Our Lady of Guadalupe – St. Juan Diego Parish
(c) John M. Kingery 2015 All Rights Reserved
OUR PILGRIMAGE
Saturday, December 13th was a day full of rain and nasty weather. On that day my wife Ann and I undertook a pilgrimage of celebration, peace and reconciliation.
Pope Francis had ushered in the Year of Mercy two weeks earlier. He opened the doors of mercy in the Bangui, Central African Republic; he came as “pilgrim of peace and apostle of hope.” He issued a call to every evangelizer, teacher or preacher to “first and foremost practitioners of forgiveness, specialists in reconciliation, and experts in mercy.”
My wife and I are none those things, we are simply individuals doing the best we can to make the world a better place.
Celebrating Our Lady – St. Juan Diego
(c) John M. Kingery 2015 All Rights Reserved
Celebration:
We first went to our parish of St. Juan Diego to celebrate the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. She appeared to our patron – Juan Diego on his way from Tlayacac to Mexico City for daily Mass; that is a 14 mile trek he was taking on foot. Juan Diego was not a member of the elite; he was weaver, farmer, and laborer. To this simple man, Mary said, “I vividly desire that a church be built on this site, so that in it I can be present and give my love, compassion, help, and defense, for I am your most devoted mother . . . to hear your laments and to remedy all your miseries, pains, and sufferings.”
During Mass, our pastor Fr. Terry reminded us our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of the Americas. As we hear and read all the animosity to refugees, we must remember that “Mary know no borders. God know no borders.”
Called to be in Peace and Solidarity- At Muslim Educational Trust
(c) John M. Kingery 2015 All Rights Reserved
Peace and Solidarity:
In the afternoon, I attended the opening of the Muslim Education Trust (MET) Community center. Having grown up and worked in the San Bernardino area, I was shaken by events and the ensuing response of bigotry and exclusion on the part of a few.
As a 6 year old in Canada, I experienced this ignorance – my Catholic elementary school was egged. I am of German and Irish ancestry with my extended family living in South Central Illinois near a village of Teutopolis (City of Germans). One of my uncles told me what happened during the World War I. Teutopolis has a Franciscan parish and had seminary until 1968. The community had ordered new pipes for the organ in 1917 – 1918. A wild rumor spread that the Germans were going to attack. Oregon has its own history of religious intolerance. It had no place then and has no place in our society now.
Our own Catholic brother and sisters in Las Vegas are experiencing similar issues over the past view months, Mass has been interrupted by a “Christian” group. As police Officer Mike Brambila describes them to a Las Vegas TV station – “These persons are obviously disrespecting these houses of worship” and disrupting parishioners’ ability to worship peacefully.”
Sadly, one of the remaining MET needs is funds for bullet proof glass for their class rooms. We as people of good will can no longer be silent. I reflect back on the words of St. Peter –
Peter proceeded to speak and said,”In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.” You know the word [that] he sent to the Israelites*as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. (Act 10:34-36).
Celebration and Solidarity at the Muslim Educational Trust
(c) John M. Kingery 2015 All Rights Reserved
There I met old friends and made new friends of all faiths – Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Wiccan and others of good will
The invitation contained the verse following from the Quran, 16:97
Whoever does good, male or female, while believing in God, we will bless with a good and peaceful life, and we shall compensate them manifold according to their actions.
Sister Selma and me at the MET.
(c) John M. Kingery 2015 All Rights Reserved
Seeing my good friend Sister Selma Ahmed, I marveled of the resolve of those attending to work for peace, understanding and reconciliation between all people. Yes, we can and should keep moving on.
Sho Dozono, CEO of Azumano Travel in Portland, was one of the speakers. The Japanese were one of the first communities to reach out to the Muslim community. He said, “At this time, we are all Muslims.” The gathering erupted in applause. We are all one!
Reconciliation:
Christ Hands Outstretched – St. Pius X
(c) John M. Kingery 2015 All Rights Reserved
I left early to pick Ann for the sacrament of reconciliation at St. Pius X. That is the church we were married. She is my friend, jewel and love of my life. I waited, gazing at the crucifix hanging behind the altar. Christ’s arms and hands are open. “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” (John 12:32) W
Mary Queen of Peace and her Son Jesus Prince of Peace are supporting us and calling us! Again – Mary knows no borders. God knows no borders. Peace should know no borders!
Blessings John
Out Lady of Guadalupe – No Borders St. Pius X
(c) John M. Kingery 2015 All Rights Reserved