catholics the radicalness of the Eucharist, I present two options. We’re either right, and the Eucharist is God himself: the greatest gift to mankind, or we are the biggest bunch of lunatics ever to walk the earth. Every day, thousands of people kneel down and worship in the most personal, real way or they are deceived and make fools of themselves in front of a little wafer. Well which is it?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many non-Catholic wonder why Catholics don’t live like Christ is really present in the Eucharist. If Christ is really there, why don’t we spend all the time we can with him? It’s there that everything happens. We relive his birth, life, suffering, death, and resurrection. I have always loved Michelangelo’s Pietà for exactly that reason. Mary literally hands us her son on the altar as the greatest gift she has ever received, the answer to human suffering, the incarnation of love, and reason for our life. All of this in the small host! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For me, the Eucharist has meant a lot. When I started out on a more intense personal faith journey as a sophomore, daily Mass or the communion service at during lunch-break in high school was a means for survival. Later when I joined Regnum Christi, the special devotion to the Eucharist in the Mass, the Thursday Holy Hour, and frequent visits became parts of my life. In one Eucharist, I receive all the strength I need to keep fighting and be a saint. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, as a priest, the Eucharist takes on a whole new dimension. From the time I joined the seminary, I have daily Mass, adoration, and numerous spontaneous visits to him in the chapel present in each house. He became a part of my life, or as St. Paul says, “Life to me, of course, is Christ” (Phil 1:21). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6y7hagCnjPdlPHLRfnVyJI_NKM0MMvXQAl0zl3jDXxTQTVfMvkSn8EcLT7CrEfSW8vkzR-amUT_3yTs3nLyj-eFgyqiMKmI61gWnCoz8GCt5yMGxOveYskUWWsBlUcPaCnYDdHGhr9Q4/s1600/1052525_39156197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6y7hagCnjPdlPHLRfnVyJI_NKM0MMvXQAl0zl3jDXxTQTVfMvkSn8EcLT7CrEfSW8vkzR-amUT_3yTs3nLyj-eFgyqiMKmI61gWnCoz8GCt5yMGxOveYskUWWsBlUcPaCnYDdHGhr9Q4/s320/1052525_39156197.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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Yet with all this grace, we have the danger of getting used to the greatest gift ever being at our beck and call. It’s kind of like living with our family. We get used to having our parents and siblings with us all the time, so when we do leave home, we’re amazed at how much we actually love and miss them. We often take those closest to us for granted. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, this is a real risk for us priests and seminarians. But God gives us our identity as priests in the Eucharist. We don’t have a physical family to provide for. But our family becomes the Church, and we provide for their needs above all in the Eucharist. It is indeed the most important spiritual food that we have. As priests we have the privilege of being God’s instruments in providing all Christians with the bread of angels.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIQ3ld79tqAZC-zstKLXuEOpWMuBcHw9pY5NZEcSjlCut2wDypvkM2xPY_6J5NNCOU3JmgnwH4l93yD3VataTx09ODn4k1aEBNTHcjSlc7ffMjM_7UlTdEpTptJ9ESxh_av5FfUu2s-U/s1600/595118_21282968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIQ3ld79tqAZC-zstKLXuEOpWMuBcHw9pY5NZEcSjlCut2wDypvkM2xPY_6J5NNCOU3JmgnwH4l93yD3VataTx09ODn4k1aEBNTHcjSlc7ffMjM_7UlTdEpTptJ9ESxh_av5FfUu2s-U/s320/595118_21282968.jpg" width="320" /></a>I remember the first times giving communion as a Eucharistic minister: looking into the eyes of those who came up to receive. What a privilege to see the need and desire of so many sons and daughters of the Church! And even more so to know that God has chosen me to satisfy that need for him in the world by bringing his body and blood down on the altar every day of my life.</span></span><br />
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On this pilgrimage we will have Mass daily– the opportunity to receive Christ into our hearts and souls and make him the center of our life. Let’s participate in the Mass with our whole being and make it a chance to get to know and love Christ better.</span></span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-77128672810049505472013-01-25T09:47:00.000-08:002013-01-25T09:47:23.702-08:00Money, fame, and the priesthood - the true story.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Funny. Until the other day, I wasn’t thinking of starting this way. Coming back to the seminary, I stopped by a hotel, and there was a businessman getting out of a Mercedes sedan. He walked into the hotel, and the driver waited on him. Okay, I have to admit I did think, “Wow, wouldn’t that be nice. Having someone to wait on me hand and foot and take me everywhere.” I at least naturally tend to like these status symbols and the idea that others respect and admire me. <br /><br />But then my mind wandered back to something else. “I’m going to be a priest forever.” Okay, I won’t have a Mercedes with a driver, but then again when I celebrate the Mass, Jesus Christ, God waits, on my word to come down to the world again in the Eucharist. When I sit in the confessional, he hangs on my lips waiting to bestow his forgiveness on a soul in need. Who is more important, the guy who has a driver or the priest, for whom God waits? </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />But there’s a little more to it than that. Why should God wait on me? It’s actually the opposite of our friend with the Merc at the hotel. The fact that someone is waiting on him is a consequence of the money, power, or fame he might have. In the priest’s case, God doesn’t wait on him because he’s important – he’s important BECAUSE God’s waits on him. God is the source and reason that I am anything. His love makes us really important. <br /><br />I’m definitely not worthy of the priesthood, but Christ chose it for me from all eternity. He wants me to be his instrument in a very special way in the lives of hundreds, thousands, millions of other lives. There is definitely a lot preaching, working, and helping others, but there’s much more. <br /><br />As the pope says, “through [the priests’] ministry the Lord continues to save men, to make himself present, to sanctify.” My vocation, my job, my life is making God present in the world and in souls. I will bring him down on the altar in the host to feed the world with his body and blood. I will administer his forgiveness to reconcile souls to him so that they can reach eternal life. I will bring souls to new life in faith and the Spirit through baptism. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_9n9Lo5WAEQM90BUtOX9wMxdByqSi-moPZhcoB3hb8BKtN_odbQISvnZWuTp6nGs7jotT6Id_3n3CmQ8-fPlSEdfP1iXiVY_x_6hoxNukv9Q5lL3vY4Ax_HMw2unv7KCyvKPZhFhf5U/s1600/thumb.php.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_9n9Lo5WAEQM90BUtOX9wMxdByqSi-moPZhcoB3hb8BKtN_odbQISvnZWuTp6nGs7jotT6Id_3n3CmQ8-fPlSEdfP1iXiVY_x_6hoxNukv9Q5lL3vY4Ax_HMw2unv7KCyvKPZhFhf5U/s320/thumb.php.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I will send souls to heaven, fed and nurtured by the graces of the Church. I will be there in the name of Christ and his Church to bless the union of man and woman in one flesh. I, no Christ through me, will bring souls to himself through my thoughts, words, and actions. I belong to him. “He must grow greater, I must grow less” (Jn 3:30). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It’s a lot to take in, and they are things that I have been dreaming about for almost fifteen years when God revealed his plan to my heart. Some join the seminary thinking, “Maybe this is for me, we’ll see.” In my case, for some reason and no merit of my own, he instilled a certainty in my heart from the beginning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have had my share of problems, doubts, difficulties, sufferings, and been lacking in generosity, but for some reason he has never allowed me to falter on my path to the altar. That has been a certainty and a guiding star in my life from the beginning: God wants me to be his priest, another Christ for the world.<br /></span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-11309557131170573472013-01-22T07:07:00.001-08:002013-01-22T07:07:12.314-08:00Why Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience For Life - the Joy of the Priesthood!So how and why did I decide to become a Legionary priest? I’m not going to tell you my story here, but the whole story is <a href="http://www.campionproject.com/p/who-am-i.html" target="_blank">here </a>in case you suffer from insomnia. <br />
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What did God do almost fifteen years ago that brought me to the altar for ordination and brought you to Rome to share in this plan of God? <br />
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Any vocation is first and foremost an invitation from God, and we answer yes or no. I can remember visiting a Legionary seminary for the first time; I was totally blown away by the joy, the charity, and their mission. I can remember sitting in the dining room looking around at the hundred plus other seminarians around me, chatting, smiling, eating, and enjoying themselves. “I want this,” I thought to myself, “but is this what God wants for me? It’s up to him.” <br />
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There are many different ways of living out our faith in the Church: as priests, lay people, religious brothers or sisters, single, and so on. And within each state of life there are many different paths – people to marry, religious orders to join, ministries to carry out. How do we choose? I’m convinced that in God’s infinite love, he has something special set aside for us. That is what will make us happiest and most fulfilled. Now we are free to choose these or others, but that doesn’t change his invitation. <br />
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As you can read in my personal story, I first met a Legionary in confession while in high school. Nothing big you might think, but to this day, that priest has made a huge impression on my life. I remember the enthusiasm, the strength, the missionary zeal, and above all the holiness.<br />
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There was something that attracted me, something I wanted, or rather that God wanted for me. And in reality, the Legion is her men as we often say. Just like in the Church, it’s not about the institution, the buildings, or even the books – it’s about all the Christians all over the world. In a similar way, the religious family of the Legion and the related lay movement, <i>Regnum Christi</i>, is all about the men and women that make it up. <br />
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From the very beginning I was attracted by the spirit which combines a contemplative aspect of deep prayer and personal and passionate love for Christ with a conquering aspect of missionary zeal and love for souls. They were serious about being holy apostles and helping others to do the same. It’s something that struck me from the beginning - we don’t say one thing and do another.<br />
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Unfortunately as many of you know, many things about our founder were not as they seemed. It has been a cross for all of us to bear, knowing that he didn’t always do what he said. On the other hand, though, it has brought me full circle. I’m not here because of what a great group this is or how much I like it. I’m here because God called me here.<br />
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Yes, the Legion is her men but ultimately she is God’s work. In other words, God has a personal plan that we can either accept or reject, and our fidelity is not indifferent, it will make it easier or harder for others. But in the end, it is ultimately his call, his love, he alone to whom we have to answer. <br />
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Strange as it may seem, I have known for the past 14 years that God has called me to the Legion of Christ. It hasn’t been easy, and I can’t give you logical treatise on it. But when people ask me how this can be, I always bring up there are normally two ways of meeting a spouse – we either meet someone amazing and our initial love deepens and matures or we spend a long time looking for that perfect match. In my case, it was love at first sight, maybe a little naive at first but one that has matured and deepened for Christ, for his Church, and for his Legion. I’ve promised love for life in good time and bad. God hasn’t let me down yet, and I hope to never let him down. Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-26602621027253392782013-01-19T13:44:00.002-08:002013-01-19T13:44:36.446-08:00Life, love, death, God, joy - making sense of it all!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How did we meet Christ? We ask this walking through the narrow passageways of the catacombs. Martyrs found their final rest here. Hundreds and thousands of Christians secretly celebrated Mass for fear of being discovered. Why do such things? Christ died hundreds of years before. It’s just a bit of bread and a sip of wine. <br /><br />No, there’s something more. For the Christians, martyrs, and saints of the first century, Jesus Christ was Someone. He meant going beyond the pomp and circumstance of their daily Roman lives. He could offer them more than the cosmopolitan, capital of the world ever could, despite her delicacies, luxuries, and opportunity to satisfy every sensual pleasure. Christ offered his body and blood for food, the comfort of Christian charity, and the promise of the satisfaction of all desire in eternal life. <br /><br />But have I experienced this? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Have we experienced the depth of his love? We are here because Christ found us and loved us, in some way or another. I haven’t personally had mystical experiences or life-changing apparitions. Christ, however, is a huge part of my life - in prayer and in the sacraments. Kneeling before him in the Eucharist, how many times have I found the strength to keep going, the answer to a problem, or simply consolation in the presence of a friend! Or how often have I rushed to the confessional to encounter Christ’s mercy, to lay my burden on him, to experience his yoke which is light and easy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Love for Christ is the foundation of our lives as Christians. It runs even deeper for a priest. I’ve promised not only to preach pious thoughts but to try to give you a window into God’s grace at work in me as a Legionary priest. As priests and religious, Christ is truly the center of everything. He is love of our lives on a spiritual and human level. We have to give up in many human ways our family and friends, but Christ supplies our every need. <br /><br />In our daily prayers, we ask him frequently to be the center, criteria, and model of our lives in all of its aspects. But he’s not only our ideal or what we are striving for, but he is our constant companion on the journey that makes it possible. He is our friend, brother, God, and Savior. We’re called to love him above all else, but it helps so much to remember as I’ve included on the front of this booklet, “Love consists in this: it is not we who loved God, but God loved us and sent his Son to save us from our sins” (I Jn 4:10). </span><br />
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But my next question, how can I love him in return? How can I best repay his free and generous love? It’s hard because even our love is his gift. Okay, enough of this confusion – sorry, but trying to talk about God in human words is difficult and more difficult after three years of theological jargon. You’ll have to bear with me. <br /><br />In our love for God, we have to make the effort and trust that he will help us. Part of this pilgrimage is meeting God in a special way. We’ve left our ordinary lives behind and come closer to him even if we can’t quite figure out how. He calls us closer to himself. Secondly we make sacrifices out of love for him. I know we’re staying in a four star hotel, and to be honest, things are pretty good. Yet, God will ask something from each of us, who knows what it is – getting along with another pilgrim, walking on sore feet, or simply paying attention in more than one Mass this week (I promise to keep the homilies short or at least I’ll try). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And above all we are called to offer Christ our joy. Joy is one of his greatest gifts, and what has to characterize as Christians. I remember seeing how happy my fellow seminarians and priests were. At first I thought to myself, even if my smile was that big, it would be fake. But when we encounter Christ and experience his love, despite the greatest suffering, no smile is big enough to express our joy.</span><br />
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Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-53002265029115379212013-01-18T07:01:00.000-08:002013-01-18T07:01:15.490-08:00Planning a journey: through Rome and through life.<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the first of eight reflections that I wrote for those accompanying at my ordination in Rome. I couldn't have done it alone. Comment and post replies on FaceBook.</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re all on a pilgrimage, and not just to Rome. I started out 31 years ago when God created me and placed me on this earth for a specific purpose. We all are created for something special, something more. God calls us to himself, and our life is a pilgrimage through time. It includes sorrow, tears, and difficulties but great joys as well, which is meant to culminate with him in heaven. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year means something special for our lives whether we realize it or not. Pope Benedict XVI declared a Year of Faith. One of his recommendations is pilgrimage. Pope Benedict points out that we are all at a specific point on our earthly pilgrimage. Maybe we’re going through one of those ruts, or we’ve been going uphill. Maybe we’ve reached a peak and are enjoying the view behind us or looking forward to paths to travel and mountains to conquer. In my life at least, it’s a mixture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For one reason or another God has gathered us in Rome to give each a unique gift. For me, after thirteen plus years of following him, striving to become more like him in prayer and practice, he has decided to give me the gift of the priesthood. I look back over countless beautiful moments, and you have been a part of them. You have been companions on the journey uniquely offering strength and sustenance along the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With appreciation for our past, we look forward together. In some way, we now walk together. Though we are at different points on our journey, living in different countries, different ages and backgrounds, God has united us. First of all, join me in thanking God for this gift of priesthood. We look forward to many years of forgiving sins, guiding people on their paths, bringing down Christ in the Eucharist, offering new life in baptism, celebrating love in marriage, celebrating the end of a faithful pilgrimage in the anointing of the sick and any other ministry that God may have in mind for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But we all have infinite other graces to appreciate and thank God for – life, health, family, friends, and more. Now called together for a weeklong journey in Rome the pilgrimage of life, let’s ask God why he brought us to Rome during the Year of Faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like I’ve already sent you (check out <a href="http://www.campionproject.com/2012/01/pilgrim-on-your-way-to-rome-jerusalem.html">Pilgrimage here</a>), we can reflect on some necessary elements of every pilgrimage. It’s (1) a journey, (2) whose motivation should be religious (3) to overcome some hardship and (4) reach a sacred destination. Let’s briefly apply these to our trip. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH8XpbbtH3DILbmNnZAEhaNWv-MY-eAlFEGWnx-TSzJdeDJbmAb-2hgu7z2o9PMuJXHaWii6ITmwGR2YUgnNORdEygrWgv5bnDg2LM_XHwwusvig2gBNsyLy-cPVqFnclEC0jgI-9x2U/s1600/21338_3563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH8XpbbtH3DILbmNnZAEhaNWv-MY-eAlFEGWnx-TSzJdeDJbmAb-2hgu7z2o9PMuJXHaWii6ITmwGR2YUgnNORdEygrWgv5bnDg2LM_XHwwusvig2gBNsyLy-cPVqFnclEC0jgI-9x2U/s320/21338_3563.jpg" width="258" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You’ve already arrived physically to Rome, but what is it that God has in mind for this mini-pilgrimage? First, where does God want us to arrive spiritually? Second, none of you is here because of Deacon/Father Mark Thelen. You’re not here because Italy is a great tourist destination in December. You’re here because Christ wants to encounter you. And third, yes, we’ll have some hardships. I’ll leave the internal ones to you, but there are definitely lots of cobble stones, probably a downpour or two, and the typical mishaps of moving some fifty people around a city. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it’s all worth it because we are going somewhere sacred. Rome is the heart of the Church. Christ’s Vicar lives here. So many men and women have gone before us and frequently artists and architects left this experience petrified in marble. But Rome is just a foretaste of our eternal happiness, heaven! We need to get ready for heaven.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, you already have permission to sleep through my first homily if you’ve managed to stick with me so far. When we see things this way, though, everything takes on a far deeper meaning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ordination is a very special moment in my life – it’s an accomplishment but it’s really the accomplishment of God in me. So these reflections are not about Fr. Mark, but God’s work in my soul and yours. God always gives us his grace to share. I thank you for the many ways that you have shared Christ with me, and I hope that I can be a faithful instrument of grace in your life too.</span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-66747393442048248282013-01-16T20:28:00.001-08:002013-01-16T20:28:54.490-08:00How can I be happy, humble, and trusting? What John, the priesthood, and our vocation have in common.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stood nervously at the bottom of the steps, going over all the possibilities in my mind. Maybe I would get one of those great men that brought Christ to thousands like St. Patrick or St. Francis Xavier. Or it could be one of the saints that had a really specific virtue like St. John of the Cross and his prayer or Blessed John Paul II and his devotion to Mary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What am I talking about?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Ah, Fr. Mark, a good one. I didn’t plan this, but it’s just what you need.” My superior looked excited. We normally pick a random number, and it corresponds to one of a number of little cards with specific saints laid out on a table. Things didn't look good. Everyone normally gets excited when a very talkative seminarian gets a saint with the virtue of silence or a brother who doesn’t like to study ends up with St. Thomas Aquinas and love for study. What would mine be? Then again, better not to even think about it – I’m still missing a lot of virtues. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“St. John the Baptist…” Great, I thought, he was the best saint ever. Jesus said, “In truth I tell you, of all the children born to women, there has never been anyone greater than John the Baptist.” If God said it, it must be true. But, then came the virtue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“And his… humility.” Oh no, that wasn’t part of the deal. Everyone kind of looked at me and smiled. I admit I’m not always the humblest person, and in fact God has been trying to teach me true humility for the past 31 years (yes, I’m 31 years old). If you want to read more check out my story here: <a href="http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/articulo.phtml?id=38378&se=365&ca=982&te=931">A Strange Prediction.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what does this have to do with the priesthood, with the vocation (we are in National Vocation Awareness Week in the US), or anything else? Well, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my own priestly ordination less than a month ago. And it is very humbling to follow Christ! He does things in us and through us that go way beyond our strength.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bring God down on the altar daily in bread and wine. I forgive peoples sins with a couple words, “…and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Who do I think I am? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But that’s just it - it is always the same story. In fact, the same story (or should be) as John, the Baptist. We just need some extra help and reminders sometimes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the Gospel last week, we saw what humility really is and how John, the Baptist lived it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” </span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUoR8am4ZhtaDIvPl7-f-iFK1fRYO9fF3kOpCvlklVRmBDR1tw4UTcCgPjSJFzU72TO2IQzi9-YdLObbQ7rcg-_nDutEJ8ilaeBrrIbNxW_QH3YsO7mKsyLJjHuEtLokbN__wEqKca1A/s1600/224605_1871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUoR8am4ZhtaDIvPl7-f-iFK1fRYO9fF3kOpCvlklVRmBDR1tw4UTcCgPjSJFzU72TO2IQzi9-YdLObbQ7rcg-_nDutEJ8ilaeBrrIbNxW_QH3YsO7mKsyLJjHuEtLokbN__wEqKca1A/s320/224605_1871.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John fully understood his role alongside Christ. He was not God, but God did call him to be his messenger, the voice to go before him. I am not God, and neither are you. But he called John, he called me, and he most definitely calls you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do we respond? How can we follow Christ like John? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Three concrete things come to mind for me. The first is <b>humility</b> itself, which basically just consists in recognizing that God is the source and Creator of all good. I’m a mere creature. Then comes <b>trust</b>, which is recognizing what is out of our control (almost everything) and calmly leaving it in God’s hands while doing all we can to help him. Finally, we have to live all this with <b>joy</b>, the supernatural enthusiasm we receive when we realize that no matter what happens God never abandons us. He loves us and wants us to share that love with others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God called me to live this humility, trust, and joy in the priesthood. It’s beyond anything I could have imagined. <b>Where’s he calling you? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Comment on the blog or on FaceBook, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CampionProject" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/CampionProject</a> to share your thoughts or ask questions. During the next couple of days, I will be sharing some reflections on my own vocation that I wrote in preparation for my ordination.</i></span><br />
<br />Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-55300452705141319692012-10-28T03:10:00.002-07:002012-10-28T03:10:51.507-07:00Year of Faith: A living encounter with Jesus Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Over 250 people just finished participating with Benedict XVI in the General Synod of bishops on the New Evangelization. The Synod kicks off the year of the faith which opened in early October and will last most of 2013. How can we share our faith in today's world?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Holy Father has also made it the theme of all of his Wednesday audiences. Every Wednesday, he will talk about some aspect of faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here's a short excerpt from last Wednesday:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In our series of catecheses for the Year of Faith, we now consider the nature of faith. More than simply knowledge about God, faith is a living encounter with him. Through faith we come to know and love God, who reveals himself in the life, death and resurrection of Christ, and in so doing reveals the deepest meaning and truth of our human existence. Faith offers us sure hope and direction amid the spiritual confusion of our times. Before all else, faith is a divine gift which enables us to open our hearts and minds to God’s word and, through Baptism, to share in his divine life within the community of the Church. Yet faith is also a profoundly human act, engaging our intelligence and freedom. When we welcome God’s invitation and gift, our lives, and the world around us, are transformed. May this Year of Faith help us to live our faith fully, and to invite others to hear and welcome God’s word, opening their hearts to the eternal life which faith promises. <i>Benedict XVI, 24 October 2012</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Tell me what faith means for you!</b></span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-57509512503834589492012-10-14T07:55:00.001-07:002012-10-14T07:57:50.106-07:00Giving and receiving new life: What is baptism all about?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2I2GYIi9fjqSPFRpzzMbO5pWkGHeuOm0cCohqsVOiydIaHwSuvC9crkHttM2NEGuBdeDfhEoJg-f4aPyTVdv6aekcTYsfL3RXMPQ7MOzsc08bSH-zCCIYaPyD7HKmY_PZjWrcDMET_Y/s1600/Symbols.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2I2GYIi9fjqSPFRpzzMbO5pWkGHeuOm0cCohqsVOiydIaHwSuvC9crkHttM2NEGuBdeDfhEoJg-f4aPyTVdv6aekcTYsfL3RXMPQ7MOzsc08bSH-zCCIYaPyD7HKmY_PZjWrcDMET_Y/s320/Symbols.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Should I tell them that it was my first time or not? When to do it? It would be a great opener, and everything seems more special. But they might get nervous. I could tell them at the end, but by that time it wouldn’t mean much. <br /><br />Here I was about to perform my first baptism, both nervous and excited. We, men, like to achieve things, to do things for others. We like to be able to accomplish things that support and sustain others – earn a living, raise children, be the best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As priests, we take that to another level by supporting people on a spiritual level, achieving things for Christ, and being holier.<br /><br />Now as a deacon, I was about to administer my first sacrament. We can only preside baptisms and marriages until we become priests. I’ve helped at numerous Masses, distributed communion, given the homily, and even helped at my sister’s wedding, but this was different!<br /><br />As I got things ready, I couldn’t help but think, “Nicholas is coming into the Church, becoming a child of God, through my hands.” Christ could have done it a million better ways or with better people, but for some reason he chose me.<br /><br />The font was ready with new water. I had a little shell to pour the water over his head. The oil of catechumens and chrism was on the table. The Easter candle flickered, and the baptismal candle lay nearby with the white garment.<br /><br />I sat down briefly to prepare a few words before people started arriving. After I greeted them, we started to go through the rite: the introduction, welcoming, blessing of the water, promises, anointing, and so on. Thanks be to God, I managed to hide my nervousness and prepare them even though I knew very little more than they did.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsAaIuEET5KtST9aiMXsBMi5C7YSz08VG7mIAyqBadJFVXf5Hu-zh-Mk0ph6MJzb14T5V-PfGGiJrPy3NHRhLmTw1Y_J5LgpZ7McGzmXx25SJ2I7_xDiIc-tg1igLEoPhUgUNn2yvOnk/s1600/Font.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsAaIuEET5KtST9aiMXsBMi5C7YSz08VG7mIAyqBadJFVXf5Hu-zh-Mk0ph6MJzb14T5V-PfGGiJrPy3NHRhLmTw1Y_J5LgpZ7McGzmXx25SJ2I7_xDiIc-tg1igLEoPhUgUNn2yvOnk/s320/Font.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">…<br /><br />“Nicholas, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” It was happening. The ceremony had gone so quickly, and now we were at the highpoint. The words and gestures were so simple, but in this little soul, a profound transformation took place. He became a child of God, a Christian.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxwKvAl4i2ZKihz9VUcwm_3FLXiYLvQx4Z35jOAUPhD337RFAaTQDFLwtH2iwZxvtq3NssVlDu42h2ELux8PZRCsy8_j6u6gvSzGJbsI0ElJpBODGiYSByj9qUO5fsBEEDvW2SGIpyPw/s1600/IMG_1566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxwKvAl4i2ZKihz9VUcwm_3FLXiYLvQx4Z35jOAUPhD337RFAaTQDFLwtH2iwZxvtq3NssVlDu42h2ELux8PZRCsy8_j6u6gvSzGJbsI0ElJpBODGiYSByj9qUO5fsBEEDvW2SGIpyPw/s320/IMG_1566.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">…<br /><br />Afterwards as I gathered the things together from the ceremony, I tried to absorb what had just happened. It was my first baptism ever. Nicholas was the first one for whom, through my poor words and actions, the gates of heaven were opened. He was the firstborn in the faith.<br /><br />“Can we take a picture of you and Nicholas?” his mother asked. I readily accepted and just as the flashes went off, he quietly bowed his head as if recognizing his new closeness with God. What a moment of grace! How many more will there be, by God’s grace, throughout my ministry as a Catholic priest? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Please comment with your thoughts on baptism, the priesthood, or any other topic you would like to discuss.</em></span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-48062923373061207632012-08-24T12:50:00.001-07:002012-08-24T12:51:12.203-07:00When life gets tough: Travis Mills starts walking again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nCV4DE4ecjFb68bIs5jWi50eUVkbK1PfTq1rqgCABh6u1_G_BRbW9cGgbJSccjfcPrIuCZ9XYNkxb_Ep7oO5tCto4XHq-P4W4S4CZSN0_TJgd_Hph3KHQOtCE8m3BjauT5R_sS5brNs/s1600/x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nCV4DE4ecjFb68bIs5jWi50eUVkbK1PfTq1rqgCABh6u1_G_BRbW9cGgbJSccjfcPrIuCZ9XYNkxb_Ep7oO5tCto4XHq-P4W4S4CZSN0_TJgd_Hph3KHQOtCE8m3BjauT5R_sS5brNs/s320/x350.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been meaning to post about this story for a while. When I watched this video, I couldn't wait any longer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're often quick to complain or worry about our little setbacks. Things didn't work out the way we wanted. We're not certain what will happen. There are the typical aches and pains of everyday life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is no other way to put it - this guy is incredible. Nothing can stop him, not even loosing both arms and legs. He's relentlessly positive no matter what happens - before and after his accident.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most recent development is he's learning to walk at the same time as his daughter. But it's not about his effort, the challenge, it's the joy the emotion of being on his feet again.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What keeps us going when it gets tough?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.travismills.org/" target="_blank">www.travismills.org</a>.</span></i>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-48568221174470016642012-08-22T06:33:00.001-07:002012-08-22T06:33:49.502-07:00Rimsha Masih: faith, freedom, music, and what's really going on.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SfRMENeeDRc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Each day we hear of more intolerance and persecution of religion. It can be more subtle in the failure to respect freedom of conscience in providing health care or not allowing politicians to express their beliefs openly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Other times, it is dramatic and violent like we've recently seen in Syria and Pakistan. The latest seems to be the story of Rimsha Masih, a young handicapped girl in Pakistan accused of blasphemy for carrying a rubbish sack that contained burnt fragments of the Koran without her knowledge.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFul6-0FDrPWnaGczacCJ3iQCcIyf7uN1lTUSrySG-0ZAXmHIyDaapNV6V0u4a_OeKMXSt9QPUND_J15xJIZmmIqzLyceld2ZsmrWAF7kS1jjPsCT_ewd2L_1FeikXTeM_E7NgRzb_T8/s1600/ooberfuse9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFul6-0FDrPWnaGczacCJ3iQCcIyf7uN1lTUSrySG-0ZAXmHIyDaapNV6V0u4a_OeKMXSt9QPUND_J15xJIZmmIqzLyceld2ZsmrWAF7kS1jjPsCT_ewd2L_1FeikXTeM_E7NgRzb_T8/s320/ooberfuse9.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Ooberfuse, the same music project that I blogged about a couple of months ago (<a href="http://www.campionproject.com/2012/04/his-blood-cries-out-ooberfuse-and-what.html" target="_blank">His Blood Cries Out</a>) has released a new single in less than a week's time responding to the call for justice and charity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">They have hit it on the head, in the face of these incredible injustices, it's clear that we must:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Turn the tide of hate to the tide of love!<br />
Set her free!</b></span></div>
Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-61268959451941836822012-08-11T14:32:00.001-07:002012-08-11T14:32:27.288-07:00Diving, survival, and success - Chris Mears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SShoGZKAWyh1p9Ke9NJlvmt8gSrsk2iMWfQPG5IR5bi6S7ViGNThtbEVfFRxIQ1CZOvMziHDN8tc4iuBBRbejLyZPfUPxeX_tw5QZwWLMH9L27F9DRVTwWTNjzcTqv7aWN8xvGRSXvg/s1600/873365-14716126-640-360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SShoGZKAWyh1p9Ke9NJlvmt8gSrsk2iMWfQPG5IR5bi6S7ViGNThtbEVfFRxIQ1CZOvMziHDN8tc4iuBBRbejLyZPfUPxeX_tw5QZwWLMH9L27F9DRVTwWTNjzcTqv7aWN8xvGRSXvg/s400/873365-14716126-640-360.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>January 2009.</b> Chris Mears participates in the Youth Olympic Festival in Australia. The British diver is one of the best. But as the 16th year old dives of the platform, he has no idea what is about to unfold. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As he hits the water, something's not right. Something is terribly wrong. He ruptures his spleen and is hurried to the hospital.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But the nightmare continues - he loses 5 pints of blood and is rushed into surgery. But a 7 hour seizure and 3 day coma follow.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">His slow recovery only starts after a month long stay in a Sydney hospital. But a lot has happened in three years.</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>August 2012.</b> Chris Mears competes with the world's top divers in Olympic Finals in London. At 19, he's the youngster in the 3 meter springboard.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0jxwCdIduYwgjPfpuhTg5Beuy0YdpU0Zkc9cTHpT69mmSnDPq7xVxRLbdfvWx6T47dGUd8eoJ7mayHGgHeui967SHuGy4_9TC3KjP_kBNq3AqlTjc8yFAdumG7KtHw4gMl8nlS7CveY/s1600/N0309721344341437926A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0jxwCdIduYwgjPfpuhTg5Beuy0YdpU0Zkc9cTHpT69mmSnDPq7xVxRLbdfvWx6T47dGUd8eoJ7mayHGgHeui967SHuGy4_9TC3KjP_kBNq3AqlTjc8yFAdumG7KtHw4gMl8nlS7CveY/s320/N0309721344341437926A.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">He almost doesn't qualify for the semi-final, but a last dive produces an astounding personal best of 91.2.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then in the final, though he finishes 8th, his four-and-a-half somersault, wins another personal best, 100.7.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But for Chris, it has been more than just a story of athletic excellence. It's one of personal accomplishment.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“It was fantastic. I’ve not had much time to reflect – I think next week it will really hit me. To make a final was incredible."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“I didn’t
really think of the other divers in the competition – I just thought it
felt fantastic to be competing with divers that I look up to. I always
aspire to be as good as them – to be able to compete with them in the
Olympics is amazing.” </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14qxjLq3sPj95uOyhEc22rOKe6wNu9JWN0c3jdVXbX6R3sshlw32WsmUWAxjYrVxCCVlfzAmWUNixzDRn2ja8n7FxhQiFMlkTyvZ6UlQZFG6HuNcotQ8HYS2hPz5ciNjPyY8hdnoAXgs/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14qxjLq3sPj95uOyhEc22rOKe6wNu9JWN0c3jdVXbX6R3sshlw32WsmUWAxjYrVxCCVlfzAmWUNixzDRn2ja8n7FxhQiFMlkTyvZ6UlQZFG6HuNcotQ8HYS2hPz5ciNjPyY8hdnoAXgs/s400/Image+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-50502853358084407762012-08-04T11:19:00.001-07:002012-08-04T11:19:55.401-07:00The Olympics: Gold Medals, Character, and What Really Matters<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We've been glued to the screen for a few days now, at least when we can. The thousands competing in London for Olympic gold captivate our spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There is something noble about the human body, the human person, straining with everything reach new records and conquer new heights for self and country. We would all like to stand tall on the platform, where that medal, watch the flag, and hear our anthem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">But only a select few make it to the Olympics and even less leave with gold. What makes the difference? Why do some end in tears, others in exultation?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGnbGR8QRUXDPP1-Ok1dcFKonlwVHQM6gfgINXOzzewxNw4696z9aACTlXeYhYzqNLbC72P2T0-ueRlC7lmnCY-RmH16PzwNI_t58siD_qt9zUKHmTENzaahAg_l_2LHhs_Rg1GNPvSM/s1600/404001_10150931955946571_1590644902_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGnbGR8QRUXDPP1-Ok1dcFKonlwVHQM6gfgINXOzzewxNw4696z9aACTlXeYhYzqNLbC72P2T0-ueRlC7lmnCY-RmH16PzwNI_t58siD_qt9zUKHmTENzaahAg_l_2LHhs_Rg1GNPvSM/s200/404001_10150931955946571_1590644902_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For the next couple of days, I hope to write about what drives Olympic athletes and so many others to achieve true excellence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What do you think? What is true success? How can it be achieved?</b></span></div>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-38872472235826790452012-08-02T10:12:00.000-07:002012-08-02T10:12:55.368-07:00Living the (Extra)ordinary: LC Deaconate Ordination 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's hard to write again after so long. I've been a deacon for just over a month. My life hasn't changed a lot, then again, it's been completely transformed.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm still studying, working, eating, sleeping, praying, and playing. Just that, I'm a deacon and will be forever. But what does that mean? </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This seems to be the story of our lives. I shared this in one of my first homilies because we all experience it. Often the most meaningful moments of our lives come and go with the most normalcy. We spend hours, weeks, and even years preparing for something that happens in the blink of an eye. Then it's over, and nothing seems different though we know that everything has changed. Marriage, birth, death, and so on. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Perhaps it hit me hardest in the actual ceremony of the ordination to the diaconate.</span></span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">All the priests that live at the seminary with me, warned me - they hardly remember anything of the ordination Mass and ceremony. I, however, was determined to reverse this trend. I started meditating on the prayers and the rite one month in advance, trying to soak it all in.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then the hurricane of exams and last minute preparations hit: it was going to be hard to find time to reflect and pray. Finally it was over with the last exam for my Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. But eight entire days of silence, prayer, and reflection provided just what I needed– another chance to go deep.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After that, the big day dawned. I had finished up all the little details the night before - getting my things ready for the ceremony, packing my bags to go back to the seminary, and preparing for my parents visit - and had the whole morning to pray and really speak with Christ.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was time. We gathered in the sacristy, put on our albs for the first time, and walked out. It was almost like a dream, but I was remembering! The readings inspired. St. Paul’s questioning exhortation to love, “If God is for us, who can be against us?... What will separate us from the love of Christ?” Christ assured me in the Gospel that we would have a challenging mission – not easy but worth fighting for, “Then you will be handed over to be tortured and put to death; and you will be hated by all nations on account of my name…. But anyone who stands firm to the end will be saved.”</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then I lost it. For all of my firm resolutions to remember and take it all in, I couldn’t. We promised to be humble, preach, live celibacy, pray, and be obedient in the service of the Church - one seemed to run into the other before I could realize what happened. As we laid prostrate on the ground for the Litany of Saints, I was totally distracted about how absolutely hot the chapel was on this scorching June day. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The rest was just a blur – receiving the Gospels, the vesting with the stole and Dalmatic, a “specific deacon outfit”, the sign of peace, and the rest of Mass.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">To be perfectly honest, I did have a minute of lucidity once dressed stole and the Dalmatic on, it kind of hit me all of a sudden, “I’m a deacon now, and I will be forever.”</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This reflects our lives, or mine at least. We constantly live one normal minute after another. Nothing seems spectacular, and we get caught up almost in the tedious passing of time. Yet God’s grace works unseen miracles. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In this case it was a diaconate ordination, but many times it’s a Mass. We receive Jesus’ body and blood. A confession - sins are forgiven and eternal life returned. Sometimes it's simply meeting a real friend that changes our life, bringing both closer to our true mission.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I guess it goes back to simply realizing that </span><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">in the ordinary is truly the extraordinary</b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">. Grace hides in the natural. Transformation in our every day lives. God hides in the flesh!</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Please comment and share your stories.</b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here is a brief summary of the ordination in photos.</i></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkOFE1PVQI8H_4cm-zWiOJmZb3neI53b63hLPoNPEVJwE3JeF14LhTsQwgM2O_mIQJPA5Uf38isNTB13yiqMKM-H_fi1Mr9cWL4y9T8Z3iSCEsW1sVIB8O2BFc9qnjHnL-4LXfkz2cWU/s1600/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkOFE1PVQI8H_4cm-zWiOJmZb3neI53b63hLPoNPEVJwE3JeF14LhTsQwgM2O_mIQJPA5Uf38isNTB13yiqMKM-H_fi1Mr9cWL4y9T8Z3iSCEsW1sVIB8O2BFc9qnjHnL-4LXfkz2cWU/s400/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-273.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to stay focused.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59ibu2V8mUK9KFO12ue3bBdFwnxG_i2aKIl_NtqQLrE2TUeqqYuzs5MIAwYDSf3_HQMchhPgi0p8zL8D9V30-NMdsuK_CboNjwfy3XIwySwayUhyphenhyphenRThG4NBERSR7quacDGzKEdfdujcE/s1600/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59ibu2V8mUK9KFO12ue3bBdFwnxG_i2aKIl_NtqQLrE2TUeqqYuzs5MIAwYDSf3_HQMchhPgi0p8zL8D9V30-NMdsuK_CboNjwfy3XIwySwayUhyphenhyphenRThG4NBERSR7quacDGzKEdfdujcE/s400/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-287.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the Litany of the Saints.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaleLAet1e5ifQu8gm3qa69g2gRlyl2TDOhena9npbylY6cSkkjmNb5aJMe1yTkg7xrT2g7swRud7DpTYatufBiP_aCk1L7PQr97rFmJKprngdAbLS6rOlj1XATSqYLcfTL0w_3Q9u7hI/s1600/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaleLAet1e5ifQu8gm3qa69g2gRlyl2TDOhena9npbylY6cSkkjmNb5aJMe1yTkg7xrT2g7swRud7DpTYatufBiP_aCk1L7PQr97rFmJKprngdAbLS6rOlj1XATSqYLcfTL0w_3Q9u7hI/s400/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-339.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The imposition of hands.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mN3AiFrPkCXfu22RDpayfZskgp5awEuhK2aT-k2UO2MSGCcFuLone7kQXsILI8XOuwRA9wCQ_DNY3txvXqVtTTtOIAD0phTj5Op7rPr9QgPepF90GJP6xMtlCl0cR1pWMfe3S1DHSig/s1600/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mN3AiFrPkCXfu22RDpayfZskgp5awEuhK2aT-k2UO2MSGCcFuLone7kQXsILI8XOuwRA9wCQ_DNY3txvXqVtTTtOIAD0phTj5Op7rPr9QgPepF90GJP6xMtlCl0cR1pWMfe3S1DHSig/s400/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-463.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving the book of the Gospels in my "deacon outfit".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPtb08gUNraRoddoznBp5rJNdQ-BGRHwh09fykZIjcApl-4eQNisp4ss3zNJ8M6kCgDWeDlXwbBHkS80HpXmavkGQ6q76CjXRDWvI-tB-_8iOqXbphYgSTB5Is_MJy5-PX7bbmQD1GUM/s1600/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_CES+Roma-1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPtb08gUNraRoddoznBp5rJNdQ-BGRHwh09fykZIjcApl-4eQNisp4ss3zNJ8M6kCgDWeDlXwbBHkS80HpXmavkGQ6q76CjXRDWvI-tB-_8iOqXbphYgSTB5Is_MJy5-PX7bbmQD1GUM/s400/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_CES+Roma-1005.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greeting Bishop Leuzzi after the rite of ordination.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4XlMgkd84BMTSIIlM3V-14VHGj-nJY7rrTtFc3TU853Doxh-JtpehdRdYmJ5xiZ0UYDavU8ncUflKR_KWQ17H6TkxtJ5ipqz2_Ii_fYCs8GLak2ogdNso7eyI-eOJGS6tHr_mktGpgw/s1600/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4XlMgkd84BMTSIIlM3V-14VHGj-nJY7rrTtFc3TU853Doxh-JtpehdRdYmJ5xiZ0UYDavU8ncUflKR_KWQ17H6TkxtJ5ipqz2_Ii_fYCs8GLak2ogdNso7eyI-eOJGS6tHr_mktGpgw/s400/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-534.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving my mom communion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKMtKUkC41Hu35l1aYIKwBCC3cX0MieD_1-CRuG2rPuw8wJkIq6n810A0h80uozQvBbGas-NkX4WZx4r_fIRkmjHe1RkTdUC99JXwKOE8o9WAFUTcJwoAUKUBRyGXCjLLh_9KcxBMR7Q/s1600/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKMtKUkC41Hu35l1aYIKwBCC3cX0MieD_1-CRuG2rPuw8wJkIq6n810A0h80uozQvBbGas-NkX4WZx4r_fIRkmjHe1RkTdUC99JXwKOE8o9WAFUTcJwoAUKUBRyGXCjLLh_9KcxBMR7Q/s400/2012-06-30_Ordenaciones+diaconales_C%C3%A1mara+2_CES+Roma-592.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-78165805456515746292012-04-30T14:12:00.001-07:002012-04-30T14:13:14.411-07:00What's my vocation? Dear 17 year old me...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Yesterday was World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Late again, but hopefully you said a prayer for me anyway! What is vocation? It comes from the Latin <i>to call</i>. It's not just<b> the vocation</b> to the priesthood - we all have a one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Last night, I got to tell my story for the umpteenth time. It's funny, I don't get tired of repeating. Not just because I get to talk about myself - finding happiness and fulfillment is what's most important to everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Two fellow seminarians and I went to dinner with a wonderful couple from Idaho. Before the appetizers reached the table, Br. James was well along in recounting his vocation story, and Br. Andrew didn't stop until we had finished our pasta. His was already cold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then it was my turn! Just that morning, I was thinking about what a vocation really is. But wait a second, let's back up a bit...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>What's World Day of Prayer for Vocations?</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5_euyBWu1fUmoZgSo_z5BYOWcYePfm9QTOICVol0ggGjTCEDwPK0RhhE6hFIkFx4Gj_yYMLhVSxQy1ofqkE2U2EiAgNtHQFFvxHUvmL5QGfqUG0phZzX2lvHcVmowUnMxqXI1Sl-2Os/s1600/bpari00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5_euyBWu1fUmoZgSo_z5BYOWcYePfm9QTOICVol0ggGjTCEDwPK0RhhE6hFIkFx4Gj_yYMLhVSxQy1ofqkE2U2EiAgNtHQFFvxHUvmL5QGfqUG0phZzX2lvHcVmowUnMxqXI1Sl-2Os/s200/bpari00.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It's a special day set aside by the pope to pray for vocations to the priesthood, like Christ's asks in the Gospel but also for all vocations in general. Here are some great quotes from Benedict:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">[L]ove is limitless and precedes us, sustains us and calls us
along the path of life, a love rooted in an absolutely free gift of God.
Speaking particularly of the ministerial priesthood, my predecessor, Blessed
John Paul II, stated that “every ministerial action - while it leads to loving
and serving the Church - provides an incentive to grow in ever greater love and
service of Jesus Christ the head, shepherd and spouse of the Church, a love
which is always a response to the free and unsolicited love of God in Christ”. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Every specific vocation is in fact born of the initiative
of God; <i>it is a gift of the Love of God</i>! He is the One who takes the
“first step”, and not because he has found something good in us, but because of
the presence of his own love “poured out into our hearts through the Holy
Spirit” (<i>Rom</i> 5:5).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We need to open our lives to this love. It is to the
perfection of the Father’s love (cf. <i>Mt</i> 5:48) that Jesus Christ calls us
every day! The high standard of the Christian life consists in loving “as” God
loves; with a love that is shown in the total, faithful and fruitful gift of
self. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>What do we mean by vocation?</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We were all made to leave our mark. We're called to be happy. We're called to know God and help others. So what's your story? Here are a couple you will enjoy. Br. Andrew's is actually one of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>What's my vocation?</u></b> </span></div>
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Back to my thoughts at dinner last night. That morning, I read the Gospel of the Good Shepherd. I found the vocation had three important parts.<br />
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<i>1. The sheep know his voice.</i><br />
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If we want to respond to any vocation, we have to be able to hear the call. Silence is a must in today's clamor. Here are some thoughts on our need for silence: <a href="http://www.campionproject.com/2012/02/silence-inoise-and-battle-for-our-soul.html" target="_blank">Silence: iNoise and the Battle for our Soul</a>. <br />
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<i>2. He call's us by name.</i><br />
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We each have a unique vocation, and we've got to listen carefully to figure it out. I reflected on that a couple weeks ago: <a href="http://www.campionproject.com/2012/01/phil-mulryne-what-to-do-with-our-lives.html" target="_blank">What to do with our lives</a>.<br />
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<i>3. He leads us out.</i><br />
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It's a call that demands we leave the comfort zone of the sheepfold, that we go out into the world fighting for Christ and spreading his love to those around us. So how do we really love? <a href="http://www.campionproject.com/2012/04/what-is-love-two-easy-steps-lenten.html" target="_blank">What is love? Two easy steps.</a><br />
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<b>What's your story? <u>Comment</u> or <a href="mailto:mthelen@legionaries.org" target="_blank">email</a></b> <b>me. Share the post, and I pray that you figure out God's plan for your happiness and fulfillment - vocation.</b></div>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928837590455158294.post-36880004192774224332012-04-28T14:05:00.000-07:002012-04-28T14:21:28.116-07:00A pilgrimage to remember: Church-a-thon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thanks for the support, and thought you might enjoy this</span>!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Check out the details: </span><a href="http://www.campionproject.com/2012/04/strength-for-journey-what-fortitude.html%20" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our journey.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.campionproject.com/2012/03/church-thon.html">The Original Church-a-thon</a> </span><b><br /></b></span>Fr. Mark Thelen, LChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10887785364067410588noreply@blogger.com1