Homily for Thursday, Week 4 of Lent

Homily for Thursday
4th Week of Lent

April 3, 2025
Ex 32: 7-14
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Moses' prayer (William Blake)

“Moses implored the Lord” (Ex 32: 11).

The Scripture tells us the Israelites became depraved (32:7).  Feeling secure after their escape from Egypt, they made an idol and attributed their blessings to it.

We’ve seen countries become prosperous after long periods of depression—Ireland and Poland, for example—and then lose their traditional faith and religious practice and celebrate their freedom and economy as supreme goods.  It’s trending that way in most Western cultures, you’ve no doubt observed.

The Scripture tells us then that God’s wrath blazed against Israel (32:10).  Whereon “Moses implored the Lord.”  He became Israel’s intercessor, not for the 1st time nor the last.  I especially like how the responsorial psalm expresses it:  “Moses, his chosen one, withstood him in the breach to turn back his destructive wrath” (Ps 106:23).  Davy Crockett wasn’t able to hold the wall of the Alamo against the Mexican army, 

The Fall of the Alamo by Robert Jenkins Onderdonk depicts Davy Crockett
swinging his rifle at Mexican troops who have breached the south gate of the mission.

but Moses held back the wrath of God.

Brothers, believers have Moses’ role today:  to pray to God on behalf of today’s idolaters, the many who worship their unrestrained freedom, their prosperity, their political or military power; and to pray for the oppressed and the afflicted who have no recourse in this world but only God’s mercy.

Gesture of Compassion

A Gesture of Compassion
Reaching Out to Earthquake Victims in Burma

(ANS – Mandalay, Burma – April 1, 2025) – In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck parts of Burma, the Don Bosco community extended a helping hand to the suffering victims in Mandalay. With hearts full of compassion, the team spent quality time with the displaced families, offering drinks, snacks, and much needed support. (The military dictators want you to call the country Myanmar.)

While attempting to cross the Sagaing Bridge over the Irrawaddy River, the team was unable to proceed due to restrictions. But this did not deter their mission to serve. By mingling with the affected people, they discovered that while many groups were providing rice boxes for daily meals, there was a severe shortage of such essentials as mosquito nets, tarps, umbrellas, mats, bed sheets, and pillows. The scorching heat added further to the challenges faced by the victims.

To bring relief, the Don Bosco team took a unique approach. They bought ice cream for the children, bringing smiles to their faces amid the suffering. They provided electric power by running a generator, enabling people to charge their phones and lamps for the night. This act of kindness stood out, as most other relief groups left shortly after distributing their aid.

The simple yet thoughtful gestures had a profound impact. One of the victims expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “It is the first time that we received free power to recharge our phones and connect with our families.”

The Don Bosco team felt deeply fulfilled, witnessing the joy and relief they brought to people. Their presence not only eased some of the material hardships but also provided emotional comfort and hope during a time of great difficulty.

In their commitment to Don Bosco's mission of serving those in need, the team reaffirmed the importance of compassion and solidarity, transcending boundaries of faith or culture.

Homily for Tuesday, Week 4 of Lent

Homily for Tuesday
4th Week of Lent

April 1, 2025
Ezek 47: 1-9, 12
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

“Wherever this water comes, the sea shall be made fresh” (Ezek 47: 9).

Ezekiel’s image of fresh water flowing out of God’s house in such abundance that it freshens even the Dead Sea is awesome.  Naturally, the image suggests Baptism in this season when catechumens are looking toward the Easter Vigil and the rest of us are preparing to renew or refresh our baptismal commitment.

Baptism refreshes souls no matter how dead they’ve been in sin.  “Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live” (47:9), and every virtue shall flourish in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus uses water as an image of the Spirit:  “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, … ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’”  St. John explains, “He said this in reference to the Spirit what whose who came to believe in him were to receive” (7:37-39).  As we know well, Jesus told Nicodemus that we must be born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:5).

Ezekiel’s image speaks of fresh fruit coming forth every month, thanks to “the flow from the sanctuary” (47:12).  That suggests our need for constant freshness, constant renewal—the ongoing conversion to Christ that’s essential for our spiritual lives.  We always need a new infusion of the Holy Spirit.

Homily for Annunciation of the Lord

Homily for the Solemnity of the
Annunciation of the Lord

March 25, 2025
Responsory
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

I forgot to post this on the 25th—and for several days more!

The Annunciation
St. Ursula's Church, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.

“I come to do your will” (Responsory).

Running thru today’s readings is the will of God.  Isaiah strives to get Ahaz to heed God’s word and gives him a sign to help persuade him.  The psalmist finds his delight in doing God’s will (40:9).  Christ’s perfect sacrifice and sin offering is doing his Father’s will (Heb 10:4-10).  The Virgin Mary places herself at God’s service:  “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

God’s will is our salvation.  That’s attained when we unite ourselves to him, or perhaps better put, when we allow him to unite with us, as we prayed: “may we merit to become partakers even in his divine nature” (Collect).  Christ opened that possibility for us thru his incarnation; the Son submitted to the Father’s will by joining his divine nature to our human nature so that he might lead us Godward, so that he might lead us to delight in God’s ways and into God’s heart, so that he might fill us with God’s own love and God’s own life:  “God is with us” (Is 8:10), and we’re with God in a union of will and of life.

The Church Fathers, such as Irenaeus, spoke of our divinization, our becoming in some manner divine, “partakers even in his divine nature.”  Doesn’t the Eucharist initiate that? – our partaking of the incarnate flesh and blood of our Lord Jesus, who then consecrates (Heb 10:10) and transforms us into members of his body: “a body you prepared for me” (10:5).

May it be done to us according to his word!

Docile to the Holy Spirit for GC29 Elections

GC29 Elections
A Journey Undertaken in Docility to the Holy Spirit

(ANS – Turin – March 31, 2025) – “Once decisions are made, we are called to accept them with faith and hope,” Fr. Ivo Coelho, former general councilor for formation (2014-2025), said during his homily at Mass opening the March 28 session of GC29.

Thruout this week of prayer and spiritual dialog, those present were always open to discerning God’s will, free from any prejudices. The leadership of the new rector major, Fr. Fabio Attard, reaffirmed the direction set by the broad consultation process carried out across the provinces and reflected in the work conducted under the guidance of the vicar of the rector major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, from the beginning of the chapter until Fr. Attard’s election on March 25.

An invaluable guide in this process was Fr. Amedeo Cencini, a Canossian priest, who had been present since Sunday, March 23, ensuring a peaceful and unified election of the new central government of the Salesians. On the final morning, he emphasized the connection between biblical and ecclesiological teachings on communion and the spirit of docility demonstrated by the chapter members—an aspect also highlighted by the rector major.

Every decision has an effect on both those assuming new responsibilities and those concluding their service. Special attention was given to the psychological effects of these transitions, ensuring a spirit of true fraternity. Fr. Coelho, with his keen formator’s sensitivity, acknowledged this aspect in his homily.

Fr. Attard addresses the chapter

At the end of the day, the assembly expressed deep gratitude to the outgoing councilors. Speaking on behalf of all chapter members, Fr. Attard acknowledged the significance of their service. A long and heartfelt round of applause confirmed the appreciation and affection for their contributions.

The peaceful and constructive discussions that took place within the 8 regional committees were evident in the smooth voting process, which efficiently formed the new general council across all its departments. Fr. Cencini pointed out how swiftly the 5 department councilors were elected.

During the morning session on the 28th, summaries were presented on the expectations and profiles for key roles in communications, missions, and the finance office. The committees were also tasked with suggesting names for the voting process, effectively narrowing the candidates to those most aligned with the chapter’s vision.

The election results were published on the ANS website and social media pages as soon as they were officially announced by the chapter presidency. The new leadership team was quickly assembled, with the final votes for the 8 regional councilors taking place on Saturday, March 29. Following the successful elections, the regional groups reconvened with their councilors to reflect on their internal discussions.

It is worth noting that each councilor role was clearly defined by the chapter members, ensuring no ambiguity in their responsibilities. The first and foremost qualification is faithfulness to the Salesian charism, a genuine love for the Congregation, and a consistent practice of religious vows, fully embodying Don Bosco’s spirit. Additionally, personal human qualities such as humility, teamwork, and the ability to build and sustain networks—both within and beyond their operational areas—were emphasized as essential attributes.

Returning to the morning’s homily, the figure of Gideon was referenced—who led the Israelites to victory by following God’s commands. As reinterpreted by writer Paddy Chayefsky, however, Gideon becomes a “loser” the moment he relies solely on his own strength.

As the post-election phase of the general chapter now unfolds under the protective wing of the motherhouse at Valdocco, the Salesians continue to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit—invoked numerous times during crucial moments—to direct every Salesian, at any level of responsibility, toward the greater good of the Congregation and its mission.

Fr. Gabriel Stawowy the New Treasurer General of the Salesians

Fr. Gabriel Stawowy Elected the New Treasurer General
of the Salesian Congregation

(ANS – Turin – March 28, 2025) – A long day of voting on Friday, March 28 at GC29 ended with the election of Fr. Gabriel Stawowy from Poland as the new treasurer general (or CFO) of the Congregation. [Earlier in the day the new general councilors for formation, communications, missions, and youth ministry had been elected. Your humble blogger posts Fr. Gabriel's election because he has been a member of our New Rochelle community since August 2023 and has been a treasured friend of all of us here.]

According to Article 139 of the Salesian Constitutions, "The treasurer general administers the assets that do not belong to a specific province or house but to the entire Society. He coordinates and oversees provincial administrations, ensuring that their management aligns with the requirements of religious poverty and serves the Salesian mission. He also ensures compliance with the necessary regulations for proper administration."

Biography of Fr. Gabriel Stawowy

Born on Christmas Day in 1966 in Miedzna in the diocese of Katowice, Poland, Fr. Stawowy is the son of Teofil Stawowy and Malgorzata Niesyto. He entered the Salesian novitiate in Kopiec in 1984 and made his first religious profession on August 22, 1985. He made his perpetual profession on August 10, 1991, in Rumia, and was ordained on June 16, 1995, in Krakow. He is a member of the Krakow Province.

Salesian Ministry and Leadership

Swietochlowice, Poland (1995-2002) – house councilor and vice director.

Nowa Huta, Krakow (2002-2011) – director for 9 years, while also serving as school principal from 2006 to 2011.

Salesian Province of Krakow (2006-2022) – Held key leadership roles, including provincial councilor (2006-2012); delegate for schools (2006-2012); province treasurer (2012-2022).

Salesian Missions, New Rochelle (2023-2025) – assistant director at the mission office and member of the provincial house community. He was not a participant in GC29 and was surprised by his election. He departed New Rochelle for Turin and the chapter the next day to assume his new role in service to the Congregation.

Fr. Stawowy pursued further studies at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome and at the Institute of Salesian Studies at Berkeley, Calif. He is fluent in Polish, Italian, and English, and has been learning Spanish.

As the new treasurer general, he brings decades of financial and administrative expertise to ensure the responsible stewardship of Salesian resources in service of the Congregation’s mission worldwide.

Homily for 4th Sunday of Lent

Homily for the
4th Sunday of Lent

March 30, 2025
Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
Scouts NYLT, Putnam Valley, N.Y.
Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx

Return of the Prodigal Son (Palma Giovane)

“Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them’” (Luke 15: 1).

It’s a proverb that you’re known by the company you keep, for better or for worse.  St. John Bosco constantly advised youngsters to choose their friends carefully.

So the religious leaders in Israel complain, repeatedly, about the company that Jesus keeps.  Pretty much no one likes tax collectors, and in 1st-century Palestine they were oppressive and often corrupt, and they worked for the Romans.  “Sinners” was a broad category—those who flagrantly violated moral norms, obviously, but also those who didn’t observe all the fine details of Jewish law, like diet, purifications, and ritual prayer.

Jesus kept such company, not because he was like them but because he wanted them to know that God loves them and cares about them.  If God doesn’t care about sinners—people who commit sin, big sins or little sins, all of which stain us before God—then all of us are in trouble.

To drive home the point of God’s care, Jesus on this occasion told 3 parables; our gospel reading was the 3d one.  The 1st concerned a lost sheep, the 2d a lost coin, both of which were diligently searched for and brought a lot of joy when they were found.  If you listened to the gospel just now, you realize that both sons were lost, and their father had to search for both of them.  He was incredibly happy when the younger son returned—was found; we’re left hanging at the end about the older son, who’s reluctant to return, to come into the party, to be part of the family happiness.  We don’t know what he finally did.

All of us are like both sons at different times.  The younger son really dissed his father—basically telling him, “I can’t wait for your death; give me my inheritance now”—and then led a wild and self-centered life.  Notice that after he’s spent everything on wine, women, and song (as the older son would have it), and he’s destitute, he hasn’t a friend or anyone willing to help him out.  He’s desperate even for pig food.  Self-centered people are lonely and lost.

And all of us act like that sometimes— rude, arrogant, greedy, selfish, wasteful.

The older son doesn’t seem to have a good relationship with his father; he feels like little more than a slave in the house—“all these years I served you”—some translations say, “I slaved for you” (15:29)—and he resents getting little recognition for it.  He’s furious about his younger brother, probably going all the way back to the division of the family estate, and certainly now that “your son” (not “my brother”) has gotten a warm welcome and a big party, and all’s forgiven, even if the younger son will never get any more of the family fortune.

But don’t all of us sometimes resent the good fortune of others or how bad people seem to thrive, or pass judgment on people as to who’s good and who’s bad and think we ought to be in charge?  How ready are we to give people a 2d chance after they’ve really made a mess of their lives, or offended us?  Are we ready to rejoice when God is generous and forgiving, or do we prefer to complain, condemn, and stay out of the party that God wants to give for Jesus’ friends, whoever they are?

The point of Jesus’ parable, however, is that we ought to act like the father in the parable.  What’s he like?  Tho insulted and abandoned by his son, he continued to love him and to long for his return, as God continues to love sinners and long for their return.  The father forgives and is supremely happy when his lost son comes home, even in a wretched state—as God is when we sinners come home to him.

That’s why Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them” (15:2).  In fact, shortly we’ll dine with Jesus, who nourishes us sinners with his own Body and Blood.  The son in the parable protested to his father, “I no longer deserve to be called your son” (15:21).  We’ll protest, “Lord, I am not worthy” to receive you.  Nevertheless, he invites us; he welcomes us; he wants us; he calls us his friends, as he called the apostles at the very 1st Eucharist (John 15:15).

“Now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found,” the father explains to his older son (15:32).  Jesus wants nothing more than to bring us back to life, to pardon our sins and guide us from being lost to sin in the future.

Homily for Thursday, Week 3 of Lent

Homily for Thursday
3d Week of Lent

March 27, 2024
Collect
Luke 11: 14-23
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Taken from Cagliero 11

“We implore your majesty …, O Lord, that … we may press forward … eagerly toward the worthy celebration of the Paschal Mystery” (Collect).

The collects of the Roman liturgy are supposedly remarked for being compact and succinct.  What I just quoted from today’s collect included 3 ellipses from the 4-line prayer.  Not so brief, then.

Briefly or verbosely, we pray to celebrate the Paschal Mystery worthily.  That’s the purpose of Lent.  Immediately, the Paschal Mystery means our coming celebration of the Easter triduum.  Less immediately, it may be taken to mean our personal participation in the passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord—our attainment of the final purpose of our lives:  to live in and with Christ Jesus.

Toward that end, our readings this morning implore us to heed the Lord’s commands; to recognize that “the Kingdom of God has come upon” us already in the incarnation of God’s Son (Luke 14:20).  Christ has given us “a sign from heaven” (14:16), viz., his paschal mystery.  If we are “with him and not against him” (cf. 14:23), we participate even now in our day-to-day living in his passion and death, and we anticipate his resurrection in the Eucharist—his body and blood given for us that we might commune with him now, “the strong man” whose possessions are safe from Satan’s incursions (14:21), until we commune fully with him in eternal life.

Homily for Wednesday, 3d Week of Lent

Homily for Wednesday
3d Week of Lent

March 26, 2025
Deut 4: 1, 5-9
Salesian HS, New Rochelle, N.Y.

“What great nation has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us?” (Deut 4: 7).

The Lord expressed his closeness to Israel in 2 ways:  1st, by his actions, 2d by his commandments.

Israel comes out of Egypt

His actions included everything he did to save Israel from slavery in Egypt and lead them into the Promised Land.  His commandments ordained not only worship but also respect for people.  By treating people with respect—honoring parents, being truthful, honoring marriage, respecting people’s property and goods—we also honor God.  God is close to us in other people; we’re all images of God.

As Christians we believe God is even closer to us.  We remember what he does for us thru his Son Jesus:  forgiving our sins, making us his children, leading us to eternal life, always with us in the Eucharist.  God is always close to us.  He loves us even more than we can say.