Archive: Personal Reflections
May 8, 2008
Readers
Welcome readers,
oddly, with my limited posting I am somewhat surprised to see I still gett 300-400 readers every day. For an odd, unexplained reason, the other day the readers topped 500 for the day, AND they come from all over. The blog tells me they come from:
US Commercial, Japan, US Educational, Canada, Russian Federation, Italy, Thailand, US Government, Australia, Philippines, Ireland, Brazil, France, Romania, Norway, Germany, Greece, Austria, Czech Republic, US Military, Chile, Argentina, China, Pakistan, Poland, Ukraine.
I am curious about the US Government readers. I realize that is probably just computers in Goverment building, but I am still curious.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 5:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 1, 2008
The Month of May
May is a special month for me:
It is a month of special devotion to Holy Mary, the Mother of God
May 5th, 1961, I celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.
May 7th, 1961, I received the Most Holy Eucharist for the first time.
May 8th, 1990, Profession, Incorporation as a member of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, Province of the Pacific.
May 7th, 1991, Final Profession, definitive Incorporation.
May 17th, 1991, Ordination to the Order of Deacon
Having received a few rude emails recently questioning my belief, let me be absolutely clear who I am and what I believe:
I, Reverend Jeffrey Robert Keyes, C.PP.S., with firm faith believe and profess everything that is contained in the Symbol of faith: namely:
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, one in Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
With firm faith, I also believe everything contained in the Word of God, whether written or handed down in Tradition, which the Church, either by a solemn judgment or by the ordinary and universal Magisterium, sets forth to be believed as divinely revealed.
I also firmly accept and hold each and everything definitively proposed by the Church regarding teaching on faith and morals.
Moreover, I adhere with religious submission of will and intellect to the teachings which either the Roman pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise their authentic Magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim these teachings by a definitive act.
I, Reverend Jeffrey Robert Keyes, C.PP.S., in assuming the office of Pastor of St. Edward Catholic Church, promise that in my words and in my actions I shall always preserve communion with the Catholic Church.
With great care and fidelity I shall carry out the duties incumbent on me toward the Church, both universal and particular, in which, according to the provisions of the law, I have been called to exercise my service.
In fulfilling the charge entrusted to me in the name of the Church, I shall hold fast to the deposit of faith in its entirety; I shall faithfully hand it on and explain it, and I shall avoid any teachings contrary to it.
I shall follow and foster the common discipline of the entire Church and I shall maintain the observance of all ecclesiastical laws, especially those contained in the Code of Canon Law.
With Christian obedience I shall follow what the Bishops, as authentic doctors and teachers of the faith, declare, or what they, as those who govern the Church, establish.
I shall also faithfully assist the diocesan Bishops, so that the apostolic activity, exercised in the name and by mandate of the Church, may be carried out in communion with the Church.
So help me God, and God's Holy Gospels on which I place my hand.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 9:02 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
April 29, 2008
Searching Catherine
If you use the search bar on the right and type in the word Siena, you will see how much on this Blog is about St. Catherine.
My favorite post is here.
My article on her is here.
Don Marco's excellent homily in '06 on Catherine is posted on the blog here.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 11:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
St. Catherine of Siena
Don Marco always does his best when the topic is the Blood of Christ. Today is the feast of St. Catherine, who had a very strong devotion to the Blood of Christ.
Click here for Catherine and the Church.
And he has even more here.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 11:14 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 12, 2008
A Visit to Rifugio San Gaspare
Tori welcomes one and all to Rifugio San Gaspare:
One viewer of my blog thought the top bar was a picture of where I lived. Nope, though I surely would not mind living there. The picture on the top bar is a picture from my window at the Abbey of San Felice in Giano del Umbria, Italy. It looks toward the Mountain where at the top there is a special place called Rifugio San Gaspare. There is also a delightful restaurant there called Ristorante Rifugio San Gaspare.
So, to be clear, I live in Newark, CA where I am Pastor of St. Edward Catholic Church, a large multi-ethnic parish with a large school and Faith Formation program, and a few more than 6000 families. We have two daily Masses and nine weekend Masses in three languages. The Pastoral Team consists of 12 full time members, including two Dominican Sisters and three Precious Blood Priests.
The Rectory has a great deal of office space in the front, but there is a private section which is the residence. The portion of the rectory where I live I have personally named as my own private Rifugio San Gaspare. It consists of a bedroom, a private study, and a garden. It is a place I go to simply to be. It is a little oasis, a place of study, of retreat, of prayer, and of relaxation. The garden is also a place of community. Each Sunday there is a moment of camaraderie when we decide what it is we are going to grill this week, share life and stories, and even argue over everything from what the church does for liturgy, and our favorite baseball teams.
So here is a little tour of the Left Coast version of St. Gaspar’s retreat:
The Study:
Another view of the study with my shrine to St. Gaspar:
The view from the couch during compline, showing the Madonna del Soccorso above the fireplace, and my faithful companion, Tori:
What is currently my morning reading material:
The Garden:
The flowers:
the birds:
Does anyone know what species of bird this is?
Tori’s playground:
The herbs, lavender, sage, cilantro, oregano and rosemary:
The tomatoes and basil, I also grow thyme, and mint, also lettuce and arugula.:
The Garden is also a place of prayer. Here is the Irish Cross:
The shrine to St. Gaspar:
The Statue of the Sacred Heart:
The Madonna of the Precious Blood:
Our Lady of the Assumption:
La Virgen de Guadalupe
Hospitality is one of the marks of a Precious Blood Missionary. Every so often I host a six-course Italian meal:
But every week there is a BBQ in the garden:
Some scallops and shrimp for appetizers:
The best in hospitality and food as desired by St. Gaspar himself:
Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood seek to dedicate themselves to the service of the Church through the apostolic and missionary activity of the ministry of the Word.
We are called to a faithful celebration of the Most Holy Mysteries in the Eucharist, the Sacraments and in the Daily Prayer of the Church.
We seek to be faithful to the charism of St. Gaspar del Bufalo, to the teachings of the Fathers, and all that is handed down in Tradition, which the Church either by a solemn judgment or by the ordinary and universal Magisterium sets forth to be believed as divinely revealed.
"Our principle is that of St.Vincent de Paul: apostles out in the field, Carthusians at home." from the letters of St. Gaspar, Letter 1040 to Fr. Luigi Locatelli, January 24, 1825
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 6:36 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
March 11, 2008
On The Blood of Christ
What a joy and delight to open the Diocesan paper today and see that the Bishop has dedicated his entire column to the Blood of Christ. You can find a copy here, or at the Diocesan site.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 10:00 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 2, 2008
Clarence's Funeral
The funeral Liturgy for Clarence Cushnyr was held Friday, February 1st at All Saints Church in Hayward, in the small chapel. It is the same place where I had presided at the marriage of my Mother and Clarence in August of 1996. His three surviving children, Joseph, Phillip and Regina were present with all the grandchildren, two of whom did a marvelous job proclaiming the first two readings. My sister Kathy brought Mom. Our favorite cousin, Craig, was also in attendance, along with many friends of Mom and Clarence from the parish. Many Precious Blood Companions came. I was also surprised by the presence of two CPPS priests from our house in Berkeley who came to concelebrate. The children had chosen the Beatitudes for the gospel and I invited Fr. David Matz, C.PP.S to proclaim it. Having done much preparation for this Sunday’s gospel, I was able to include some of that in my homily for Clarence’s rites. many members of the Parish team came to the funeral, along with some staff from the parish school.
I had asked our DRE to bring her camera because I wanted some pictures of the ossuary. The ossuary is one that I had built for use here at St. Edward. It just seems a bit more reverent to place the urn with the ashes in the ossuary for the service rather than a small box or urn on a table. Our friends at Angel Flowers did a fantastic job preparing the flowers. Donalyn took a few more pictures during the Mass, one of my favorites is a picture of me giving communion to my Mother.
After the service was a simple reception, then we went to the cemetery for the committal, and then out to lunch. I was back at the parish about 3:30pm, in time to prepare for the Evening First Friday Mass.
Requiescat in Pace, Clarence.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 12:25 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
January 23, 2008
Clarence Cushnyr
August 6, 1926 - January 23, 2008
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord;
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 1:35 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
January 15, 2008
Prayers Please
Please pray for Clarence Cushnyr, my step-father who has today been placed in hospice care. He is 82 yrs old.
Also please pray for my Mother, Martha Cushnyr, who has recently been placed in an Alzheimer Care facility. Mom is also 82.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 5:17 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
November 30, 2007
Spe Salvi
Here is the new Encyclical.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 7:24 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
It is good to give thanks to the Lord.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 8:53 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
November 13, 2007
hmmm
Check this out.
Thanks RC
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 10:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Retreat
I am on retreat for a couple of days.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 10:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 2, 2007
Bella
Go see it. Take Kleenex. The DRE, her husband and I went to see it last Wednesday. Very moving.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 6:46 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 25, 2007
Ordination Anniversary
Jeffrey Robert Keyes
Missionary of the Precious Blood
Ordained October 26, 1991
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 10:08 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
September 11, 2007
Nominated
Get thee on over there and vote!
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 3:58 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 14, 2007
All things come to an end...
So the vacation is drawing to a close. Tomorrow I will be in transit back to CA hoping to be rested enough to preside at the evening Liturgy.
Thanks to all the CT folks. It has been grand. It has been a joy to be in the same book, on the same page, and of the same mind. That does not happen all the time at home, but at least the choir loft at home has a kindred spirit.
I will try to get the pics uploaded and on to the blog before the weekend.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 6:32 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Vacation-Retreat-Renewal
When I get home I may have some more photos to add to the blog, but in the meantime you can hop on over to Catholic Light to hear Richard's report on yesterday's providential encounters. It is always a joy to meet up with others who are in the same book, on the same page, and of the same mind.
I have been enjoying being immersed in the mysteries of the Eucharist in the very prayerful context of the Monastery of the Glorious Cross in Branford, CT. It is curious that most of the time when Fr. Mark and I concelebrate we are most often wearing red.
On Saturday I gave a short conference to the sisters on the Motu Proprio, and then preached at the Mass. This morning I will be chanting the Mass with Fr. Mark and the sisters.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 4:05 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 10, 2007
St. Jerome
Hmmm.....It doesn't mention our devotion to the Word of God which we have in common. You’re St. Jerome! You’re a passionate Christian, fiercely devoted to Jesus Christ and his Church. You are willing to labor long hours in the Lord’s vineyard, and you have little patience with those who are less willing or able to work as you do. Your passions often carry you into temptation zones of wrath, lust, and pride. Find out which Church Father you are at The Way of the Fathers!
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 2:16 PM
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August 9, 2007
Some things never change
This is me with our elder parochial vicar circa 1600. Ludites forever!
H/T American Papist
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 4:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 6, 2007
Vacation
I will be leaving for Connecticut in the morning. I do not think I will have much in the way of email access. I will be returning in time for the Feast of the Assumption on the 15th and my Birthday on the 17th.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 4:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 1, 2007
More on NFP
More videos from these seminarians here.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 10:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
They don't understand?
There was a news report last night about an ABC correspondent who announced she has breast cancer.
First of all, let us pray for her and for all who are afflicted with this disease. The news report said that 250,000 women will be diagnosed with it this year.
The video report stated that one in eight women will have breast cancer, up from one in 20 in 1960. It also stated that they do "not understand" why there is this increase.
Then the video said that one reason is that there is "more estrogen in our bodies for longer periods of time", and that "estrogen nourishes cancers cells like it was fertilizer."
They failed to mention that the reason for this increased estrogen for longer periods of time was ARTIFICIAL birth control.
It amazes me that in this world where we long for organic or natural products, we take for granted that the ONLY means for birth control are ARTIFICIAL.means.
Do we need any other proof that the news media does not give us the whole story, and that Paul VI was right.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 10:25 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
July 28, 2007
Madonna of the Precious Blood
is found here.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 10:38 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Blood of the New and Eternal Covenant
...is found here.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 10:36 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 12, 2007
That Catholic Show
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 12:17 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 10, 2007
On The Church
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 3:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 15, 2007
Sorry....
....blogging has been slow, and I still have a few more Roman days to blog about. But, Lent approaches, and I am swamped with stuff to do. One of these days I need a real full-time secretary to keep me on top of this stuff, but the parish can ill afford such a person, especially when the Diocese sends you in two days $10,000 in extra unbudgeted expenses. In just a short time they really trashed all that extra effort that went into the budget. I get back to things here when the desk clears a bit.....
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 9:45 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
February 13, 2007
Catholic Blog Awards
I don't think I have been nominated before, at least that I remember, but there I am among many good blogs nominated for best blog by Clergy,Religious, or seminarian. So everyone click here and get voting.
It looks like my good friend has been nominated in six categories. Go over there and vote for him for best new blog.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 12:54 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 6, 2007
These quizes are just too easy!
Congratulations! You are more knowlegeable than most modern theologians! You have achieved mastery over the most important doctrines of the Catholic Faith! You should share your incredible understanding with others!
Do You Know Your Baltimore Catechism?
Make Your Own Quiz
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 9:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 31, 2007
This was not difficult!!
Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!
Ultimate Bible Quiz
Create MySpace Quizzes
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 8:04 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 24, 2006
October 28, 2006
A Time for Feasting
A Visit to the Castelli Romani
Romans on holiday always seem to make it to the Alban Hills, also known as the Castelli Romani for an experience of relaxation and for the finest experience of dining. The Colli Albani towns produce some of Italy's most popular white wines, and almost anywhere you go you'll see signs indicating cantina, enoteca or osteria. This is where the Pope has his summer residence at Castel Gondolfo, near Albano where St. Gaspar had one of his first Mission Houses. When it is the time for feasting, the Rectory at St. Edward takes on traditional Gasparian hospitality and the table is set for the guests with the finest of wines and the best of Italian cooking. Often using the herbs and spices from my own garden, I recreate some of my favorite Italian experiences for family and friends.
This week with the feast of St. Gaspar and the anniversary of ordination, it was time for feasting. The Party time concludes with the great Parish Annual Feast tonight.
Here is what I prepared for family and friends last Thursday for my anniversary. The Tomatoes and Basil came fresh from the garden that day along with the Arugula, the Rosemary and a variety of other herbs and spices.
Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley
Pastina in brodo
Honig 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
Farfalle con Pomodori e Basilico
Santa Cristina 2004 Sangiovese, Toscana
Agnello con aglio, Garlic Crusted Roast Leg of Lamb
Fagiolini Rosmarino
garlic red wine gravy
Rosenblum, 2003 Syrah, Sonoma County, Hillside Vineyards
Insalata Caprese
Arugula con aglio Vinaigrette
frutta e formaggio
Brie, Pt. Reyes Station; Fiore Saldo, Italy; Garrotxa, Spain
Rosenblum,2004 Late Harvest Zinfandel, California
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 1:05 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
October 19, 2006
Feasts and Celebration
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of St. Gaspar del Bufalo. Next Thursday I celebrate the 15th anniversary of my priesthood ordination.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 9:48 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
October 17, 2006
A favorite quote
I no longer take pleasure in perishable food or in the delights of this world. I want only God’s bread, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, formed of the seed of David, and for drink I crave his blood, which is love that cannot perish.
St. Ignatius of Antioch
Letter to the Romans
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 12:11 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 24, 2006
A Better View of the Pope and Islam
Our Daily rag ran another article on the Pope and Islam, again laying the blame on the pope, and crediting the liberal wing of Catholicism with speaking this blame.
A better look would be in a WSJ editorial forwarded to me by my famous Roman connection. I see that Gerard at Closed Cafeteri also has a link to it, so I will send you there.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 1:36 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 19, 2006
American Papist Poll
I support Pope Benedict 100% and do not think he needed to apologize.
The Press needs to apologize.
Cast your vote here.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 3:00 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
September 16, 2006
The World We Live In
The New York Times will condemn this kind of speech, but they will not condemn this.
Actually, our biggest enemy is ignorance.
The popes speech was a pretty dense, academic speech, it was addressed to scientists, and it condemned violence. Let me get this straight.... The New York Times wants the pope to apologize for condemning violence?
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 10:18 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 15, 2006
a favorite herb
Wow, I had no idea. It is my favorite herb and I have tons of it in my garden. My DRE is going to love this.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 4:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 2, 2006
Don Marco enters the Blogosphere
Occasionally I have posted a few things here from Fr. Mark, one of my Cistercian friends. Now he can be read more often on his own Blog. Welcome to Vultus Christi!
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 5:17 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 18, 2006
Good Friends
It is a delight to have good friends in Rome. Many thanks to Barbara and Steven.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 3:41 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 14, 2006
Moving
RC is moving the Blogs to a new server so that we can update the templates from time to time. He is also upgrading us to a new version of Moveable Type. There should be a day soon when the blog will be down because of the move. When this happens, just wait a day or so before trying to visit. Thanks for your patience, and thanks to RC for all the technical work.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 7:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
I'm Home
Well, vacation is coming to an end. Tomorrow I am back for the feast and for the anniversary of the Foundation of the CPPS (August 15, 1815).
I also have a new cell phone number. The old one will not work, so email me if you want the new one. People who leave brooms outside my door will get the new number when the LA team loses a game or two in a row.
It is going to be a busy week. School starts next week.
August 8, 2006
More blogger meetings, Vacation Report IV
Today is the last full day here in the East as tomorrow I head home to do laundry, re-pack and head to Austin. At least for two nights I get to rescue my puppy from those Dodger fans who have been dressing her in Blue. Today’s first trip was down to Rhode Island and a visit to Holy Ghost Church in Tiverton. 
This was another meeting of fellow bloggers. Brian gave me a quick tour of the Church with a view of the recent history of the parish and shared with me some of the favorite pieces on the organ. Then we went out for a sandwich before I began the trek north again. It is always a great joy to meet people with similar ideas about music and ministry. It sounds to me that his parish has gone through a similar transition in music ministry as has my own. 
Then I stopped by the Motherhouse of the Daughters of St. Paul. Their bookstore in Redwood City is a favorite of mine and these sisters have helped a great deal in bringing Catholic Books to St. Edward parishioners. They had asked me to review some inventory on Pastoral Ministry for them and so I stopped by to pick up my homework. They most graciously gave me a pretty comprehensive tour of their publishing and recording enterprise. I was able to see a proof copy of the new translation of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. One of the editors very animatedly gave us a tour of the book and some of the new things this book will have. 
Even though I am on day four of this antibiotic regimen I am still hacking away. I am scheduled to head off to a sing-it-yourself Faure Requiem, but my voice is trying to convince me to stay indoors.
[UPDATE: Brian has his post here.]
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 3:12 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
August 6, 2006
Neat Icon, Beautiful Worship, Vacation Report III
In the morning we started at a little Melkite Church in Lawrence, MA. The priest was very welcoming and hospitable. He said next time he wanted me to concelebrate, though I am not sure how prayerful it would be as a concelebrant in a Rite with which I am not familiar. As it was, today, it felt like worship just to watch and participate interiorly. One providential thing for me was the Icon on the wall just next to us. It has a great deal of Precious Blood significance, and so after the liturgy I just had to photograph it.
In the afternoon we strolled around the sights of Boston. We headed into the North end and found ourselves in the midst of the Festival of Saint Agrippina. The Saint is one of these early century Roman Martyrs and her festival in Boston has been held for over 80 years. It was quite the sight, the parade with the Statue and the stopping at various spots and patrons showering her with garlands of dollar bills. She was carried by a large group of men in white who joined in songs and rhythmic chants as they bounced her rhythmically up the street. The Band was delightful, but it was a bit amusing to see her bounding up the street to the tune of “Deep In The Heart of Texas.� The event reminded me a great deal of the time several years ago on arriving in Siena, Italy we joined in a medieval parade celebrating that city’s saint. 
We had a nice little lunch in an Italian eatery, and then headed up to Cambridge and Harvard. From there we headed over to Boston College and to St. John Seminary before heading home.
Tomorrow I may take a drive down to Rhode Island for the day, but be back in time for one of the local sing-it-yourself events.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 6:58 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 5, 2006
Vacation Report II
RC has the pictures and the report of how we ended our day yesterday with Vespers in Petersham. We spent most of the day driving, and the first goal was to get to St. Joseph Abbey in Spencer, MA. We arrived about the end of Sext, and spent some time in their chapel. Next we visited their shop where the monks make vestments. Holy Rood Guild is where I have purchasing all of my vestments. Actually it was a dangerous visit because I did not get out of there without spending about $1000. I ordered two altar server albs which will provide us additional albs in the sizes we need. I ordered a dalmatic and stole that will arrive at the parish in time for Advent. The Deacons are slowly getting used to me requiring them to be in Dalmatic for Liturgy.
The monks have a gift shop near the gate. We made the mistake of stopping there. They have a whole section of CDs, chant and otherwise, and it seems that nothing was more expensive than $10. I am currently listening to a 2CD set of Early Music that was only $9.98. I got out of there for a little over $100. There went my extra vacation cash.
Today I am taking it easy. I decided this cough was just a bit too consistant and getting worse. So I have been to a doctor, and have some new meds now. I am getting a lot of reading done today, and uploaded a few new chapters to the Life and Times page. Tonight will be the restful life of a chanting hermit, along with chopping garlic and boiling pasta.
Tomorrow it seems will be a visit to Cambridge, Harvard. Liturgy will be in the Melkite Rite. RC has been a gracious host and a pleasure to be around.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 12:21 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
August 3, 2006
Blogger Gathering
You meet the most interesting people on these vacations. It seems that there were a few visiting bloggers from out of town, and the Boston Bloggers hosted an Italian dinner in one of the more popular eateries. It seems that RC has beaten me to the punch reporting on the event before I got back to my place. He also posts a picture I took of him yesterday on the New Hampshire seacoast.
Left to right we have Eric Johnson and RC from Catholic Light. Then Mark Sullivan of Irish Elk; Eric Ewanco of Christifideles, and yours truly of Rifugio San Gaspare.
All in all, it was a fine evening, good food, great conversation. Not bad for a priest, a writer, and a bunch of IT guys.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at 8:30 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Vacation Report
As RC notes in a comment in a previous post, we had a great day visiting the seacoast towns of New Hampshire. I dipped my feet into the Atlantic for the first time, visited a beautiful turn of the century garden, sampled some chowder at a popular fishery, and made the acquaintance of a local Poor Clare Monastery. We even ventured into Maine briefly so now I can add that to States I have been to. I am several chapters into Neuhaus' book and am making progress on the Life and Times of St. Gaspar. Conversations varied from life in nthe IT sector to life in Community. RC introduced me to Open Office as you can see from the post below. This may speed up the rate at which new documents are posted to the St. Gaspar Letters site.
So far very restful and peaceful. Tonight, dinner with fellow bloggers. Reports and pictures to follow.
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July 31, 2006
Vacation
So, for those who have been wondering what I decided on for vacation: I am taking a stack of books to a little motel in Tewksbury, MA. The agenda is to sleep, read, eat, sing, and just be. There seems to be some bluegrass festival within striking distance, and a few other choral opportunities too. Thursday seems to have scheduled a bloggers dinner at a local Italian Eatery. RC seems to be geared up to do some tour guiding around Boston environs. I am sure that one or the other of us may even post some pictures.
The New Adult Catechism from USCCB arrived today so that is going along for the ride. I will take along The Life and Times of St. Gaspar del Bufalo, as well. I also expect to finish Celebrating the Holy Eucharist by Arinze, A Treatise on Prayer from the Heart by Caussade, Catholic Matters by Neuhaus. I have three other books along for the ride to see if I can start on them as well. Imagine me most mornings with my feet up, a cup of coffee in my hand, and devouring a good book. Most evenings I will be chopping garlic, boiling pasta and sipping a good red wine. After Vespers it will be back to the books.
The computer is going along with a printer, so I can print out the boarding pass for the return flight and also do some blogging.
So, can anyone recommend a good place for Sunday Mass? It has to be a place where I can just pray without too much wierd stuff going on.
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June 19, 2006
Vacation
I am leaving this evening for Washington, DC. It will be work, but it will be fun. The Computer is staying home, so this will be a Blog vacation as well. I be be sure to report on the event next Monday.
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May 8, 2006
Mary, Our Help
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
you have given the world its true light,
Jesus, your Son – the Son of God.
You abandoned yourself completely to God's call
and thus became a wellspring
of the goodness which flows forth from him.
Show us Jesus. Lead us to him.
Teach us to know and love him,
so that we too can become
capable of true love
and be fountains of living water
in the midst of a thirsting world.
Benedict XVI
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April 29, 2006
Siena Memories
On our Italian Tour in 1998 we arrived in Siena on her feast.
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April 15, 2006
The Day In Between
There is a brief moment in the scriptures in the Passion of the Christ that does not make it into the movie. It is just a brief reference in the scriptures, but the movie skips over it entirely. It is non-existent, unimportant, easily forgotten or dismissed.
This is the moment between the death of Jesus and the first appearance in the experience of the disciples. It is the moment hidden behind the locked doors of fear and flight.
These men had given up everything to join Jesus, to follow him and to become part of his company. They had given up family, job and future. Everything took second place to him. The women, too, had found in him the fullness of hope and salvation. Everything else had become as dust and ashes. Time with him had already transfigured their lives.
Now it had all turned to heartbreak and humiliation: there was no darkness as deep as this. The loss, the hurt, the chaos, the doubt, the guilt, every last bit of life had now been squeezed and crushed from their broken hearts. The very foundation of their life and energy had been cruelly torn out from underneath them. Only despair was humanly appropriate. There was no future, just emptiness and void. It was the deepest experience of shame.
His promise of life had become darker than the shadows in the home for the dead, and the hope he gave them for his victory had turned into a cruel joke. It was unrelenting hopelessness and the only options were to hide or to flee.
Sitting in total darkness, no light was permitted to penetrate the locked doors. Inert bodies may have littered the floor, but there was no one home. Maybe an occasional whimper or the anguish of tears had punctuated the silence, but the terror that they were next kept them in an unforgiving darkness and silence.
The Saturday morning must have been surreal. It had to have been a nightmare. The state of shock numbed them to the truth, but occasional brutal honesty filtered through the ringing in their ears to obliterate any vestige of hope that might linger in the corners of their injured hearts.
Approaching darkness may have filled them with anxiousness and dread, but a full day passing without food or happiness and the reality that there had been no further arrest or invasion may have given room for hatred, anger, resentment and rage to find some space. If sleep were possible, more than likely it was fitful and restless.
The third day dawns with the same barrenness. The earth was without form, empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit hovered over the waters. (Gen. 1:2) The invasion was abrupt and incomprehensible. He stood before them and in an echo of ancient birth he breathed over them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.�
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April 13, 2006
Blessed Triduum
Blessings to all during the Sacred Triduum.
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April 2, 2006
In Memory of John Paul II
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March 29, 2006
Away for a few days
....I will be back on Monday.
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March 24, 2006
EWTN
Ok, I was half asleep this morning, but was jolted awake hearing the commentator say they were ending with the "Salve Regina." What I was hearing was the "Alma Redemptoris Mater." Even EWTN can't be trusted with the facts all the time.
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March 17, 2006
March 14, 2006
Catholic Carnival
Beside what is going on here at Rifugio, it also has:
1. has five posts reflecting on scripture, literature and the spiritual life
2. has three posts on interacting with the world in our daily lives in ordinary and dramatic ways
3. has three posts on internal church matters
4. has two posts on natural family planning, and
5. Herb's own reflection on the Abraham and Isaac story
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March 13, 2006
Kathy
Today is my sister's birthday. Special prayers for you today. Everyone is invited to leave birthday greetings in the comment section.
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March 9, 2006
Ask, Seek, Imagine
Reading, meditation, prayer, contemplati