The Massabielle - St. Bernadette€¦ · Her sixteenth vision, which Bernadette claims to St...
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April 14 & 15, 2018 - THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER - Year B Issue Number 787 SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS The Massabielle The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW 2154 Hello Everybody! As you must already know, we are about to celebrate the feast of our patron Saint, St Bernadette. The feast is on the 16th of April, so I thought it would be a good idea to write something about her life so she can continue to be a source of inspiration, not only for our Parish, but also in our lives. St Bernadette was born in Lourdes, France on January 7, 1844. Her parents were very poor and she was the first of nine children. She was baptized at St Pierre's, the local parish church, on January 9. As a toddler, Bernadette contracted cholera and suffered extreme asthma. Unfortunately, she lived the rest of her life in poor health. On Thursday, February 11, 1858 fourteen-year-old Bernadette was sent with her younger sister and a friend to gather firewood, when a very beautiful lady appeared to her above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle (Tuta de Massavielha). This is the name we use for our Parish Bulletin. The woman wore blue and white and smiled at Bernadette before making the sign of the cross with a rosary of ivory and gold. Bernadette fell to her knees, took out her own rosary and began to pray. Bernadette later described the woman as “uo petito damizelo,” meaning “a small young lady”. Though her sister and friend claimed they were unable to see her, Bernadette knew that what she saw was real. Three days later Bernadette, her sister Marie, and other girls returned to the grotto where Bernadette immediately knelt, saying she could see "aquero" again. She fell into a trance and one girl threw holy water at the niche and another threw a rock that shattered on the ground. It was then that the apparition disappeared. On February 18, Bernadette said "the vision" asked her to return to the grotto each day for a fortnight. With each visit, Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary and the period of daily visions became known as "la Quinzaine sacrée," meaning "holy fortnight." When Bernadette began to visit the grotto, her parents were embarrassed and attempted to stop her, but were unable to do so. On February 25, Bernadette claimed to have had a life-changing vision. The vision had told her "to drink of the water of the spring, to wash in it and to eat the herb that grew there" as an act of penance. The next day, the grotto's muddy waters had been cleared and fresh clear water flowed. On March 2, at the thirteenth of the apparitions, Bernadette told her family the lady said "a chapel should be built and a procession formed." Her sixteenth vision, which Bernadette claims to have experienced for over an hour, was on March 25. Bernadette claimed she had asked the woman her name, but her question was only met with a smile. Bernadette asked again, three more times, and finally the woman said, "I am the Immaculate Conception." Though many townspeople believed she had indeed been seeing the Holy Virgin, Bernadette's story created a division in her town. Many believed she was telling the truth, while others believed she had a mental illness and demanded she be put in a mental asylum. Some believed Bernadette's visions meant she needed to pray for penance. Church authorities and the French government rigorously interviewed the girl, and by 1862 they confirmed she spoke the truth. Since Bernadette first caused the spring to produce clean water, 69 cures have been verified by the Lourdes Medical Bureau, and after what the Church claimed were "extremely rigorous scientific and medical examinations," no one was able to explain what caused the cures. The Lourdes Commission that initially examined Bernadette ran an analysis on the water but were only able to determine it contained a high mineral content. Bernadette believed it was faith and prayer that was responsible for curing the sick. Bernadette asked the local priest to build a chapel at the site of her visions and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is now one of the major Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Many other chapels and churches have been built around it, including the Basilica of St. Pius X, which can accommodate 25,000 people and was dedicated by the future Pope John XXIII when he was the Papal Nuncio to France. (To be continued) Peace in Jesus Fr Fernando Montano
Transcript of The Massabielle - St. Bernadette€¦ · Her sixteenth vision, which Bernadette claims to St...
April 14 & 15, 2018 - THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER - Year B Issue Number 787
SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS
The Massabielle The Weekly Newsletter of St Bernadette’s
Parish Community, Castle Hill, NSW 2154
Hello Everybody! As you must already know, we are about to celebrate the feast of our patron Saint, St Bernadette. The feast is on the 16th of April, so I thought it would be a good idea to write something about her life so she can continue to be a source of inspiration, not only for our Parish, but also in our lives. St Bernadette was born in Lourdes, France on January 7, 1844. Her parents were very poor and she was the first of nine children. She was baptized at St Pierre's, the local parish church, on January 9. As a toddler, Bernadette contracted cholera and suffered extreme asthma. Unfortunately, she lived the rest of her life in poor health. On Thursday, February 11, 1858 fourteen-year-old Bernadette was sent with her younger sister and a friend to gather firewood, when a very beautiful lady appeared to her above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle (Tuta de Massavielha). This is the name we use for our Parish Bulletin. The woman wore blue and white and smiled at Bernadette before making the sign of the cross with a rosary of ivory and gold. Bernadette fell to her knees, took out her own rosary and began to pray. Bernadette later described the woman as “uo petito damizelo,” meaning “a small young lady”. Though her sister and friend claimed they were unable to see her, Bernadette knew that what she saw was real. Three days later Bernadette, her sister Marie, and other girls returned to the grotto where Bernadette immediately knelt, saying she could see "aquero" again. She fell into a trance and one girl threw holy water at the niche and another threw a rock that shattered on the ground. It was then that the apparition disappeared. On February 18, Bernadette said "the vision" asked her to return to the grotto each day for a fortnight. With each visit, Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary and the period of daily visions became known as "la Quinzaine sacrée," meaning "holy fortnight." When Bernadette began to visit the grotto, her parents were embarrassed and attempted to stop her, but were unable to do so. On February 25, Bernadette claimed to have had a life-changing vision.
The vision had told her "to drink of the water of the spring, to wash in it and to eat the herb that grew there" as an act of penance. The next day, the grotto's muddy waters had been cleared and fresh clear water flowed. On March 2, at the thirteenth of the apparitions, Bernadette told her family the lady said "a chapel should be built and a procession formed." Her sixteenth vision, which Bernadette claims to have experienced for over an hour, was on March 25. Bernadette claimed she had asked the woman her name, but her question was only met with a smile. Bernadette asked again, three more times, and finally the woman said, "I am the Immaculate
Conception." Though many townspeople believed she had indeed been seeing the Holy Virgin, Bernadette's story created a division in her town. Many believed she was telling the truth, while others believed she had a mental illness and demanded she be put in a mental asylum. Some believed Bernadette's visions meant she needed to pray for penance. Church authorities and the French government rigorously interviewed the girl, and by 1862 they confirmed she spoke the truth. Since Bernadette first caused the spring to produce clean water, 69
cures have been verified by the Lourdes Medical Bureau, and after what the Church claimed were "extremely rigorous scientific and medical examinations," no one was able to explain what caused the cures. The Lourdes Commission that initially examined Bernadette ran an analysis on the water but were only able to determine it contained a high mineral content. Bernadette believed it was faith and prayer that was responsible for curing the sick. Bernadette asked the local priest to build a chapel at the site of her visions and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is now one of the major Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Many other chapels and churches have been built around it, including the Basilica of St. Pius X, which can accommodate 25,000 people and was dedicated by the future Pope John XXIII when he was the Papal Nuncio to France. (To be continued) Peace in Jesus Fr Fernando Montano
Readings Next Weekend 4th Sunday of Easter - Year B
Acts 4:8-12; 1 John 3:1-2; John 10:11-18 BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT PROGRAM AT ST BERNADETTE’S: The next Session of CatholicCare Solo Parent Services Bereavement Support Program for those whose spouse has died, will be held this Thursday 19th April from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Marian Centre. If you would like to attend, please contact Nancy at the Parish Office.
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP: St. Bernadette’s Christian Meditation Group meets in the Lourdes Centre, 31b Brisbane Road, Castle Hill. (follow the lighted pathway), Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 8.30. Newcomers very welcome. Phone Lesley Maker 8677 8845 or email [email protected].
FOOD & FUN FIESTA PENTECOST SUNDAY Join us for a great day on Sunday 20th May as we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost with a range of international
foods. If anyone is interested in running a stall please contact the Parish Office on 9634 2622.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION 2018: Our preparation process will resume on Monday 30th April and Tuesday 1st May at 7.30pm in the Church with Session 5: ‘The Source and Summit’. This is a parent only session. Please bring along a bible and a pen. Please continue to keep all our parish families in your prayers during this time.
Feast Day this Week Monday 16 April - St Bernadette
PROJECT COMPASSION: Thank you to all who have returned their Project Compassion boxes. If you have not done so, please return your box to the church next weekend or drop it into the Parish Office during office hours.
THE CHAT AND CRAFT GROUP meets in the Marian Centre on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month with the next meeting on Friday, 27th April from 10.00am. You are welcome to join them for an enjoyable few hours of conversation and craft. For information phone Ellen on 9634 7276.
RETIREMENT VILLAGES SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Warrina - Mass & Anointing of the Sick on Tuesday 17 April at 4pm in the chapel.
Nuffield & Hopetoun - Mass & Anointing of the Sick on Wednesday 18 April at 4pm in the chapel at Farrer Brown Court.
Nordby - Mass & Anointing of the Sick on Thursday 19 April at 4pm.
Wirreanda - Communion Service & Anointing of the Sick on Thursday 19 April at 11am.
Brian King Gardens - Mass & Anointing of the Sick on Friday 20 April at 2pm.
Flinders - Communion Service & Anointing of the Sick on Saturday 21 April at 10am in Donnington Court.
Today’s Readings
First Reading: Acts 3:13-15,17-19
Peter said to the people: ‘You are Israelites, and it is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, who has glorified his servant Jesus, the same Jesus you handed over and then disowned in the presence of Pilate, after Pilate had decided to release him. It was you who accused the Holy One, the Just One, you who demanded the reprieve of a murderer while you killed the prince of life. God, however, raised him from the dead, and to that fact we are the
witnesses. ‘Now I know, brothers, that neither you nor your leaders had any idea what you were really doing; this was the way God carried out what he had foretold, when he said through all his prophets that his Christ would suffer. Now you must repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.’
Second Reading: 1 John 2:1-5
I am writing this, my children, to stop you sinning; but if anyone should sin, we have our advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, who is just; he is the sacrifice that takes our sins away, and not only ours, but the whole world’s. We can be sure that we know God only by keeping his commandments. Anyone who says, ‘I know him’, and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, refusing to admit the truth. But when anyone does obey what he has said, God’s love comes to perfection in him.
Gospel: John 24:38-48
The disciples told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread. They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’ In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But he said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as he said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they could not believe it, and they stood dumbfounded; so he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ And they offered him a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes. Then he told them, ‘This is what I meant when I said, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms, has to be fulfilled.’ He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.’
There is no IntoLife during the school holidays. IntoLife will be back on Friday 4th May. Life NIGHT: Sunday 15th April 7:00-8:45 for years 9-12: Rx: Jesus the Divine Physician: The Prescription Receiving Jesus and the Grace he offers Don’t forget your $2 donation!
More information? Please contact Laura Burton on 0433 259 234, or [email protected].
THE YEAR OF YOUTH STATIONS OF THE CROSS - PASSION PLAY 2018: If anyone has any footage (video or photos) they do not mind sharing with the parish from either presentation of this year’s Passion Play, could you please send them to the parish office via email at [email protected] or media storage device. SUPERHERO MINISTRY: 21 April A Special Year of Youth event! The safety, well-being, protection and support of vulnerable children, youth and young adults in our Church and beyond is everyone's priority. Join us for an epic day that celebrates, nurtures and challenges YOU - our SUPERHEROS! All content will be presented in light of the recent report handed down by the Royal Commission and our discerned response as the Diocese of Parramatta. All are welcome, no matter what age or role you play with minors or vulnerable people in our Diocese. Come and be part of training in 'dialogue and sharing' with CYP and the Office for Safeguarding! Free event with lunch provided. 10am-4pm, Rooty Hill RSL. Register at www.catholicyouthparramatta.org. POSITIONS VACANT
• Risk Officer - Chancery Office, Parramatta
• Interviewer - Tribunal Office, Parramatta More details at: www.parracatholic.org/employment
• Credo Youth Group Coordinator - St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
For further information: www.stpatscathedral.com.au
• Youth Co-ordinator (Part-time) - Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes. Phone 9631 8135 for details.
• Garden Care Supervisor - Mamre House, Orchard Hills. Contact Jean Pierre Abood on 8843 2500
SALE OF RAFFLE TICKETS NEXT WEEKEND by The Toongabbie Legal Centre. Tickets will be sold after all Masses. TLC is an unfunded, not-for-profit community based free legal service based in Toongabbie and provides legal advice for those who may not be able to gain support from Legal Aid NSW. Raffle tickets are $2 each with a book of tickets costing $ 20 (with ten prizes). HOLY HOUR this Thursday evening from 8.00 to 9.00pm including Rosary, silent meditation and scripture reading. Parishioners and visitors welcome.
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS AND DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE NOW: Get 2 months extra value by purchasing your 2018 Entertainment Books NOW from the Parish Office or the Church Bookshop or take all your Entertainment offers with you wherever you go, on your phone or tablet by ordering the online version at https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/21y5021. Sydney/ Sydney North still $70 and Sydney Greater West edition just $65. Brochures are available in the foyer to order online. Offers expire 1st June 2019.
REPARATION PRAYER GROUP meets on Tuesday evenings in the Parish Basement from 8.00 to 9.00pm for Rosary and prayer. All welcomet.
A PARENT REFLECTION DAY will be held on Thursday, 3rd May from 9.30am to 2.00pm at the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents, 8 Greyfriar Place, Kellyville. This is a free event, open to all school parents across the Parramatta Diocese with morning tea and lunch provided. RSVP: Tania Melki to [email protected] or call 0429 375 226.
TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP meets in the Marian Centre every Tuesday at 10.00am studying and discussing the Sunday Mass readings.. Phone Pauline on 0407 417 039 for information.
CATHOLIC OUTLOOK SURVEY: Tell Bishop Vincent and the Diocese of Parramatta what you think about CatholicOutlook. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Take the survey on: www.surveymonkey.com/r/catholicoutlook or contact the parish office if you would like a printed version of the survey.
CARDS & MAHJONG: All ages are welcome to come to the Marian Centre on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at 2pm to join the ‘Beyond 60’ group for an enjoyable few hours of games. The next afternoon will be on Friday, 27th April. For information phone Carmen on 9634 4014.
CREDIT CARD DETAILS Have you changed your credit card or been given a new expiry date? Please phone the parish office on 9634 2622 to update our records.
CELEBRATE ST BERNADETTE’S FEAST DAY THIS SUNDAY
To celebrate the Feast of St Bernadette please join us for a morning tea in the Parish Hall following the 10.30am Mass today. If you are able, please bring a plate of finger food to share.
FIESTA MEETING Please join us in the Parish Hall this Tuesday evening, 17th April at 7.30pm for a meeting to discuss the organisation of the Food & Fun Fiesta on Sunday 20th May.
St Bernadette’s Parish Community
Parish House, 367 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154
Telephone 9634 2622 Fax 9899 3511 Email: [email protected]
Web page: http://www.stbernadette.org.au
Parish Staff Mass Times for this Week Rev Fernando Montano, Parish Priest Sunday Sat 6.00pm Rev Shinto Francis, Assistant Priest Sun 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am (incense) & Mr Andrew Rooney, Seminarian 6.00pm Parish LIFE TEEN Youth Mass Mrs Nancy Eberhaut, Pastoral Associate Weekdays Mon 6.45am Ms Laura Burton, Youth Minister Tue 6.45am Mrs Alice Bradshaw, Sacramental Co-ordinator Wed 6.45am, 9.15am Mrs Frances Gallagher, Office Manager Thurs 6.45am
Mrs Monica Rubic, Parish Secretary (Finance: Mon-Thu) Fri 6.45am Mr Darren Edwards, Maintenance Sat 8.00am
Reconciliation Sat 8.30am - 9.00am, 4.30pm - 5.00pm Mass on Public Holidays at 8.00am
Baptisms: By appointment only. Contact the Parish Office. Please note the Church law: Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptised in the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. [Can. 867 §1]
St Bernadette’s Parish School: Mrs Leanne Nettleton (Principal) 9407 6600
Confirmation 2018 Information Nights - 25 & 26 June Sacramental Programme Information Nights - 22 & 23 October
Please pray for Anna Corry who has died recently and for the anniversaries of Michael Tchang, Lucia & Januario Fernandes, Chrissie Aloysius and Olive Arrias.
Prayers for the Sick: David Rix, Howard Woodward, Veronica Gracie, Kym Holden, Domenic Pisano, Philomena Bowen, Spiro Tanti, Maria Robayo, Peter Viler, John Reynolds, Christina McAuley, Robert Waddell, Carmelita Cruz, Yvonne Hill, June Phelan and Grace Boitano.
ROSTERS FOR NEXT WEEKEND - 21 & 22 April, 2018
ACOLYTES/ SERVERS LECTORS MINISTERS OF COMMUNION
VIGIL Vince Connelly
S2
Louise Jongejan Gary Tierney
Cheryl Braisby
Felicity & Douglas Carvalho, Susan Concon, Phyllis Lopez, Laurie Burridge, Susan Cejka,
Joan Quinn, Mary McMahon
7.30AM Dennis Frketic
S3
Gerard Kearney Daryl Hill
Audrey Markowskei
Nicole Barone, Annemarie & Daryl Hill, Jennifer Wakeling, Matthew Troy, Fran Mulcahy
9.00AM Joseph Frketic
S4
Ann O’Brien Susan Moore Nadine Lucas
Joshua Lee, Howard Woodward, Chris Clancy, Peter/Winnie Lam, Shane Robinson, Rosalind Yeo, Ellen MacMahon, Angela Stenglin, Patricia Williams
10.30AM Zeno Hong
S5
Anna-Maria Fitzpatrick Michael Fitzpatrick
Leo Stanton
Sneha Sawtell, Campion & Cherani Fernando, Kerry Myers, Elena Neira, Mila Mina, Rosary Roco
6.00PM PARISH LIFE TEEN YOUTH MASS MINISTRY ROSTER - 22 April, 2018
Servers Raphael De Leon
S6
Welcoming Laura Burton
Lectors Veronica Ward
Chris Galea
Offertory Brendan Hassan
Projectionist Josh Becker
Communion Laura Burton
Michael Holden Johan Nelis Sandra Nelis
Singers Kristen Mathias
Claire Ward Andrea Karatsiolis Rhiannon Athaide
Lauren Fernandez
CHILDREN’S LITURGY Liza Echevarria
Margaret Stedman
FLOWER ROSTER Wendy Smith
CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING Maria Mochnik, Kathy Habek, Yvonne
Desouza, Anna Schweda, Rebecca Aylmer
COUNTING (1st Collection) Christine & Hubert Jenneke
COUNTING (2nd Collection) Rex Smith, Jeff Cronan, Siew Elsden,
Erika Druzinec
BOOKSHOP Paula Boyd / Carmel Moriarty / Bernadette
Logue / Maria Gobbo / Ingrid Vergano
Piano Alyssa Tchang
Guitar Andrew Tchang
Bass Dominic Jones
Drums Jason Irawan
