Monday, April 30, 2012
Urgent prayer request for Fr. Bill McNichols
Fr. James Martin, S.J., posted an urgent appeal on his Facebook page for Fr. Bill McNichols who has suffered a massive heart attack today and may be near death.
A noted iconographer, Bill wrote the icon of Our Lady of Maryknoll for our Centennary. Among his many icons are Mother of God Light in All Darkness (The "AIDS icon") commissioned by the Catholic Aids Network as well as an icon of Oscar Romero and The Passion of Matthew Shepard.
A student of Robert Lentz, Bill's work has appeared in several Orbis books as well as Maryknoll Magazine. He was about to embark on a speaking tour for Orbis when he had his heart attack.
Please join with his many friends, supporters and fans in bombarding heaven on his behalf.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Montage
Ms. Denise Schneider, assistant to both Tom and U.S. Regional Superior
Fr. Mike Duggan, put great effort into creating this tribute.
Despedida
Congratulations to Fr. Emile Dumas who was elected as Tom's successor.
Goings-on at Mother Knoll and beyond
Preliminary evaluations indicate that most men like the new arrangement of the main chapel, including the much-maligned and misunderstood ambo, or at least they are getting used to it. The Triduum was described by many members as the best ever. This year we even dusted off a Tenebrae service for Good Friday Night.
Several things required tweaking as the week unfolded, followed by not one, but two wakes and funerals. The oversized paschal candle reigns from mid-aisle. The ambo with the Liturgy of the Word at the entrance to the chapel balance perfectly with the altar and Liturgy of the Eucharist on the opposite. It looks, sounds and feels like a community at prayer.
Our next big event in the chapel will be the U.S. Regional Assembly at the end of May that will include the renewal of temporary oath by Seminarians Dae Kim and Daniel Kim.
Today, even as I type, about 60 people from the area are participating in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It will be interesting to hear their reaction to Mass in our newly arranged main chapel.
Tomorrow, Orbis author and editor emeritus and good friend, Michael Leach, will speak in the Asia Room on his book "Why Stay Catholic?"
Given the gathering storm between the Vatican and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Mike's premise may be tested.
A Huffington Post article opined that the actuarial tables make this confrontation unnecessary, as the progressive groups are not attracting new vocations in comparison to their more conservative and traditional Sisters. Well, actuarial tables work both ways: those running our Vatican bureaucracy are no spring chickens.
My money is on the Sisters.
Several things required tweaking as the week unfolded, followed by not one, but two wakes and funerals. The oversized paschal candle reigns from mid-aisle. The ambo with the Liturgy of the Word at the entrance to the chapel balance perfectly with the altar and Liturgy of the Eucharist on the opposite. It looks, sounds and feels like a community at prayer.
Our next big event in the chapel will be the U.S. Regional Assembly at the end of May that will include the renewal of temporary oath by Seminarians Dae Kim and Daniel Kim.
Today, even as I type, about 60 people from the area are participating in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It will be interesting to hear their reaction to Mass in our newly arranged main chapel.
Tomorrow, Orbis author and editor emeritus and good friend, Michael Leach, will speak in the Asia Room on his book "Why Stay Catholic?"
Given the gathering storm between the Vatican and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Mike's premise may be tested.
A Huffington Post article opined that the actuarial tables make this confrontation unnecessary, as the progressive groups are not attracting new vocations in comparison to their more conservative and traditional Sisters. Well, actuarial tables work both ways: those running our Vatican bureaucracy are no spring chickens.
My money is on the Sisters.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Better pic of the ambo
Chanting the Exultet
Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia!
OK, the Triduum is over, the Mission Awareness Retreat finished, my Easter duties at the Korean church complete and I am slowly emerging from the recently vacated tomb to walk among the living once again.
First, the Triduum. Thanks to Theresa Rodrigues, Mario Cerdas, and the housekeeping crew who literally put their backs into the task of transforming our main chapel into a truly inspiring place of communal worship, introducing the much-maligned AMBO!
Yes, folks, after 13 YEARS and 12 months (to allow for our Centenary) Fr. Dougherty authorized a ONE YEAR experiment of the new (?) ambo. Commissioned and custom designed to complement our Queen of Apostles Chapel, the ambo became the center of controversy and dissent back in the late 1990s when some protested the cost (most of which was donated or designated) while others the design and still others (myself included) the placement. It cannot be anywhere near the altar.
Holy Week, when we traditionally rearrange our chapel into quasi choral style, seemed the best time to begin the experiment. As the newly appointed director of liturgy for the Society and Center (like I need another hat to wear) I invoked the principles of Fung Shui and together with above mentioned crew plus added input from Fr. John Kaserow and Fr. Mike Walsh, we all pushed and tweaked and rearranged until we got things where they now look FANTASTIC!
"The Word of God finally gets the respect it is due" is the effect we aimed for—and got. Several people, upon walking into the chapel seeing the new arrangement and ambo, simply said "Wow."
Of course there is still some tweaking to do, namely lighting and audio work. Complaints were about readers not speaking into the mic or speaking too fast. But in all due humility I can report: it works.
So during the three holy days when we accompanied our Lord through death to resurrection, it seems for the coming year, at least, the ambo is also back up from the dead. And, you ready for this? I have heard only positive comments. Who says miracles don't happen any more?
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Town Hall Meeting @ Maryknoll
Doc also introduced a new ethics hotline, via phone or intranet, where people can report, anonymously if they desire, incidents of harassment, fraud, corruption or misconduct in the workplace. The service is available in English and Spanish.
Fr. Ed Szendrey, internal auditor, explained the rationale for the new system. We had a "whistle blower" policy in place for many years. Anyone could come forward to report fraud, but adequate follow-up was often lacking. EthicsPoint is one of the premiere companies for non-for-profit as well as public companies to deal with improprieties. It provides a mechanism for people who might not feel comfortable going to a supervisor, or who may wish to remain anonymous.
Physical Plant has put together a replica of our computer disaster recovery room. IT will fill this room with computer equipment to allow for a quick resumption of services and functions should a man-made or natural disaster occur.
The Crises Management team meets regularly to keep our living and working environment safe. Prevention is key. Expansion of the security card system throughout the campus is planned.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Cause for canonization
Last March 9, Maryknoll Fathers' & Brothers' Superior General Father Ed Dougherty, accompanied by Fr. Mike Walsh, archivist, traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina for the official opening of the cause for canonization of Maryknoll Co-Founder Fr. Thomas F. Price. (The cause for Bishop James A. Walsh was opened last November 12. See details see posts on this blog for November 12 and December 7.)
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, bishop of Raleigh, welcomed the officers for the cause of canonization and sanctification. These included Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, Postulator; Very Rev. Dr. James Garneau, Episcopal Delegate; Rev. JaVan Saxon, Promoter of Justice; Mrs. Angela Goodwin Page, Notary.
Members of the Theological Commission included: Dr. Paul J. Griffiths, Rev. Dr. Msgr. John J. Williams, and Rev. Richard DeClue. Members of the Historical Commission include: Rev. Dr. Msgr. Robert Trisco, Rev. Thomas A. Lynch, and Rev. Michael Walsh, M.M.
Dr. Ambrosi outlined the various tasks entrusted to each group and formally installed the tribunal. Fr. Garneau will investigate all of Fr. Price's published and unpublished writings.
While Fr. Price's parish is no longer in existence, present diocesan headquarters is on land purchased by Fr. Price. Plus, the site of the new cathedral is also on land that Fr. Price bought.
In attendance for this formal opening of the cause was diocesan seminarian Philip Johnson who made a pilgrimage last year to the tomb of Fr. Price at Maryknoll, N.Y., to ask his intercession for healing of a life-threatening illness.
Fr. Walsh brought back newly printed prayer cards with Fr. Price's portrait on one side and the following prayers and information:
Heavenly Father, You so inspired Father Thomas Frederick Price with love for You and zeal for the Gospel that he dedicated his life to serve You and Your Church, first in North Carolina, his home state, and then in the foreign missions. Grant that by his example we may grow in holiness and into a deeper union with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be authentic witnesses of the Gospel and proclaim the Holy Name of Jesus throughout the Diocese of Raleigh to all the people and in all the places we are sent to love and serve.
If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your Servant, Father Thomas Frederick Price, by granting the favor we now request through his prayerful intercession. (mention your request here)
We make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
If a favor is granted, kindly notify:
Office of the Episcopal Delegate for the Cause of Father Price
P.O. Box 1145
Mount Olive, NC 28365
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, bishop of Raleigh, welcomed the officers for the cause of canonization and sanctification. These included Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, Postulator; Very Rev. Dr. James Garneau, Episcopal Delegate; Rev. JaVan Saxon, Promoter of Justice; Mrs. Angela Goodwin Page, Notary.
Members of the Theological Commission included: Dr. Paul J. Griffiths, Rev. Dr. Msgr. John J. Williams, and Rev. Richard DeClue. Members of the Historical Commission include: Rev. Dr. Msgr. Robert Trisco, Rev. Thomas A. Lynch, and Rev. Michael Walsh, M.M.
Dr. Ambrosi outlined the various tasks entrusted to each group and formally installed the tribunal. Fr. Garneau will investigate all of Fr. Price's published and unpublished writings.
While Fr. Price's parish is no longer in existence, present diocesan headquarters is on land purchased by Fr. Price. Plus, the site of the new cathedral is also on land that Fr. Price bought.
In attendance for this formal opening of the cause was diocesan seminarian Philip Johnson who made a pilgrimage last year to the tomb of Fr. Price at Maryknoll, N.Y., to ask his intercession for healing of a life-threatening illness.
Fr. Walsh brought back newly printed prayer cards with Fr. Price's portrait on one side and the following prayers and information:
Heavenly Father, You so inspired Father Thomas Frederick Price with love for You and zeal for the Gospel that he dedicated his life to serve You and Your Church, first in North Carolina, his home state, and then in the foreign missions. Grant that by his example we may grow in holiness and into a deeper union with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be authentic witnesses of the Gospel and proclaim the Holy Name of Jesus throughout the Diocese of Raleigh to all the people and in all the places we are sent to love and serve.
If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your Servant, Father Thomas Frederick Price, by granting the favor we now request through his prayerful intercession. (mention your request here)
We make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
If a favor is granted, kindly notify:
Office of the Episcopal Delegate for the Cause of Father Price
P.O. Box 1145
Mount Olive, NC 28365
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Goodbye spring / Hello summer?
The winter that never quite was (here in New York) has surrendered to an early spring, which itself seems destined to yield to an ever earlier summer when the temperatures tomorrow are forecast to hit 80+ degrees.
Climate change? What climate change?
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Gaelic & Garlic Get-Together
We folks living here at the center have long pondered how to celebrate St. Patrick's Day (a quaint, tribal festival of limited importance) on March 17 with the far greater and vastly more popular Solemnity of St. Joseph (March 19), patron of Italy and, in his spare time, also patron of the Universal Church.
Well, the good people heading our Wellness Initiative: Fr. John Moran,
Br. Wayne Fitzpatrick and Dr. Claudia Kobkenz-Sulcov in hierarchical order, (but inverted order of importance) hit upon a creative, albeit grotesque solution: combine the two and celebrate both on March 15 (only detrimental if your name is Julius Caesar.)
Thus it was last Thursday at noon we celebrated the combined holidays of SS Patrick and Joseph: Gaelic and Garlic!
Yours truly co-hosted as an Italian Leprechaun (I TOLD you it was grotesque!) Giuseppe O'Diug. (That's Guido backwards). My partner in parody was none other than Shaymus McNamelli (a.k.a. Fr. Don Doherty) as a member of the Irish Mafia, don't ya know. "Never heard of the Irish Mafia??? And just how long have you been in Maryknoll?"
As the members filed in for lunch, they were greeted at the doors by above-mentioned Wellness Initiative folks who gave them party favors and raffle tickets.
As they enjoyed a delightful fusion meal of fine Italian cuisine and Irish "food" (pasta pesto, escarole and white bean soup, lamb, Irish trifle and coffee for dessert and mercifully no hint of corned beef and cabbage) prepared by the talented Sodexo staff, the men were serenaded (another fine Gaelic word) by the Maryknoll band consisting of Frs. Paul Masson, Fern Gosslin and Joe Arsenault and laymen Mssrs. John Gallagher, Larry and Dominic (whose last names I shall supply anon.)
Then Shaymus and Giuseppe took the stage and regaled the troops with such lines as: "How exactly do you make Kelly Green? (Take away his Guinness.)
"Garlic lowers blood pressure; Gaelic not so much."
"For a leprechaun, you don't have much of a brogue." (You know what they say, 'If it's not brogue, don't fix it.')
We had our share of would-be hecklers. One old man (thus protecting anonymity) asked why Italians celebrate St. Joseph since he wasn't Italian. The shorter yet better-looking and wittier of the two MCs retorted: "Yeah? Well, St. Patrick wasn't Irish, so what's your point?"
This banter was mercifully broken up with raffling off gift cards at Starbucks or Barnes & Noble etc.
Then came the sing-a-long section with the band and MCs leading the amazingly still present assembly in: When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Santa Lucia, Wearing of the Green, O Sole Mio, Danny Boy and That's Amore.
Lastly, with each of the 13 tables forming a team, a 10 Question Trivia Quiz posed such head-scratchers as "Where was St. Patrick born?" "Who was the last king of Italy" and "Who is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotte popularly known as?" (Britain, Umberto II and Lady Gaga).
Prizes were awarded to the two teams who tied for first place with eight correct answers and two teams who tied with seven correct answers each.
It must be noted that the answer to one question (How many counties are in the Republic of Ireland?) led to an animated exchange when the much older and less popular of the two MCs supplied the wrong answer as 32. Other Sons or Eire quickly pointed out there are 26 in the Republic but 6 in the North. Or as one man put it "What the hell do you think the war was all about?"
All I have to say is thank goodness the Italians never fight or disagree about anything.
The gala ended at 1:10 p.m. One measure of success was that several men lingered over coffee to chat well past 1:30.
Maryknoll's secret: from diversity, amusement!
Sent from my most excellent, albeit antiquated, iPhone 4
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Maryknoll votes on Bourgeois' dismissal from order
Maryknoll votes on Bourgeois' dismissal from order
Well, troops, the above article in the National Catholic Reporter (click the headline to read) certainly shattered the cyber and actual silence around Maryknoll these past few days.
U.S. Regional Superior Mike Duggan returned from an otherwise uplifting meeting with other religious superiors and Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany only to learn his (Mike's) name was quite prominently and erroneously linked to certain quotes in the NCR article.
Long story short, ignoring that the vote was supposedly a secret ballot and who exactly voted how and that Fr. José Arámburu and not Fr. Paul Masson is our vicar general and who said what to whom and when, the fact remains: Yes, a vote was taken last December 12 (The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, if you're into irony) on whether or not to dismiss Fr. Roy Bourgeois from Maryknoll and the result was two votes for dismissal and three abstentions.
How does canon law regard abstentions? If they don't count at all, do two "yes" votes constitute an "absolute majority" of those present?
The upshot of this continued ambiguity is that the proverbial ball (or long knife, if you will) is now back in the Vatican's court, as only they have the final word.
But just for the record, as I have read all kinds of misinformation on the blogosphere:
1) Fr. Roy's excommunication has already occurred "in latae sententiae" (automatically, on performance of a forbidden act). In this case, it was his active participation in the attempted ordination of a woman to the Roman Catholic priesthood back in 2008. The two warning letters were sent to fulfill canonical mandates in order to drive home the seriousness of the action. There is no "formal declaration of excommunication."
2) Our constitutions notwithstanding, Maryknoll will not deny Fr. Roy his living allowance and health coverage. I heard this directly from our superior general himself. I blogged this and posted this on NCR's comments section after several notable people expressed shock and disappointment that Maryknoll would "cut Fr. Roy loose" after decades of dedicated service. The cynic in me would suggest that such an allegation only serves to garner sympathy and evoke outrage by casting the Society as the villain. Our constitutions state that a dismissed member has no claim on support for past services, they do not prevent the Society from acting in a compassionate way toward a former member.
3) If the dismissal is approved by Rome, and there is still some doubt given the inconclusive vote, the only thing that will actually change is the addition of the word "former" to Roy's title of Maryknoll Father.
4) The question of women's ordination will not go away or die.
(And I'll bet some of you wish I had maintained cyber silence even longer.)
Well, troops, the above article in the National Catholic Reporter (click the headline to read) certainly shattered the cyber and actual silence around Maryknoll these past few days.
U.S. Regional Superior Mike Duggan returned from an otherwise uplifting meeting with other religious superiors and Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany only to learn his (Mike's) name was quite prominently and erroneously linked to certain quotes in the NCR article.
Long story short, ignoring that the vote was supposedly a secret ballot and who exactly voted how and that Fr. José Arámburu and not Fr. Paul Masson is our vicar general and who said what to whom and when, the fact remains: Yes, a vote was taken last December 12 (The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, if you're into irony) on whether or not to dismiss Fr. Roy Bourgeois from Maryknoll and the result was two votes for dismissal and three abstentions.
How does canon law regard abstentions? If they don't count at all, do two "yes" votes constitute an "absolute majority" of those present?
The upshot of this continued ambiguity is that the proverbial ball (or long knife, if you will) is now back in the Vatican's court, as only they have the final word.
But just for the record, as I have read all kinds of misinformation on the blogosphere:
1) Fr. Roy's excommunication has already occurred "in latae sententiae" (automatically, on performance of a forbidden act). In this case, it was his active participation in the attempted ordination of a woman to the Roman Catholic priesthood back in 2008. The two warning letters were sent to fulfill canonical mandates in order to drive home the seriousness of the action. There is no "formal declaration of excommunication."
2) Our constitutions notwithstanding, Maryknoll will not deny Fr. Roy his living allowance and health coverage. I heard this directly from our superior general himself. I blogged this and posted this on NCR's comments section after several notable people expressed shock and disappointment that Maryknoll would "cut Fr. Roy loose" after decades of dedicated service. The cynic in me would suggest that such an allegation only serves to garner sympathy and evoke outrage by casting the Society as the villain. Our constitutions state that a dismissed member has no claim on support for past services, they do not prevent the Society from acting in a compassionate way toward a former member.
3) If the dismissal is approved by Rome, and there is still some doubt given the inconclusive vote, the only thing that will actually change is the addition of the word "former" to Roy's title of Maryknoll Father.
4) The question of women's ordination will not go away or die.
(And I'll bet some of you wish I had maintained cyber silence even longer.)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Honorable mention
Last Monday I attended the winter conference for directors of religious education in the Brooklyn diocese. Meeting at the old seminary building in Douglaston, about 200 DREs heard Mr. Victor Valenzuela from the Oakland, California, speak about the New Evangelization.
He started by stating the Holy Father and bishops will be "going full bore" on this topic, now that we have seemingly gotten over the "speed bump" of the New Roman Missal. Victor admitted this "new" evangelization is simply rediscovering the emphasis for mission ad Gentes begin with Vatican II and Gaudium et Spes, Evangelium Nunziandi, and later Redemptoris Missio.
Everything he said, Maryknollers already know and practice. Victor emphasized that today, mission is no longer defined by or limited to geographic areas, but must include inner conversion. "Mission can only proceed from a personal relationship with Jesus," he said.
The challenge facing religion teachers is that few parishioners attend post Confirmation. At least the new Roman Missal encouraged many to return to church for Mass, if not enroll for a refresher course in Catholicism 101.
He then gave public acknowledgement for the overseas mission work done by Maryknoll over the tears. When I "air-pumped" my arms, he said, "And it seems we have a Maryknoller with us here!" At which point the assembled group erupted in applause. So I did my bit that evening to fly the Maryknoll flag.
The entire content of Victor's talk can be seen and read at: www.victorvalenzuela.net
Speaking of Brooklyn, we have eight relatively newish priests from Brooklyn here for two days of reflection. They do intermingle at meals, so maybe we can instill a schmeckel of the mission spirit in them before they return to their parishes.
He started by stating the Holy Father and bishops will be "going full bore" on this topic, now that we have seemingly gotten over the "speed bump" of the New Roman Missal. Victor admitted this "new" evangelization is simply rediscovering the emphasis for mission ad Gentes begin with Vatican II and Gaudium et Spes, Evangelium Nunziandi, and later Redemptoris Missio.
Everything he said, Maryknollers already know and practice. Victor emphasized that today, mission is no longer defined by or limited to geographic areas, but must include inner conversion. "Mission can only proceed from a personal relationship with Jesus," he said.
The challenge facing religion teachers is that few parishioners attend post Confirmation. At least the new Roman Missal encouraged many to return to church for Mass, if not enroll for a refresher course in Catholicism 101.
He then gave public acknowledgement for the overseas mission work done by Maryknoll over the tears. When I "air-pumped" my arms, he said, "And it seems we have a Maryknoller with us here!" At which point the assembled group erupted in applause. So I did my bit that evening to fly the Maryknoll flag.
The entire content of Victor's talk can be seen and read at: www.victorvalenzuela.net
Speaking of Brooklyn, we have eight relatively newish priests from Brooklyn here for two days of reflection. They do intermingle at meals, so maybe we can instill a schmeckel of the mission spirit in them before they return to their parishes.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Rome bound
In the next several days, Superior General Ed Dougherty, Father Ray Nobiletti and Mr. Christopher Reilly will join about a thousand other guests of Archbishop Timothy Dolan in Rome, where the latter will be elevated to Cardinal at the consistory on February 17.
Actually, Ray is the guest of another Cardinal-designate, Bishop John Tong Hon of Hong Kong and a close friend of Maryknoll and many Maryknollers.
Christopher, for his part, will actually be participating in several of the Masses at the various basilicas following the elevation at St. Peter's. At three of these, Christopher will cantor. At the others, he will be part of a 55-member choir also flying over from New York. Christopher, you'll recall, is our new choir director. When Archbishop Dolan received he pallium back 2008, Christopher actually had to cantor at all nine of the Masses around the Eternal City.
Soon-To-Be Cardinal Dolan, for his part, is scheduled to celebrate our Foundation Day Mass this coming June 29th here at the Knoll.
Actually, Ray is the guest of another Cardinal-designate, Bishop John Tong Hon of Hong Kong and a close friend of Maryknoll and many Maryknollers.
Christopher, for his part, will actually be participating in several of the Masses at the various basilicas following the elevation at St. Peter's. At three of these, Christopher will cantor. At the others, he will be part of a 55-member choir also flying over from New York. Christopher, you'll recall, is our new choir director. When Archbishop Dolan received he pallium back 2008, Christopher actually had to cantor at all nine of the Masses around the Eternal City.
Soon-To-Be Cardinal Dolan, for his part, is scheduled to celebrate our Foundation Day Mass this coming June 29th here at the Knoll.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Alive and well
No, homies, I have not been silenced, censured, censored, kidnapped or otherwise banned from cyberspace.
I have been lazy.
Well, not entirely true. I have been away visiting the "missions" to the the southeastern Caribbean as is my annual wont this time of year. (Not entirely false, as San Juan, St. Martin and St. Thomas USED to be missions!) And I did celebrate Mass for about 250 passengers aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. And no, I was not the official chaplain, nor was I given a free cabin, or anything for that matter, except for the satisfaction of knowing that Catholic passengers asked the cruise line if Mass would be available on the two Sundays we were at sea. RCCL replied they no longer contract chaplains, but if a priest were among the passengers, he could volunteer his services.
Granted I am of Italian extraction and should be impervious to pangs of guilt (the notorious captain of the ill-fated Costa Concordia being most recent proof of this), I nonetheless buckled and added my fully stocked Mass kit to my other luggage. The Catholics were most grateful. I mentioned Maryknoll and one man said he was a cousin of a Maryknoller but I can't recall who. Sorry!
While at sea I had no access to Wi-Fi or cellular, so was incommunicado, as it were. Once we docked in San Juan (a U.S. territory), I could check my Facebook page (OK, I confess, that's were I spend my time online these days. That, and Words With Friends). Mr. Roger Clark, former lay missioner to Korea and former artist on our magazine staff, had posted on my page. That was when I was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Rodney Swanger at the age of 55, of a heart attack.
Rodney had been a Maryknoll seminarian back in the 1980s and did OTP in Japan. He left the program, but later also worked in our Walsh building in the Social Communications Department and did a masterful job cataloguing and digitalizing our massive photo library. He was the first (and last) curator of the Maryknoll Visitor Center Museum and kept the exhibits fresh and current until his departure about five years ago.
The other reason I have failed in my duties to keep you all abreast of developments here at Mother Knoll is that there haven't been any.
Well, Physical Plant did finally get ATT to remove the two dormant phone booths from our building. What with everyone having a cell phone nowadays, superman will just have to change elsewhere.
The Wellness Committee will host a combined St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's Day celebration, combining Italian and Irish food (such as it is) and Italian and Irish music (such as it is) on March 15. The Ides of March. Could be interesting.
Entitled "Gaelic & Garlic", the evening meal will be followed by group singing and bantering from Fr. Don Doherty, representing the escapees from the Emerald Isle and Yours Truly, making him an offer he can't refuse.
Stereotypes will be flying fast and furious.
I have been lazy.
Well, not entirely true. I have been away visiting the "missions" to the the southeastern Caribbean as is my annual wont this time of year. (Not entirely false, as San Juan, St. Martin and St. Thomas USED to be missions!) And I did celebrate Mass for about 250 passengers aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. And no, I was not the official chaplain, nor was I given a free cabin, or anything for that matter, except for the satisfaction of knowing that Catholic passengers asked the cruise line if Mass would be available on the two Sundays we were at sea. RCCL replied they no longer contract chaplains, but if a priest were among the passengers, he could volunteer his services.
Granted I am of Italian extraction and should be impervious to pangs of guilt (the notorious captain of the ill-fated Costa Concordia being most recent proof of this), I nonetheless buckled and added my fully stocked Mass kit to my other luggage. The Catholics were most grateful. I mentioned Maryknoll and one man said he was a cousin of a Maryknoller but I can't recall who. Sorry!
While at sea I had no access to Wi-Fi or cellular, so was incommunicado, as it were. Once we docked in San Juan (a U.S. territory), I could check my Facebook page (OK, I confess, that's were I spend my time online these days. That, and Words With Friends). Mr. Roger Clark, former lay missioner to Korea and former artist on our magazine staff, had posted on my page. That was when I was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Rodney Swanger at the age of 55, of a heart attack.
Rodney had been a Maryknoll seminarian back in the 1980s and did OTP in Japan. He left the program, but later also worked in our Walsh building in the Social Communications Department and did a masterful job cataloguing and digitalizing our massive photo library. He was the first (and last) curator of the Maryknoll Visitor Center Museum and kept the exhibits fresh and current until his departure about five years ago.
The other reason I have failed in my duties to keep you all abreast of developments here at Mother Knoll is that there haven't been any.
Well, Physical Plant did finally get ATT to remove the two dormant phone booths from our building. What with everyone having a cell phone nowadays, superman will just have to change elsewhere.
The Wellness Committee will host a combined St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's Day celebration, combining Italian and Irish food (such as it is) and Italian and Irish music (such as it is) on March 15. The Ides of March. Could be interesting.
Entitled "Gaelic & Garlic", the evening meal will be followed by group singing and bantering from Fr. Don Doherty, representing the escapees from the Emerald Isle and Yours Truly, making him an offer he can't refuse.
Stereotypes will be flying fast and furious.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Lunar New Year
It was a noble effort by our Sodexo staff on very short notice. Fr. Ed Szendrey reminded me only last Wednesday and I, as a member of the All-(Self)-Important Food Committee, brought it to the attention of Sodexo Manager Ms. Margaret Ellcott-Sheehan, pictured here in a traditional Korean "Han Bok".
The kitchen prepared sesame chicken, jaozhe (dumplings to gringos, mandu to Koreans), sautéed beef, rice, Bok Choy, soup and even Kimchi, which was surprisingly well received.
The tables and walls were festooned in red banners and various Chinese characters for "Gung Hey Fat Choy."
Chief chef Mike McLoughlin whipped together a wonderful confection of fried bananas & apples or mangoes with chocolate sauce.
A great time was had by most.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Eyesore and hazard
Friday, January 13, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Talk on Identity Theft
Yesterday at 3 p.m. in the Asia Room, Mr. Gary Brown, assistant Attorney General-in-Charge at the Westchester Regional Office of the NYS Attorney General (Phew!) spoke to about 43 residents on identity theft and financial exploitation of the elderly. Ms. Laurie Johnson from Health Services and Mr. Mark Willmer from I.T. were also present.
Brown stressed the need to password protect all online accounts. The password should include numbers and upper and lowercase letters and should not be a form of your user name or an easily guessed word like "Maryknoll". (I can't tell you the number of Maryknoll sites that use 1911 as a password. I can't tell you because I don't know. But I know at least three places use it!)
Email scams, sometimes called "phishing", are on the rise. They look like emails from legitimate banks or credit card companies and ask you to click on a link (Don't do it!) and give sensitive and personal information, like your Social Security Number or Bank Account. (Don't do that either!)
Case in point: two months ago I got an official-looking email purportedly from Capital One bank informing me of "an errors" that caused my account to be suspended but if I clicked the link all would be well. Yeah, right. It also misspelled "receive". So I phoned Capital One and they said it was a scam. I forwarded the bogus email to them to help them track down and arrest the perpetrators and sent the following reply to the senders:
"Dear Illiterate Idiot, Clearly you are either a high school dropout or not a native English speaker, or both. I have taken the liberty of forwarding your clearly bogus email to the authorities. On a positive note, perhaps you can use your time in jail to study spelling and proper English grammar."
So grammar and spelling errors are also two things to look for. And do not hesitate to call the company yourself (Don't use the number given in the suspect email) when in doubt.
Other cautions: do not give a caller your PIN or the security code on the back of your credit cards. (Of course, this only applies if someone contacts you. If you called the bank or the merchant, it should be safe to give that information.)
Check all your monthly statements and report any unfamiliar charges. Many credit card companies will call you if they suspect unauthorized activity.
Some years ago I was doing Christmas shopping in the area and when I got home realized I didn't have my credit card with me. I had only gone to one store so went back immediately but they said they didn't have it. I called the credit card company and said "I think my credit card has been lost or stolen." The agent said, "Yes, we know. We already put a stop on it." Apparently whoever got hold of my card tried to make a huge purchase of a flat-screen TV. When the merchant asked for further ID, the person couldn't produce it. By the time he tried that stunt at another store the card was already cancelled and labelled "stolen."
Sometimes it pays to have Big Brother watching!
If you receive any questions about suspicious email or financial activity, contact Maryknoll I.T. and your superior.
Brown stressed the need to password protect all online accounts. The password should include numbers and upper and lowercase letters and should not be a form of your user name or an easily guessed word like "Maryknoll". (I can't tell you the number of Maryknoll sites that use 1911 as a password. I can't tell you because I don't know. But I know at least three places use it!)
Email scams, sometimes called "phishing", are on the rise. They look like emails from legitimate banks or credit card companies and ask you to click on a link (Don't do it!) and give sensitive and personal information, like your Social Security Number or Bank Account. (Don't do that either!)
Case in point: two months ago I got an official-looking email purportedly from Capital One bank informing me of "an errors" that caused my account to be suspended but if I clicked the link all would be well. Yeah, right. It also misspelled "receive". So I phoned Capital One and they said it was a scam. I forwarded the bogus email to them to help them track down and arrest the perpetrators and sent the following reply to the senders:
"Dear Illiterate Idiot, Clearly you are either a high school dropout or not a native English speaker, or both. I have taken the liberty of forwarding your clearly bogus email to the authorities. On a positive note, perhaps you can use your time in jail to study spelling and proper English grammar."
So grammar and spelling errors are also two things to look for. And do not hesitate to call the company yourself (Don't use the number given in the suspect email) when in doubt.
Other cautions: do not give a caller your PIN or the security code on the back of your credit cards. (Of course, this only applies if someone contacts you. If you called the bank or the merchant, it should be safe to give that information.)
Check all your monthly statements and report any unfamiliar charges. Many credit card companies will call you if they suspect unauthorized activity.
Some years ago I was doing Christmas shopping in the area and when I got home realized I didn't have my credit card with me. I had only gone to one store so went back immediately but they said they didn't have it. I called the credit card company and said "I think my credit card has been lost or stolen." The agent said, "Yes, we know. We already put a stop on it." Apparently whoever got hold of my card tried to make a huge purchase of a flat-screen TV. When the merchant asked for further ID, the person couldn't produce it. By the time he tried that stunt at another store the card was already cancelled and labelled "stolen."
Sometimes it pays to have Big Brother watching!
If you receive any questions about suspicious email or financial activity, contact Maryknoll I.T. and your superior.
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