Homily for December 20

Homily for December 20, 2024

Luke 1: 26-38

Provincial House, New Rochelle, N.Y.

by Nicolas Poussin

When Gabriel greets Mary, he doesn’t use the customary Hebrew word shalom but the usual Greek word of greeting, chaire (Luke 1: 28), which means “rejoice.”  His message is the joyful one that human salvation is at hand:  God is breaking into our history in a new, definitive way.  This is the beginning of the Gospel, the good news of our redemption.  It’s reason for Mary to rejoice, and it’s reason for us to rejoice:  God remains our Savior.

Homily for December 19

Homily for December 19, 2024

Luke 1: 5-25
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Zechariah & Elizabeth (James Tissot)

“Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly” (Luke 1: 6).

Zechariah and Elizabeth are a holy couple.  They’re commemorated in the Roman Martyrology on Sept. 23.

But to some extent they’re also an unhappy couple:  they haven’t been blessed with children.  They consider themselves “disgraced” or objects of “reproach” in human eyes (1:25[1]).  That bespeaks, unfortunately, how ready people are to make harsh, even cruel, judgments about other people—perhaps more prevalent now, thanks to social media (should it be called “anti-social media”?), in our supposedly enlightened age.

Holiness doesn’t exclude us from the sorrows of life, as the saints teach us over and over.  There’s a well known story from the life of Teresa of Avila that tells how she lost her footing while traveling a flooded road, and was saved by God’s intervention. “Oh, my Lord!” she exclaimed, with her usual loving familiarity, “when will you stop throwing obstacles in our path?” “Don’t complain, daughter,” the Lord answered. “That’s how I always treat my friends.” She retorted, “Ah, Lord, that’s why you have so few of them!”[2]

Yes, God’s friends are like the rest of humanity, subject to pain, sorrow, and trials.  Those obstacles, to use Teresa’s word, test our perseverance in his friendship.  Zechariah and Elizabeth persevered, and finally received a reward even in this life.  We too could count a lot of blessings in spite of our pains, sorrows, and tribulations.  Acknowledging our blessings can only deepen our friendship with our Savior.

 

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[1] Various translations.

[2] Adapted from fatherhorton, St. Teresa of Avila: “If this is how You treat your friends…,” Oct. 3, 2016.

Salesian Fr. Elijah Comini Recognized as a Martyr

Holy See Recognizes Fr. Elijah Comini, SDB, as a Martyr

(ANS – Rome – December 18, 2024) – On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Pope Francis received in audience Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. During the audience, the Holy Father authorized the Dicastery to promulgate the decree concerning the martyrdom of the Servant of God Fr. Elijah Comini of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, born on May 7, 1910, in Calvenzano di Vergato (Bologna) and killed out of hatred of the Faith, in Pioppe di Salvaro (Bologna) on October 1, 1944.

This recognition opens the way for Fr. Comini’s beatification as a martyr of the Monte Sole massacre, which took place 80 years ago. This was the most heinous slaughter carried out by Nazi SS forces in Europe during World War II in the territories of Marzabotto, Grizzana Morandi, and Monzuno, commonly known as the “Marzabotto Massacre.”

Fr. Stefano Martoglio, vicar of the Rector Major, expressed the joy of the entire Congregation and the Salesian Family, commenting: “This news, on the eve of Christmas and the Holy Year, is a great source of hope. In a world engulfed in the tragedy of wars and fratricidal struggles, forgetful of the dramas of the past, the testimony of Fr. Elijah Comini shines forth as that of a peacemaker and reconciler. Moreover, this news comes on the anniversary of the founding of the Congregation (December 18, 1859). The recognition of Fr. Elijah Comini’s martyrdom is an extraordinary affirmation of Don Bosco’s charism, which finds its core in pastoral charity, radiating apostolic and educational zeal.”

Elijah Comini was born in Madonna del Bosco in Calvenzano di Vergato (Bologna) on May 7, 1910, the second child of Claudio and Emma Limoni Comini. As a young boy, he was guided to the Salesians of Finale Emilia by Msgr. Fidenzio Mellini, a former student of Don Bosco in Turin. Elijah entered the novitiate on October 1, 1925, made his first profession on October 3, 1926, and professed perpetually on May 8, 1931. Ordained a priest in Brescia on March 16, 1935, he served in Salesian houses in Chiari (Brescia) until 1941 and in Treviglio (Bergamo) from 1941 to 1944, distinguishing himself as an excellent teacher of humanities and a trusted confidant for many young people: “They seemed like a brood of chicks around the hen.” During the summer, with the approval of his superiors, Fr. Comini would return for certain periods to the Bologna Apennines – to Salvaro – to assist his mother, who was elderly and alone. There, he also assisted Msgr. Mellini in his pastoral work.

Such was the mission that occupied Fr. Comini even during the extremely challenging summer of 1944. He arrived in Salvaro on June 24 and remained there for just over three months, until his death. He provided aid to the population, addressing their many concrete needs brought on by the war, animated the liturgy, and promoted frequent reception of the sacraments. He supported the consecrated women and carried out an intense apostolate through all the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Moreover, he served as a mediator among opposing sides: the local population, partisans, and the German Wehrmacht, who were stationed at the rectory for a month (August 1 – September 1, 1944). The Servant of God also established a priestly fraternity with the young Dehonian priest Fr. Martin Capelli, joining forces in their ministry.

On the morning of September 29, 1944, Fr. Comini, accompanied by Fr. Capelli, hurried to Creda, a village where the SS of a battalion from the 16th Panzer Division had just carried out a massacre. Wearing his stole, carrying holy oils and a ciborium with the Eucharist, he was clearly identified as a priest engaged in his ministry of comforting the dying.

Captured, stripped of his priestly insignia, and used as a beast of burden to transport ammunition, Fr. Comini endured an intense passion and suffering that day, undoubtedly forced to witness the “most horrific atrocities.” That evening, he was taken to the “cartwrights’ house” in Pioppe di Salvaro, where he spent two harrowing days. From the beginning, he was convinced he was destined to die (“one pays the price for doing charity”), yet he remained close to the prisoners, always ready to comfort, assist, and ultimately absolve them.

Efforts to mediate and save him failed, while he interceded for everyone and urged the few who reached him to appeal to the archbishop of Bologna.

On the evening of October 1, 1944, Fr. Comini was killed among the group of “unfit” prisoners (innocent of any involvement in the conflict) – despite being young and physically capable – at the Botte della Canapiera in Pioppe di Salvaro. His execution followed a surreal procession orchestrated by the SS, who forced the prisoners to walk on a makeshift platform before mowing them down with machine guns. Fr. Comini, chanting the Litanies and crying out “Mercy!” at the end, turned this grim march into a prayerful ascent toward Heaven.

Shortly before his death, it was reported that a German soldier violently struck his hands, causing his breviary to fall among the bodies of those already killed, into the ditch below. Their remains could not be recovered because the grates were later opened and the powerful current of the Reno River carried the bodies away.

In the moments of execution, Fr. Comini’s body shielded Pio Borgia, one of only three survivors of the Botte massacre and a key witness to the events.

Fr. Comini was immediately associated with a reputation for martyrdom, which also led to a new awareness and understanding of his previously holy life.

“For the Church of Bologna, for the Salesian Congregation, particularly for the Lombardo-Emiliana Salesian Province, and for the entire Salesian Family, this recognition is a source of immense joy and thanksgiving to God and the Virgin Mary, Help of Christians. Special thanks go to the relator of the cause, Msgr. Maurizio Tagliaferri, and to Dr. Lodovica Maria Zanet, collaborator of the postulator’s office, for her highly skilled work,” said Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, postulator general.

“The profound source of the pastoral style of the Servant of God Elijah Comini lies in his choice to lay down his life for his brothers, as Jesus did when He gave Himself over to death for all sinners. Throughout his life and until the very end, he strove to be a good shepherd, giving himself without reservation and with generous self-sacrifice in a one-way exodus from himself. This is the true essence of his pastoral charity, presenting him as a model shepherd who watches over his flock, defending the weak and the innocent.” 

Monument to Frs. Comini and Capelli
at the massacre site

Homily for December 17

Homily for December 17, 2024

Matt 1: 1-17
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Matthew’s Gospel begins with “the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (1:1).  The Scripture commentator for today at America magazine online notes:

“Jesus had a family tree. The Incarnation is a pivotal moment in salvation history, but it is also placed within family history. And in Matthew’s telling, it is not sanitized: ‘Nothing is simplified, erased or invented,’ Pope Francis wrote about Jesus’ genealogy in a recent letter on the study of church history. ‘The Lord’s genealogy consists of the true story that includes a number of figures who are problematic to say the least, and the sin of King David is also emphasized.’”*

The commentator continues:  “In that same letter, Pope Francis reminds us that ‘No one can truly know their deepest identity, or what they wish to be in the future, without attending to the bonds that link them to preceding generations.’”  That’s why we study church history, why I write Salesian history, why we keep church and congregational archives, why your history is important.

The Holy Family
(Stained glass, Immaculate Conception Church
Stony Point, N.Y.)

Jesus’ ancestry includes noble figures:  Abraham, of course, David, and Josiah—not to mention Joseph, his adoptive, legal father.

But those ancestors whom Pope Francis calls “problematic”—in some cases, scoundrels might be a better word—also are part of the story.  It’s often been observed that Jesus’ ancestry includes 4 women of doubtful reputation:  Tamar, who deceived Judah by pretending to be a prostitute; Rahab, who was a prostitute but assisted Israel’s capture of Jericho; Ruth, a foreigner; the wife of Uriah (unnamed in the genealogy), who was involved in David’s sin.

Today’s 1st reading consisted of Jacob’s putative foretelling of Judah’s future as the ancestral ruler of his brothers’ descendants—a snippet from an entire chapter about Jacob’s sons.  Judah became one of Jesus’ ancestors in spite of his refusal to follow the marriage custom of the time and thus Tamar resorted to tricking him into doing indirectly what he ought to have done directly.  Judah’s father, Jacob, was a liar and a cheat.

You know the proverb that God writes straight with crooked lines.  You know that St. Paul teaches in Romans that God makes “all things work for good” (8:28).  Our salvation history, church history, and personal history are far from spotless and immaculate.  I know none of you were scoundrels; perhaps some might have been rascals.  But God is the master who was able to work with Jacob, Judah, David, the wicked kings who followed David, even the Babylonian exile, and with the “problematic” women in the genealogy, and lead it all up to “Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus the Christ.”

God our master, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit overcome whatever hesitancies,  obstacles, even sins we’ve laid on our road toward eternity, toward the share in Jesus’ divinity that God has planned for us.  We trust that God will carry out his work in us, and he’ll even work thru us to fulfill his plan for human salvation. 

* Zac Davis, "Jesus had a family tree. Do you know yours?", America online 12/16/24.

Homily for 3d Sunday of Advent

Homily for the
3d Sunday of Advent

Dec. 15, 2024
Zeph 3: 14-18
Phil 4: 4-7
Luke 3: 10-18
The Fountains, Tuckahoe, N.Y.
Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx        
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx

The 3d Sunday of Advent has been known for centuries as Gaudete Sunday because the antiphon that begins the Mass in Latin quotes from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians—a passage that happens this year, Year C in our 3-year lectionary cycle, to be our 2d Scripture reading.  (There are different readings in Years A and B.  Year C, you may have begun to notice, features St. Luke’s Gospel.)  The antiphon directs us, Gaudete in Domino semper, iterum dico: guadete.  Dominus prope est.  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.  Indeed, the Lord is near.” (4:4-5)

Rejoicing is, indeed, the theme of today’s liturgy.  That’s why the Advent wreath has a rose-colored candle and the priest may wear rose vestments—lightening the more somber violet of Advent.

Prophets Hosea, Amos, Zephaniah, Anonymous Russian icon painter (before 1917)
Public domain image (according to PD-RusEmpire), via Wikimedia Commons

Our 1st reading was from the rarely heard prophet Zephaniah, one of the so-called minor prophets of the OT, in contrast to the big guns, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.  Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, who reigned in the 2d half of the 7th century B.C. and sponsored religious reform in a very difficult period for the Jewish kingdom.  Perhaps because Josiah fostered fidelity to the one, true God of Israel, Zephaniah’s prophecies include upbeat passages like today’s:  “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!  Sing joyfully, O Israel!  The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, a mighty savior.” (3:14,15,17)

On account of the Lord’s nearness, which Paul notes, we are to “have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, [to] make [our] requests known to God” (Phil 4:6).  During Advent, our minds frequently turn toward Christmas gifts; here God stands ready to offer us gifts:  “make your requests known” to him.  In fact, he’s already given us the greatest gifts imaginable, even beyond our imaging:  they “surpass all understanding” (4:7).  God has given us his own Son, and in his Son has given us forgiveness, peace of heart, and the promise of eternal life.  That’s why we’re to “have no anxiety at all, but in everything” to address God “with thanksgiving” and confidence.  That’s why St. Teresa of Avila can tell us:  “Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you. Everything passes, God alone is unchanging. Patience obtains everything.  Whoever has God lacks nothing: God alone is enuf!”  The 1st phrase of that quote was often on Don Bosco’s lips too, amid his many problems and in his encouragement to his disciples:  “Niente ti turbi.”

John the Baptist came, however, calling for change:  not that God would change, but that we should change—sharing our excess goods, being satisfied with enuf, treating people with dignity, all of which he calls for in the gospel we just heard (Luke 3:10-14).  Why?  Because the Mighty One of God was at hand.  “Your kindness should be known to all.  The Lord is near,” Paul says (Phil 4:5).  Kindness is a very great gift that we can give to everyone at Christmas—and every day.  Now that Christ has, in fact, come, “The Lord your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love” (Zeph 3:17).  That gladness, that love is ours not to hoard but to pass on to the whole world.  “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!”

Salesian Youth Spirituality on "The Way"

NCYC 2024
Salesian Youth Spirituality on “El Camino/The Way”

(ANS – Long Beach, Cal. – November 27, 2024) – The Salesians of Don Bosco were present at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), Nov. 14-16, at the Long Beach Convention Center. The team comprised representatives from the 4 SDB and FMA Eastern and Western provinces of the U.S. and Canada. By consistently meeting and planning, the team created a vision for the Salesian presence at NCYC 2024, incorporating the theme “El Camino/The Way.” Salesian youth spirituality was reflected through activities organized in the Salesian exhibit booth, the examination of conscience in the Sacred Space, and the workshop sessions presented by members of the Salesian Family.

The Salesian Family: Session Speakers

There were 2 speakers from the Salesian Family on the NCYC program. Dr. Juan Carlos Montenegro, who accompanied by young people from St. Dominic Savio Parish, where he is the CYM, presented a breakout session on “Bridging the Gap Between Generations.” The talk was engaging and made an impact on his audience. It was an inspiration to witness young people speaking about uniting generations and becoming rooted in a love for the Eucharist. Sr. Elfie Del Rosario, FMA, presented a breakout session titled “That Your JOY Be Complete: Living a Joyful Life!” Her presentation was about finding joy in ordinary life, and the young people were able to learn about and appreciate the Salesian charism. Sr. Elfie will also represent the Salesians next year in Indianapolis as a master of ceremonies for NCYC 2025.

The Exhibit Booth & Sacred Space

The youth ministry offices USA East/USA West (SDB) animated the exhibit booth with all who worked alongside them from the 4 provinces. Seeing young people stop by the booth and engage with Salesian youth spirituality through activities, face painting, reflections, and meaningful conversation was a joy. Each interaction strengthened a young person’s sense of our charism and brought them closer to St. John Bosco.

The booth was separated into five activities representing the 5 components of Salesian youth spirituality. For example, for joy and optimism, we had games, face painting, and a reflection asking young people, “What brings you joy?” Most prolifically, using the 2024 Strenna, we collected dreams from young people. Our booth was filled with youth dreams ranging from connecting with Christ to being successful in school. The Province Youth Ministry Team will celebrate the Eucharist for all the youth’s dreams and pray over their intentions in the month of December.

The Salesians were asked to incorporate further the components of Salesian youth spirituality in the Sacred Space at NCYC. The examination of conscience that led young people to confession was engaging and encouraged youths to reflect on their everyday lives. The Sacred Space was brought to life with candles, cloth, greenery, and items that incorporated the theme of “El Camino.” It proved successful in allowing young people a moment to connect with God and prepare for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

“We look forward to seeing young people and their leaders again next year in Indianapolis, Indiana, for NCYC 2025, where Sr. Elfie will be as one of the two MCs,” Victoria Figueroa, Salesian Youth Movement coordinator, finally stated.

Fr. Eddie Chincha, at left, from Port Chester, N.Y.
with youths

Salesian Missions Funds New School in Zambia

Salesian Missions Funds 
Construction of New School in Zambia

(ANS – Lusaka, Zambia – November 29, 2024) – Salesian sisters in Thorn Park, Lusaka, Zambia, had the funding to start construction on a new school for orphans and vulnerable youths thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions of New Rochelle. The Garden Open Community School will educate youth ages 6-18.

Much of the building work is already completed. The funding helped support brick and block work, electrical installation, roofing, and framing for the building, doors, and windows. The project is continuing with additional funding to finalize the structure and have it ready for students.

The construction project is also helping older youths who are honing their skills as they work on the construction of the building. Sister Ireen Kapisha explained: “One of the workers expressed joy working on the project. He has not only gained skills in learning bricklaying, but he’s been able to support his family financially because the cost of living in Zambia has increased, with many costs doubling.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid poor and at-risk youths so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youths gain a foundation to allow them later to advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring that youths focus on their education.

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past 3 decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food, and medical care.

Source: Salesian Missions

Homily for Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec. 12, 2024
Zech 2: 14-17
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Guadalupe Shrine, St. Joseph's Church
New Rochelle 2021

“Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you” (Zech 2: 15).

When the Virgin Mary appeared in 1531 to Juan Diego, humble campesino, member of a conquered race—barely a decade after Cortez’s conquest—she demonstrated God’s care for him, for his sick uncle, and for all their people.  With her mestizo features, she assumed the appearance of that conquered race.  Her pregnant appearance showed that her child also belonged to that race; that they identified with the lowly, the campesinos, the dispossessed, the downtrodden.

As today’s collect notes, she took these people under her singular protection.  The conquered peoples of the Americas also are God’s people, as much as the conquering Spaniards.  Thru the son to be born of pregnant Mary, God dwells among them.

John Paul II added the OL of Guadalupe to the Roman calendar as an optional memorial.  Writing of her to the Mexican people in 1970, St. Paul VI drew from her story the message that Mary’s devotees must be concerned to elevate all the lowly, all the world’s Juan Diegos—thru education, dignified work, meeting the needs of every brother and sister of Christ, including all those “placed at the margins of the advantages of civilization and progress.”  He said that 43 years before the election of Francis, the Pope of the margins.

Brothers, we are religious of the marginalized.  That’s essential to your charism and to Don Bosco’s.  You here are on the margins, I’d say, and so it’s a privilege as well as a duty for me to come to you twice a week.  But even here you continue your ministry for the marginalized people of the world by your prayers for your brothers and Edmund’s associates who are in direct ministry and by your prayers for migrants and refugees, for those afflicted by violence and natural disasters, for the persecuted, for the young who are searching for meaning in their lives—for all who, at least implicitly, long for God to dwell with them.  Thus you identify with OL of Guadalupe and thru her with her Son.

Suspended Between Fear and Hope

Suspended Between Fear and Hope

(ANS – Damascus – December 11, 2024) - “The current situation in Syria is one of great uncertainty, although everything is moving too fast,” says Fr. Pedro Garcia, a Salesian missionary from Spain, director of the Salesian house in Damascus. “For now we can only wait and continue to work alongside the people. From the beginning, we Salesians have kept our doors open, even in the most difficult moments of the war. We have always been a point of reference for the population, and we will continue to be so at this time,” he added.

The Salesians are present in Aleppo, Damascus, and Kafroun, with works for non-formal education and youth centers that, in total, involve and give a hint of hope every day to more than 3,000 young people. Even in recent days, after the fall of the Assad regime, they have had to suspend their activities for the safety of minors, but not their commitment to care for and welcome those in need.

The latest events seem to have been welcomed by the population as a liberation, and many took to the streets with contained joy, but “the situation is one of uncertainty throughout the country and everything is moving too fast. Here it is the tradition to celebrate Saint Barbara (December 4) with parties in different costumes and a traditional meal, but this year we decided that, instead of a party, we would hold a vigil in front of the Blessed Sacrament to ask for peace,” Fr. García continued.

“The moment of truth will be when the different factions that make up the coalition sit down to negotiate. Everything will depend on how the checks and balances of the new government are organized,” the Salesian director concluded.

The superior of the Middle East Province, Fr. Simon Zakerian, is in Rome these days for the formation and orientation course for recently appointed provincials.  He confirmed the set of conflicting feelings that now coexist among the population in Syria. “The Syrian people on the one hand rejoice, on the other weep. For so many years, Syrians were used to living with a blockade of freedom: they could not express themselves, speak, criticize…. Let us hope for a positive change. Now the question for many is about the future.”

The Syrian bishops, both Catholic and Orthodox, have already had several meetings with some of the leaders of the rebel groups, and have been reassured that Christians “will not be touched, because they have always been faithful to our country.” This raises cautious hope, but everyone wants to wait for the nation’s new leaders to prove themselves, to be sure that these are not just declarations of intent.

“The young people who attend Salesian centers are the litmus test of the new reality. Indeed, the Salesian provincial concludes, “During this time, our young people have mostly been confined to home. In WhatsApp groups, they write to each other not to go out, to wait and see how the situation develops. So there is still fear, but at the same time, there’s also a bit of hope that this change will genuinely be for the good of the country.”

Homily for Tuesday, Week 2 of Advent

Homily for Tuesday
Week 2 of Advent

Dec. 10, 2024
Is 40: 1-11
Matt 18: 12-14
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

“The word of our God stands forever” (Is 40: 8)

Shepherd & a lost sheep
(James Tissot)

God’s word is a word of deliverance.  The 2d main part of Isaiah, ch. 40-55, rejoices in the good news (40:9) that the power of God is about to save Israel from her captivity in Babylon—“her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated” (40:2).  God will lead her thru the desert wasteland and rough country back to Zion (40:3-4,9), to the holy land.  God shepherds his people (40:11).

Jesus also shepherds his people, finding those who’ve strayed—which we all do in one way or another—and delivering us from the dangers and rough paths on which we walk toward Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem that will be our eternal home:  nobis donet vitam in patria.  He is the incarnate Word of our God, and he stands forever with us.

Bro. James F. Wiegand, SDB (1933-2024)

Bro. James F. Wiegand, SDB (1933-2024)

Bro. Jim in 2006

Shortly after midnite on the morning of December 8, Bro. James Frank Wiegand, SDB, surrendered his soul to the Lord whom he had served faithfully for more than 91 years, including 70 as a professed Salesian brother.  He had been transported the previous evening from Allendale (N.J.) Senior Living to the Valley Hospital Emergency Room in Paramus, N.J., where he passed away.  He had belonged to the Don Bosco Prep community in Ramsey since 2002.

Jim Wiegand was born on Sept. 21, 1933, in Freeport, Ill., the son of Aloysius and Faye Sunderland Wiegand.  His father was a railroad conductor.  The family also included Jim’s younger sister Martha.

Jim became a member of Christ’s family on Nov. 12, 1933, baptized at Freeport’s St. Joseph’s Church.  He was also confirmed there in 1944.

In his youth Jim was a fervent sports fan, rooting always for the Chicago White Sox—“yesterday, today, and tomorrow”—and for the Chicago Bulls after their founding in 1966.  He starred in high school in basketball and baseball and was the starting tight end in football.  He even got a tryout with the Chicago Cubs (who evidently did not sign him).  As a teen, he decided that he wanted to become a coach.

Bro. Jim ca. 1960

Aiming to become a secondary school teacher, therefore, he began college at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., with a basketball scholarship (1951-1952).  But his sister Martha’s entering the Dominicans, and his seeing the example of some religious brothers made him think about becoming a brother.  Martha had taken the religious name Dominic Savio, and she suggested to Jim that he look at the Salesians because of his interest in teaching.

So Jim came to the Salesians at Don Bosco Tech in Paterson, N.J., as an aspirant on Jan. 29, 1953.  From his first encounter with the Salesians, he found what he described as “a form of spirituality which I had not witnessed before. The Salesians were more often in the field working, than in the chapel praying.  When I inquired about this, I was told, ‘Our Founder, Don Bosco, believed that work can be prayer!’ And I noticed they went about doing their work with great cheerfulness.”  At DBT he found a solid family spirit among the brothers and other staff and was particularly guided by Fr. Joseph Perozzi, Bro. Mike Frazette, and the athletic director, Bill Kehoe, whom he regarded as his mentor in coaching.

The Kehoes, in fact, remained lifelong friends.  Bill’s daughter Jude Ann Coté testifies:  “Bro. Jim truly walked in Don Bosco’s shadow using reason, religion, and kindness with his boys.”  She adds:

Like Don Bosco, who used his juggling/gymnastic skills to attract and meet his boys where they were, Bro. Jim used the blessings of his athletic/coaching abilities.  He saw Don Bosco as his model and sought opportunities to apply his system of reason, religion, and kindness to greet boys wherever they were (even a morning greeting in the cafeteria) with a desire to develop in them good character to bring into the world.  Clothed in team gear or perfecting the physics behind shooting, Bro. Jim held fast to returning to the importance of the lesson of “the spirit vs. the ego,” successfully using every opportunity to leave his message with us to pass on now as confreres, teachers, coaches, friends, and parents.

DBT's 1960 baseball team
Bill Kehoe at left, Bro. Jim at right

Jim was admitted to St. Joseph’s Novitiate in Newton in September 1953 and, a year later, made his first religious profession at Newton on Sept. 8, 1954.  He made perpetual profession at Newton on Sept. 3, 1960.

Jim continued studies at Don Bosco College in Newton and earned a B.A. in humanities in 1957.  At the same time, he had begun practical training at Don Bosco in Paterson, teaching physical education and coaching basketball and baseball.  He remained at DBT for 7 years and also served at summer camps at Camp Savio in West Milford, N.J., and Camp Don Bosco in East Barrington, N.H., for 6 years.  He always regarded his 7 years at DBT as “golden years.”

From DBT's 1958 yearbook
l-r: Bro. Jim, Bill Kehoe, Fr. Paul Aronica,
Bro. Anthony Wolfe, Bro. Bill Burns

Transferred to Salesian High School in New Rochelle, N.Y., in 1961, he taught phys ed and coached basketball there until 1980 and also was campmaster during the summers.  From 1974 to 1980 he was on the house council, and from 1970 to 1980 was a member of the province’s coadjutor brothers advisory board.  He was elected many times to provincial chapters.

At Salesian he was highly respected and highly successful as basketball coach, amassing 353 wins, 13 league titles, and a state championship in 1976.  According to a Don Bosco Prep student, Matt Stranzl, who looked deeply into Bro. Jim’s career, “his teams played with tremendous discipline and selflessness; they were a reflection of their coach’s personality off the court.”

Bro. Jim addressing his players in a 1976 game
in Salesian's notorious 1927 gym

Four of Bro. Jim’s players became 1,000-point scorers in college.  Luis Brignone, ’71, played for the Puerto Rican Olympic team in 1976 and was the first alumnus inducted into the school’s athletic hall of fame.  In 2008 Bro. Jim became the school’s second hall of fame inductee.  Another player, Mike Breen, ’79, became a highly regarded sportscaster and was elected to the National Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. 

When Bro. Jim joined Salesian’s hall of fame, the provincial, Fr. Jim Heuser, congratulated him as a “wholesome and friendly presence” among the young, offering “steady and helpful instruction” and “warm and positive encouragement.”  He said, “You teach the young lessons, not only for a game, but also for life.”

A few of Bro. Jim's old players returned in 2008
for his induction into Salesian's hall of fame
(photo by Louis Calvelli)

The school’s new gymnasium (2010) is named for him.

He also became a pretty good tennis player and late in his career coached that sport too.

Bro. Jim was assigned to Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero, La., in 1980.  There he was athletic director and an administrative assistant.  Without reliable public transportation on the West Bank, he had to learn to drive.  For 8 years he was also the Salesian community’s treasurer.

In the summer of 1984 Bro. Jim was posted to Birmingham, Ala., to run a basketball program for the impoverished youngsters at Mark’s Village, adjacent to the Salesians’ Holy Rosary Church.  Although this was quite a change for him, he served with enthusiasm, keeping the court in good condition, keeping games peaceable, coaching a bit, and always ready with guidance (including for the present writer, his assistant that summer).

Another change came in 2000, a two-year posting to the Salesian Boys & Girls Club in East Boston as a youth minister and game room assistant.  He also managed to do a little coaching at Savio Prep. 

2002 brought him to his last Salesian community, Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, where he assisted with some coaching (basketball and tennis), was assistant athletic director, moderated the cafeteria, and was known to many of the students “as a kind sage who greets [them] in the morning as they walk between classes.”  Matt Stranzl, himself a basketball player, described Bro. Jim a “a living legend amongst all the basketball players in the program.  Known affectionately by many as ‘The Shot Doctor,’ he can be found anywhere in the gym helping all players, ranging from wide-eyed freshmen to well-established senior starters.”  One of the Bosco coaches alleged that Bro. Jim knew more about shooting a basketball than a lot of NBA coaches.

Bro. Jim reading at Province Day Mass in 2008
Our Lady of the Valley, Orange, N.J.

Weakened health obliged Bro. Jim to enter assisted living in Allendale in January 2020.  He returned to the Prep whenever he could for celebrations or short visits and happily celebrated his 90th birthday there with a big party in the cafeteria.

His last director at Don Bosco, Fr. Abe Feliciano, praised his apostolic character:

Bro. Jim never let his physical limitations diminish his zeal, interest, or connection to the Salesian mission at Don Bosco Prep.  He was a regular presence at the home basketball games, appearing courtside with his walker, cheering on the Ironmen and offering shooting tips at every turn.  Every year, he prepared his “proper shooting technique” packet for every member of the varsity basketball team.  In the spring, he would request the roster of the varsity baseball team and write a personalized note to each player.  He read the local sports page cover-to-cover and kept up on all of Don Bosco Prep's teams, always offering encouragement and suggestions for how they could “come out on top” and win it all.  While his declining health caused him to be physically absent from the campus, his heart, mind, and prayers were ever-present.

When Bro. Jim celebrated his 50th anniversary of profession, he wrote that “the brother’s vocation allows presence [among the young] in a variety of ways.” He especially liked the “Salesian concept in education—bring reason, religion and kindness” and assisting young people “with a smile.” The “Salesian model of interior life—work is prayer” was a great gift to him, he said, and he was to live his life as a gift of God with joy each day. He concluded, “Some great men have helped me over these 60 years—and I am very grateful.”

Bro. Jim made an impact on a spread of Salesians in their practical training at Salesian, including several who eventually left the Society.  One, Bob Breault, in 1961-1962 found in him

a man who exemplified the image of an American Don Bosco. I served my first year of tirocinium at Salesian High in New Rochelle, and Jim allowed me to coach the freshman basketball team there.  I remember his insistence on shooting skills, but especially his ability to marry athletics with religion.  It seemed to say that what goes for playing well goes for living well.  The world became a bit better for Jim’s life.  May we all live as Jim did. 

Jack Hudak came to Salesian for practical training almost a decade later and found a great coach in Bro. Jim:

When I was at Salesian HS New Rochelle, I was the athletic director during the 1971-72 school year.  That year Bro. Jim with Lou Brignone, an outstanding player, along with other very good players won the Thruway League championship.  Since there were no other takers for the AD position, I volunteered or was asked to serve as AD.  With Bro. Jim’s invaluable support, all the games through all sports went on without a hitch.

Bro. Jim was not only an outstanding coach but, more important, he was concerned about the well-being of the student athletes and of all students.  Athletics and PE was a means for Bro. Jim to carry on the work of Don Bosco through religion, reason, and kindness.  I highly valued his friendship during my stay and after Salesian HS. 

Robert Ferrara came to Salesian still later and kept up a friendship with Bro. Jim.  He was one of Brother’s visitors at the Allendale assisted living.  He writes:

Bro. Jim was a “good and faithful servant,” a great Salesian, and a phenomenal basketball coach!  He personified dedication and meticulous detail to Don Bosco's Preventive System of reason, religion, and kindness as being his educative mantra.  During our visits he would eventually refer back to these ideals no matter what we were talking about.  They lived in his soul!  I’m very glad that I caught up and had meaningful time with him.  He thanked me for the visits.  I thank him for his life!

Bro. Jim is survived by his sister, Sister Martha Wiegand, O.P., of Muskego, Wisc.  They visited each other often in their later years, and whenever they spoke by phone, they included prayer.

Bro. Jim's wake was celebrated at the Marian Shrine on the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 13, followed at 7:00 p.m. by the funeral Mass.  Fr. Dominic Tran, provincial, presided, and Fr. Pat Angelucci delivered a eulogy.  He was laid to rest in the Salesian Cemetery at Goshen, N.Y., on Dec. 14.

Homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Homily for the Solemnity
of the Immaculate Conception

Dec. 9, 2024
Eph 1: 3-6, 11-12
Salesian HS sophomores, New Rochelle

“God chose us to be holy and without blemish before him” (Eph 1: 4).

Every can of beer, every bottle of booze sold in the U.S. has to carry a 2-part warning label.  The 1st warning reads, “According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.”  One of the mandatory rotating advisories on tobacco products is similar.  It’s scientifically demonstrable that mothers pass along to their unborn children more than DNA; elements of whatever is circulating thru their bodily systems is part of the transferal.

Stained glass
Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx

The Church over many centuries of reflection on the mother of Jesus understood something similar in the spiritual realm.  If all human parents pass on to their children, not physically but in some mysterious way, original sin and its effects, then logically the mother of the Savior should have done likewise.  But it’s inconceivable that Jesus, who was born to conquer sin, should even for an instant have been ruled by sin.  So it was fitting that God should have arranged otherwise, that he should have so prepared the woman he had chosen to be mother of the Redeemer that she had no hint of sin to pass on to her Son.  The opening prayer (collect) of Mass neatly summarizes this:  “Father, you prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy mother of your Son.”

There’s a never-ending warfare between mankind and the powers of evil.  Evil affects each of us who are the children of the first woman, and at times we wonder whether there’s any hope of victory.

The Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother means that the redemptive act of Christ has begun.  It’s a celebration of Christ’s victory over sin, the victory of one woman’s Son over the power of evil.  There’s already life, the fullness of life, the divine life of Christ’s grace, in the womb of Jesus’ mother.

Does it boggle your mind that anyone who is fully human, as Mary was, could be sinless?  You and I don’t know anyone who’s without sin.  In the Immaculate Conception, our faith tells us the grace of Christ is effective; it does defeat the sinfulness of the human race.  If we can’t believe that the grace of Jesus Christ overcame sin in Mary, how can we believe his grace touched our lives in Baptism?  We’d still be in sin and always will be.  Either his grace can save us, or it can’t.  Either it can be totally victorious over evil, or there’s no victory over evil.  Mary’s Immaculate Conception, then, is an anticipation of our own Baptism and life in Christ.  It’s an anticipation of the last day of our lives, when, if we say “yes” to Christ as Mary did when she told the angel, “I’m the Lord’s servant; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), we’ll be totally submitted to God’s will for us.  That’ll be the day when Christ makes us “holy and without blemish” before God and our salvation will be complete.

Stained glass
(Church of the Holy Savior, Bruges)

Homily for 2d Sunday of Advent

Homily for the
2d Sunday of Advent

Dec. 8, 2024
Bar 5: 1-9
Ps 126: 1-6
Phil 1: 4-6, 8-11
Luke 3: 1-6
Notre Dame Sisters, Villa Maria, Bronx
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx
Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx

“God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low, and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground, that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God” (Bar 5: 7).

I’ve done a lot of hiking in Harriman State Park and the Hudson Highlands.  The Appalachian Trail and most of the other trails are constantly rising and descending, always putting to the test a hiker’s knees and hamstrings, patience and stamina.  E.g., in Harriman and just outside it, there are ascents labeled Almost Perpendicular and Agony Grind; those are accurate labels.

The Appalachian Trail starts up Agony Grind here.

I’m told it’s even worse in the true mountains of North Carolina and New England.  One has to keep the day’s goal in mind—the next shelter or campsite—and of course the final destination, either Mount Katahdin in Maine or Springer Mountain in Georgia.

The prophet Baruch, disciple of Jeremiah, presents a goal for weary and discouraged Israel; he addresses a gloriously restored Jerusalem:  “Led away on foot by their enemies, your children left you:  but God will bring them back to you borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones” (5:6).  Dragged into exile by their Babylonian conquerors, Jerusalem destroyed, nevertheless they’ll be led back home in joy by God, “by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company” (5:9). 

The psalmist, too, sings of Israel’s wonderful homecoming:  “When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming.  Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing” (126:1-2).

Israel’s journey home from Babylon will be made easier because the Lord will cut down the mountains and fill in the gorges—language that St. Luke uses as he introduces John the Baptist, citing a similar prophecy from Isaiah (Luke 3:5; Is 40:3-5), to speak of a different kind of deliverance, a deliverance not only for Israel but for everyone:  “all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6).

The New Testament, e.g., the Letter to the Hebrews and the last 2 chapters of Revelation, speaks of a new Jerusalem, a heavenly one that’s the true fatherland for redeemed humanity.[1]  This is our goal, our destination, where, by God’s grace, we’ll “put on the splendor of glory from God forever (sine termino[2])” (Bar 5:1), where “the one who began a good work in [us] will complete it” (Phil 1:6).  That divine work of our salvation will be completed on “the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6), the day of his return in glory.

John the Baptist preached that the day of the Lord was at hand, and people should repent their sins so as to prepare for the day.  If we prepare, on that day we’ll be found “pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes thru Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:10-11).  Our Advent season’s purpose is to prepare us:  get ready, for Christ is coming.

The Triumph of Christianity
(Gustave Dore')

es, he’ll come at Christmas, mostly in the externals of carols, Nativity scenes, and midnite Mass (or a late evening one, anyway).  So many lights, trees, Santa Clauses, and shopping extravaganzas are distractions from his authentic coming.  For Christ wants to come spiritually to each of us, to cleanse our souls, purify us, find in us a home:  to complete the good work that he began when we were baptized, good work furthered by the sacrament of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist, good work carried on by the love we’ve shown to family, friends, and strangers, work that will be completed when he calls us home for judgment.  Our Advent preface tells us, on that day “all [will be] at last made manifest,” and till then “we watch for that day [to] inherit the great promise” of redemption.  Even now, we “set out in haste to meet” him so that we may “gain admittance to his company” (Collect) in our forever homeland, the heavenly Jerusalem.

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[1] For the sisters, cite “O Salutaris”: vitam sine termino nobis donet in patria.

[2] Also noted for the sisters.