Not an optimist, Murphy said, "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."
We often laugh ironically in my family that whenever Murphy's Law strikes, it hits Murphys tenfold. But the reality is not so funny.
My daughter Katie was hospitalized last November for eight days with stomach ulcers. She's only 24. We were shocked to find out her diagnosis. She seems way too young for anything remotely close to ulcers.... But after her discharge, followed by rest, more doctor visits, medication adjustments, and even more tests, it seemed as if things were under control.
Until two weeks ago....
Katie woke up that Monday with the terrible, yet familiar ulcer-related pain. A visit to her GI doctor was followed by two days of not being able to keep anything down, and a trip to the Emergency Room at
Upper Chesapeake. Tests and more tests, tubes, IVs, and blood samples were followed three days later by a late-night transfer to
University of MD Medical Center. The doctors wanted to get a better grasp on what was causing the pain and what could be done about it. The worry was palpable. One's imagination can work overtime when you are frightened for the well-being of your family.
What have we learned?
1. Make new priorities:
Your priorities change immediately when a serious illness strikes.
Katie returned to school full time last year to study dental hygiene after working for two family practices. "School comes first" quickly changed to "health comes first." Finals and semester-end clinicals can be taken or finished up all in good time. This is exactly why "Incomplete" is part of academic grading options.
2. Hurry up and wait:
From the Emergency Room to the final release papers, patience is the necessary virtue as you aren't going anywhere fast. Though it might be frustrating to not hear a more definitive time for the return of test results or the next visit of the doctor to the hospital room, waiting becomes a necessary part of the process. Napping for the patient and reading or online-working for the family makes the time pass.
3. No one gets any rest in a hospital:
Nurses and techs come in around the clock to check vitals, take blood, and administer meds. Katie was placed in a room at the first hospital with an elderly woman with impaired hearing. This meant that her visiting family members had to speak loudly while Katie was feeling so poorly. Sleep was elusive until we got to a private room three days later at University of Maryland Medical Center. And even then it was a challenge as we were two floors below the Shock Trauma helipad. One could never complain though as these amazing men and women at University were saving lives around the clock.
I took this photo out the fifth floor window in Weinberg as the Shock Trauma transport hovered for landing.
4. Nurses are saints:
The fine women and men who serve the injured and infirm at our hospitals are on the fast track to heaven, I am sure. The nurses who took care of Katie were smart, efficient, kind, and had a sweet sense of humor. I admire them so much as I could never do what they do every day. They even brought me pillows, blankets, and towels each evening and coffee every morning.
God bless them.
5. So Much Information...
If you have something more complicated than a simple broken bone you could be overwhelmed by the amount of information that is given by the all the folks who stop by for a consultation or procedure. Having assisted with hospitalizations for family and friends over past years, I have found it most important to do the following:
a. Keep a notebook or pad and pen at hand to record all input at a moment's notice.
b. Record the date, time, and names of all those to whom you speak. It helps later when the names and who-said-what become a blur.
c. Take careful notes. Doctors might say eight things in three minutes. If you don't write it down before they leave the room, you might only remember three of those things an hour later.
d. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to request that something be repeated or clarified. If a diagnosis or symptom has a technical name, don't be shy about asking for its spelling so you can look it up later. Get doctor and staff names and contact information, if needed for follow-up. (Some people keep their own medical binder and ask for copies of all lab reports, signed release forms, and hospital records. My husband started doing this for us a few years back and it is very helpful to have paperwork for future reference.)
e. Express gratitude to those staffers who are helpful and kind. The long hours and demands of the medical field make for frequent stress and easy burnout. We can help by expressing our heartfelt thanks.
6. Prayers Work: Amen.
Katie and I both posted requests for prayers on Facebook and in return received so much love, support, and the assurance of prayers for Katie's quick recovery. Father Bill Spacek,
Catholic chaplain at UMMC, stopped in and anointed Katie on Monday. This was very comforting to all of us. Praise God.
5. A Hospital Robot!
The advances in medical technology and efficiency are mind-boggling.
Last Monday my husband and I left a visitors lounge and were almost run down by a large robotic utility cart on wheels. It was actually a
secure pharmacy container delivering medications to all the wings of the hospital. It buzzed down the hall past us, turned the corner, and stopped in front of the nursing station. We then heard the robot say, "Your chain of custody has arrived." We were amazed.
We learned that this "TUG" is programmed to go to each hospital wing unassisted, to ride the elevator, trigger doors to open and close, and to leave if the medication is not removed within a specific amount of minutes. It speaks to alert nurses of the delivery and for walkers to move out of the way. Access is provided by authorized personnel with PIN numbers and sometimes by fingerprint scans. How cool is that?
I later spoke to Bill Seiler, the Asst. Director of Media Relations at UMMC, who shared several interesting articles and some follow-up info. University of Maryland Medical Center was the
first hospital in the world to use a Aethon TUG for medication deliveries to Shock Trauma back in 2002.
This first robot was named "Mr. Gower" for the pharmacist in the film "It's a Wonderful Life." Shock Trauma later added another TUG named "Florence" for Florence Nightingale. Other TUGs in use include "Edgar" for Edgar Allen Poe, "Clara" for Clara Barton, and "Tony" in memory of a longtime UMMC pharmacist.
Today there are eight high-tech TUGs moving through the hallways and elevators at University ensuring greater efficiency and secure delivery. Saving lives thus remains the number one priority through these time-saving technologies.
For more information click here.
Here's a front (gray) and back (white) view of a TUG at University of MD Medical Center.
In conclusion, all parents worry about their children no matter what their ages. Only the issues differ over time, not the concern. For me, it is always critical that I keep in mind that God is indeed in the clouds, guiding and caring for us when life throws us another curveball. With His grace and mercy, we can stay optimistic, disregarding Murphy's Law since anything that can go wrong can be handled with faith and prayer.
God is good: All the time!!
May 20, 2013 10:37
By Patti Murphy Dohn
Pope Francis with the Swiss Guards before today's
Swearing-In Ceremony at the Vatican (Vatican Radio)
I have always been intrigued by the Pontifical Swiss Guards. I think their
unusual uniform was what first got my attention when I was a teenager. This
costume-like design from the Renaissance is said to have been created by
Michelangelo. Standing guard at the Vatican, keeping watch near the Holy
Father, these guards definitely fascinate me. One day I will see them in
person. I have never been to Europe, but you can be sure that the Vatican is on
my bucket list.
Back in February when
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI stepped down, the final act marking the onset of
the Sede Vacante was the departure of the Swiss Guards from Castel
Gandolfo. We wept with people around the world as they left their posts. It was
a very emotional moment for me.
In recent weeks our hearts were warmed by a widely-circulating account of Pope
Francis insisting that the Swiss Guard who was keeping watch outside his room
at the Casa Santa Marta sit down and have a snack to eat. Though I never read a
confirmation of its authenticity, it sounds exactly like the Holy Father that
we have come to know and love over the past seven weeks. Read one account of
the story here.
Over the years I have
read a lot of fascinating articles about the Swiss Guards and their complete
dedication to the safety and protection of the Holy Father. Their complete commitment
to the Church and the Pope resonate in my heart. For more than three decades of
teaching Religion to John Carroll students,
one of my passions is sharing my love of the Holy Father and everything
Vatican.
The National Geographic DVD "Inside the Vatican" (based on the book
of the same name) includes an insightful look into the training, commitment,
and service of the Swiss Guards. Now considered the world’s smallest standing
army, the Pontifical Swiss Guard was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II to serve
as bodyguards to the pope.
Requirements to be a Swiss Guard today include: Must be a single man at time of admission, Swiss,
Roman Catholic, between 19 and 30 years of age, at least 5'8'' in height, have
completed required Swiss military service, and have a good moral background.
Today (May 6) marks the annual Swearing-In Ceremony at the Vatican where this year 35 new Swiss
recruits will promise before God to defend the Holy Father. The significance of this date recalls the sack of Rome by the army of Charles
V on May 6, 1527 when 147 Swiss Guards were killed in action. They saved the
life of Pope Clement VII who was brought to safety through the Passetto
(secret passage) to Castel Sant’Angelo.
The ceremony will be
broadcast live at 11 a.m. EDT today (5 p.m. in Rome) by Vatican Radio and
live-streamed here.
The new Guards, in full
uniform, will pledge to serve and, if necessary, to sacrifice their lives to
defend the Holy Father. The ceremony takes place in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. Each recruit recites the oath: “I, [name], swear I
will observe faithfully, loyally and honorably all that has now been read out
to me! May God and his saints assist me!”
For Further Information:
1. VIDEO: Watch the Swearing-In Ceremony for 26 new members of the Swiss Guards last May, 2012 from
the Vatican (2 minutes)
2. Vatican Stamps honor
the 500th Anniversary of the Swiss Guards in 2005:
3."Inside the
Vatican" DVD by National Geographic:
a. Buy it here.
b. Watch it here.
4. Official Website
May 06, 2013 01:40
By Patti Murphy Dohn
Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena, an incredible woman who challenges all of us with her famous quote “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Many of our
John Carroll students are already starting to set the world on fire through their growing faith and profound service to others.
Sadly, we learned of the death this past Friday of one of our school’s early women leaders, a matriarch of the community and religious sister who lived a life of deep faith and indeed set the world on fire:
Sister Ignatius Loyola, SSJ served as our vice-principal from 1972-1975. Many of our students’ parents and grandparents, and our veteran teachers will remember Sister fondly. She made an incredible mark on our school community before returning to Philadelphia to serve in leadership capacities for her beloved
Sisters of Saint Joseph. These good Sisters taught and served in many important roles here at John Carroll for over 45 years.
During her JC years, Sister Ignatius worked hard to uphold our school’s mission and the ideals of Catholic education. It was during that time when she returned to the use of her baptismal name, Sister Dorothea Newell. Sister Dorothea (“Dottie” to her friends) served in leadership roles for her congregation, ultimately serving as the tenth Superior General of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill. The Sisters have always lived by the words of Bishop Francis Patrick Kenrick (1796-1863; third Bishop of Philadelphia, 1842-1851, and sixth Archbishop of Baltimore 1851-1863), as their motto states “Ready for any good work!”
We join our prayers today to those of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in remembering this amazing woman who indeed set the world on fire.
Funeral Arrangements:
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA. on Friday, May 10: Greeting of the family at 1 p.m., followed by the Mass at 3 p.m.
A Remembrance Service will be held the evening before the Funeral Mass: Thursday evening, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Saint Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA.
Burial of Sister Dottie's cremains: The following Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m: Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery, Chestnut Hill: The ritual will begin in the SSJ Motherhouse Chapel, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, at 6:30 p.m.; Procession to the cemetery for the burial.
With gratitude we remember Dottie's living, dying and rising to new life.
—The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia
Prayer for the Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena:
O God, You are beauty and wisdom, mystery and love.
Touch the hearts of your people to set the world on fire for You and for Your Church through the prayer and example of Saint Catherine of Siena.
We ask this grace through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Sister Dorothea Newell, SSJ (1928- 2013) from the 1975 edition of PACIFICUS, the yearbook of The John Carroll School
April 29, 2013 11:01
By Patti Murphy Dohn
Poet Joyce Kilmer (1886–1918) has delighted generations with his reflections on the beauty of our trees:
Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
Today we celebrate everything about trees:
It's Arbor Day ("arbor" is Latin for tree), and I couldn't think of a better time of year to give attention to the glory of the trees in our region which are coming back to life after a winter's rest.
The trees in our garden on the hill have burst into bloom this week
Since the first celebration in 1872, National Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April. Many families and groups take the opportunity to plant new trees on this day. It is said that an estimated one million new trees were planted on the first Arbor Day, April 10, 1872.
I did some reading on Arbor Day and discovered that it was started in Nebraska City, Nebraska by the father of the founder of the Morton Salt Company. Julius Sterling Morton (1832 - 1902) was a Nebraska newspaper editor who served as the Secretary of Agriculture for President Grover Cleveland. He loved trees of all varieties and planted many rare trees along with his beloved apple trees at his vast estate in Nebraska City which included a mansion he built to look like the White House. This estate is now
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City, Nebraska.
On a personal note, my dear 94-year old mother-in-law Eleanor Dohn has resided at Beechwood Continuing Care in Getzville, New York, near Buffalo, for the past eight years. Last July (2012), Robert Meiss, the longtime-president and CEO of Beechwood retired after serving the community for 23 years. Residents and employees alike honored the work of this kind man in many ways, including a tree-planting ceremony in front of the main building.
Mom wrote a story about this tree which was shared many times before being printed for inclusion in her family Christmas cards, as well as the upcoming edition of their publication "Beechwood Homes Chatter." I'd like to share it with you.
"A New Tree at Beechwood"
When I was walking down the path, I thought I heard voices, but no one was there. I laughed at myself and thought it must be the trees, but I knew that couldn't be true.
But when I turned at the bend in the path it was so!!
The tall trees were welcoming the very new tree. "Welcome, dear little tree," they said. "You will love it here; the folks love their trees. We will help you grow and remind you to shake off the last leaves in the Fall and watch for the new buds in the Spring. There are lovely birds and some wildlife too: gray squirrels and a chipmunk or two, and an occasional deer. Ooh, look. Here comes one now, a beautiful doe, I see."
"Well," said the doe addressing the tree, "you weren't here when I came through last year. You're a special Beech; it tells us on the plaque right there. Your true friends will help you in all seasons, I'm sure."
We talked awhile, and then the doe said she needed to leave, but would come again. As she left she raised her right hoof to say goodbye.
Later that day as I rested nearby, I asked myself, "Was this all a dream?"
I don't think so. Do you?
Written by Eleanor R. Dohn, July 2012
A Springtime sequel is in process at this time.
Getzville, New York
A 2013 Arbor Day look at the new beech tree at Beechwood, Getzville, New York.
April 26, 2013 06:29
By Patti Murphy Dohn
Yesterday afternoon we learned of the horrific explosions in
Boston near the marathon finish line. As the hours unfolded and we watched the images play repeatedly on TV, we learned of the massive amount of injuries and of the death overnight of the third victim. Many have paused and asked questions about the evil in our world today. And though we might be led to despair, rather may we look with hope to our Lord’s loving mercy and to the goodness of people in times of crisis: those who immediately turn to help without regard for their own safety, those who respond using their gifts and talents to assist those in need, and the millions who stop and turn to prayer asking our Lord to watch over all of us in these times of horrific tragedy.
My Twitter and Facebook feed was overrun last night with news and thoughts about Boston. I watched in awe as post after post on my Facebook newsfeed contained words of prayer and loving support. As always I tell my John Carroll students, in good times and in bad, God is good: All the time. His mercy and love are always with us, even when the events and challenges we face seem insurmountable. Yes, God is indeed in the clouds: In dark times we need the Light of Christ to guide our way.
The Archdiocese of Boston posted yesterday on their
Facebook page: “As reports of death and injuries are reported, we ask you to please turn to the Lord each time to pray for them and for those who love them that they would receive the consolation of the Holy Spirit, the mercy of God, and the loving maternal embrace of our Blessed Mother.”
May we indeed be a people of hope, not despair, as we turn to our merciful Lord in prayer for all those affected. And may we always embrace the spiritual focus of
The John Carroll School to “Go, Make a Difference.” As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Let us pray that we might always combat violence and hatred in our world, our communities, and in our hearts:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
For further reading:
1.
Telegram sent by Pope Francis, through Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., to Cardinal Sean O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap, Archbishop of Boston:
“Deeply grieved by news of the loss of life and grave injuries caused by the act of violence perpetrated last evening in Boston, His Holiness Pope Francis wishes me to assure you of his sympathy and closeness in prayer. In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, His Holiness invokes God’s peace upon the dead, his consolation upon the suffering, and his strength upon all those engaged in the continuing work of relief and response. At this time of mourning the Holy Father prays that all Bostonians will be united in a resolve not to be overcome by evil, but to combat evil with good (cf. Rom 12:21), working together to build an ever more just, free and secure society for generations yet to come.”
4. Suggestions on how to talk to your children about the Boston tragedy
here
5. How to field your children's questions when you as a parent don't have all the answers
hereApril 16, 2013 09:42
By Patti Murphy Dohn
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."
—Saint Augustine of Hippo
You know what they say about all work and no play, right? So when Easter Break started two weeks ago for
John Carroll, my husband and I packed our bags and headed south to our place on Singer Island, Florida for some rest and relaxation. Four days later, on Tuesday of Easter Week, we were heading south on the Overseas Highway, that fabulous 127.5-mile roadway carrying U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys. Our final destination in this "getaway within a getaway" was the Conch Republic, Key West.
Vacation for us usually involves warm weather, new or favorite restaurants, live music, local artwork, great views, and salty air. And I get to indulge in two of my favorite pastimes: giving my camera a good workout with a 4G memory card, along with checking out the local Catholic Church. I love exploring churches and learning about their history, patron, architecture, statues, artwork, and any special features or shrines. I usually read up ahead of my visit and go during a quiet time when I can walk around and tour on my own.
Catholic Churches in the Keys:
The Florida Keys are part of the Archdiocese of Miami. According to my research there are five churches in the Keys:
• Two in the Upper Keys: St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church in Key Largo at Mile Marker (MM) 105.5, and San Pedro Catholic Church at MM 89.5 in Tavernier;
• One in the Middle Keys: San Pablo Catholic Church at MM 53.5 in Marathon;
• Two in the Lower Keys: St. Peter's Catholic Church, MM 31.3 in Big Pine Key, and St. Mary Star of the Sea, located less than one mile from MM 0 at the intersection of Windsor Lane and Truman Avenue in Key West.
Key West Parish:
We made plans to spend Wednesday morning of Easter Week checking out the local Catholic parish in Key West, St. Mary Star of the Sea (1010 Windsor Lane, Key West, FL 33040). The oldest parish in South Florida, this congregation traces its roots back to the sixteenth century when Florida was a Spanish territory, and Key West, known then as Cayo Hueso ("Island of Bones"), was under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Havana, Cuba. Spanish Jesuits served the Catholics of Cuba and the Caribbean islands, and established missions in these areas.
The first Catholic church building in Key West was dedicated in 1852 and later destroyed by fire (suspected arson) in 1901. One of the few items found undamaged was a “crudely painted plaque depicting the Virgin Mary as Star of the Sea with the following inscription by
Father Sylvanius Hunineq:
“Since it first shed its light in Key West, it has like a star of the sea to the wandering mariner, been a star of hope and comfort in times of despair and sorrow, and a star of joy to those who have lived in its teachings.”
The current, non-wooden church was dedicated to Saint Mary Star of the Sea four years later by the Bishop of Saint Augustine (1905).
All About Basilicas:
While researching in preparation for our visit, I discovered that this oldest church in South Florida, established in 1846, had been elevated to the status of minor basilica by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI last year. This fascinated me since I thought that basilica status in this modern era was reserved for cathedrals and national shrines. This led me to much reading about
basilicas, churches of historical and spiritual importance that are granted this distinction by the Holy Father for unusual historical significance, or which are considered sacred due to the presence of relic(s). I discovered and read the fascinating document “
Domus Ecclesiae”, Norms for the Granting of the Title of Minor Basilica from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (1989).
The word “basilica” originally referred to a type of architecture from ancient Rome, and now refers more often to the canonical status of the church. The four major basilicas are located in Rome. There are more than 1500 minor basilicas around the world. Key West’s Saint Mary Star of the Sea became the fifth basilica in the state and the 73rd in the United States at the time of its elevation by the Holy Father Emeritus. The other Floridian basilicas are located in Orlando, Pensacola, St. Augustine, and Daytona Beach.
Our Adventure Begins: The Catholic School:
We started our morning by walking over to Duval Street from the Banyon Resort for breakfast at a French bakery, and then headed over to Truman Avenue toward the basilica property. First we came upon the beautiful campus of the Basilica School of Saint Mary Star of the Sea. With only two cars in the parking lot it was quickly apparent that they too were on Easter Break. Considered the first Catholic School in South Florida, operating from 1868, the lush tropical setting made this pre-3 through grade 8 school look like a postcard in my photos. A gentleman from the grounds crew later told me that there was formerly a secondary school on the premises named Mary Immaculate High School which closed in 1986. The children in the area now attend mostly the public high schools as there are no Catholic secondary schools in Monroe County.
Adoration Chapel of Divine Mercy:
Next we came to the Chapel of Divine Mercy, in the former convent chapel, where Perpetual Adoration has been held since 1995. The chapel was stunning with its Divine Mercy image of Jesus, colorful stained glass windows which were next to tall open windows looking onto the beautiful campus, and Easter lilies before the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the altar. Two women smiled at me as I came in and genuflected. After offering my prayer intentions, I explored the displays, including three relics in the back of the chapel.
The Famous Grotto, Basilica Prayer Gardens, and the Good Sisters:
Continuing along the parish path we came through the gardens to the famous Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Island tour guides speak of this prayerful grotto built in 1922 and said to protect Key West from the impact of serious hurricanes. Three years earlier (1919), the most devastating hurricane in the history of the island hit Key West, taking the lives of over 400 people and damaging the entire area, including the church buildings. The grotto was dedicated on Ascension Thursday, May 25, 1922, to mark the Silver Jubilee of long-serving Sister Louis Gabriel of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. She designed, raised funds, and oversaw the building of the grotto to seek protection from the Blessed Mother. The story goes that Sister remarked that “as long as the grotto stood, Key West would never experience the full brunt of a hurricane.” Tour guides and residents alike bear testimony to the fact that passing hurricanes have not devastated the island since that time. My husband and I were particularly fascinated by the stone chairs with accompanying stone kneelers that have faced the grotto’s entrance since 1922.
The basilica gardens also included a shrine to the unborn from the Knights of Columbus, the parish Renewal Center, and a special Stations of the Cross Garden where outdoor Mass and devotions are held. There is also a cemetery for eighteen of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, including a special memorial for Sister Louis Gabriel, whose community served the parish and its schools for many decades since 1868. (The sisters even offered their convent for use as a hospital during the Spanish-American War while they served the wounded and the sick.)
The basilica-parish also has vast outreach programs and serves those in need by providing clothing, furniture, financial assistance, and job referrals, while also operating a daily soup kitchen, and ministering to the spiritual needs of the military bases on the island. I was so inspired by all the incredible work they are doing for the good people of Key West.
At long last: The Basilica:
The actual basilica was the last place we visited, as we affectionately “saved the best for last.” What an amazing church!! Approaching from the gardens we could see all the tall shuttered doors open along the east and west walls to keep the air moving through the nave. I had first seen these Caribbean-style doors when we vacationed in Aruba in 2010. It almost makes you feel as though you are worshipping outside. It was refreshing too to have this sacred space fully-accessible during the day for pilgrims and tourists. For much of our visit, my husband and I were the only ones there. Some of the churches we have attempted to visit while on vacation in the past have been locked due to security concerns and vandalism.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent walking around the church, reading all the basilican documents on the walls, checking out the baptismal font, altars, statues, stained glass windows, and the insignia of the basilica: the Ombrellino (basilican red and gold umbrella) and the Tintinnabulum (basilican bell). The new basilica coat of arms (which includes a conch shell, the traditional symbol of the Florida Keys, over the motto “Spe Salvi”), as well as that of the Archdiocese of Miami (which has a palm tree in the center), were on display. Everything I saw was documented as I took over 250 pictures during my visit. It was a great morning and will always be a cherished memory. It is my hope that if my readers are down in the Keys they will take a little time to visit this beautiful basilica, whether for weekend or morning Mass, or for a pilgrimage prayer stop during the week. Visiting our Catholic Churches during vacation can add an extra dimension to your travels. The benefits are heavenly!!
Enjoy my slideshow: My photos include: Interior and exterior views of the basilica, including the cornerstone from 1904 (7 photos), coats of arms of both the Basilica and of the Archdiocese of Miami (2), Adoration Chapel (outside and inside views-2), outdoor shrines (2), Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes (2), Basilica-School (1), Sisters' cemetery and convent info (3), Stations of the Cross garden (3), and War of 1898 info (1).
Basilica Dedication Mass:
The Solemn Mass marking the official dedication of minor basilica status and the conferral of the insignia of the basilica was held on May 31, 2012, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The principal celebrant was the fourth Archbishop of Miami Thomas Wenski, a Florida native, who joined the parish community and their pastor (now rector of the basilica) Father John C. Baker to share in the joy of this historic milestone.
Read Archbishop Wenski’s Homily from the Dedication Mass
here.
For More Information:
Check out this 86-second video from Catholic Miami of the Archdiocese of Miami which captures some of the beauty of this incredible basilica
here
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“Human life is a journey. Towards what destination? How do we find the way? Life is like a voyage on the sea of history, often dark and stormy, a voyage in which we watch for the stars that indicate the route…
Holy Mary, Mother of God, our Mother, teach us to believe, to hope, to love with you. Show us the way to his Kingdom!
Star of the Sea, shine upon us and guide us on our way!”
—Pope Benedict XVI, “Spe Salvi”
(In Hope We are Saved, 2007)
April 14, 2013 02:32
By Patti Murphy Dohn
Today, March 21, marks the first anniversary of the death of John Carroll student
Xavia Pirozzi.
Her early death last March to lymphoma created a huge void in the student body and among her special friends.
Her classmates, now Juniors, gathered at 1 p.m. today in the Auditorium for reflection and prayer.
The entire school community is wearing purple accessories today to honor Xavia's memory through her favorite color.
Last week the Juniors received their John Carroll rings and honored Xavia's memory with a scrapbook of notes and prayers that were written on Junior Retreat. This was presented to her Mom and Grandma on Friday morning at their
Ring Mass
JC singers and members of acapella group Bella Voce sang "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and "Seasons of Love" at the Memorial Prayer Service.
JC juniors and special friends wore purple today to honor their classmate Xavia Pirozzi of the John Carroll Class of 2014.
Xavia's closest friends--Christine, Carley, Ashley, Kayla, and Lauren-- shared reflections and favorite memories of Xavia with their class at today's prayer service.
March 21, 2013 03:20
By Patti Murphy Dohn
Our John Carroll Class of 2014 celebrated a big rite of passage last week as they received the onyx-and-gold John Carroll rings. It is a three-day celebration filled with rituals, prayers, and lots of photographs. On Thursday night the juniors and their families gathered for the special Ring Ceremony where this important symbol of the John Carroll education was blessed and distributed. The next morning we continued to celebrate with the Junior Ring Mass, and on Saturday night the students danced the night away at Ring Dance, similar to a Junior Prom. As our graduates can tell you—for the ladies, it’s a three-dress affair.
I thought and prayed a lot before writing my opening introduction and prayer for last night’s Ring Ceremony as I wanted to tie in a connection with our new Holy Father Francis. For the past few weeks I updated our school community with news and mini-lessons before the start of each school day. It seemed important to tie in the new Holy Father with our celebration of the John Carroll ring. Here is what I shared with the juniors and their families on Thursday night:
Opening Prayer for Ring Ceremony for the Class of 2014
Dear Friends,
The recent weeks have been filled with new beginnings: As a Catholic school community, we learned and prayed each day as our Church went through a fast evolution of changes in leadership and structure, and a new chapter in Church History unfolded before our eyes. Just yesterday these changes culminated in the election of a new shepherd to guide our Church in the years to come. He is a simple and holy man who embraces deep faith and the intellectual life as a Jesuit, along with a humble spirit and a deeply caring heart for the poor as shown in the selection of his new name: Pope Francis.
Just as our juniors gather now to receive their John Carroll ring which will symbolically bind them together as a class and unite them with the generations of John Carroll graduates who have come before them since the first Class of 1968, so too our new Holy Father will receive a new ring: This Tuesday on the Feast of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the universal Church, Pope Francis will receive the Fisherman’s Ring which will unite him with all those who served the Church as Bishop of Rome and “Servant of the Servants of God.”
May the juniors feel a special bond with this new Francis who has quickly come to show us the Light of Christ, and may the John Carroll rings that they will receive this evening make them conscious of being an instrument of God’s peace to all whom they encounter each day, as they too attempt to share the Gospel by how they live their lives.
And so we open our Ring Ceremony with the prayer of the also gentle and humble Saint Francis of Assisi, a role model to our new Holy Father and to all of us:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
God is Good: All the time!!
Archbishop John Carroll, pray for us.
Four Generations of John Carroll: Hope Kelly ‘14 (center) received her John Carroll ring last night. Hope is the daughter of Robin Bond Kelly ‘95 (second from right) and Brian Kelly ‘96 (not in picture), granddaughter of Mary Ellen Carpenter Kelly ‘72 (second from left) and David Kelly ‘72 (not in picture), niece of JC Math-Science teacher Susan Carpenter Kraft ‘74 (far right), and great-granddaughter of family matriarch Helen Carpenter of Bel Air (far left).
Book of Remembrance for the family of Xavia Pirozzi who passed on to Eternal Life last March: Scrapbooked prayers and notes written on Junior Retreat were presented to Xavia's Mom and Grandma at today's Junior Ring Mass.
March 18, 2013 09:37
By Patti Murphy Dohn
Edmund Burke is acknowledged for the famous saying "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." This week our
John Carroll Senior Class of 2013 worked hard to make it known that good people can and do indeed make a positive difference in the world.
Our Holocaust Education program has flourished over the years with our English, Social Studies, and Religion teachers. The senior class trip to D.C. and our Holocaust Remembrance Day are held annually under the leadership of much-loved teacher and Senior Project mentor Louise Géczy.
After finishing an in-depth interdisciplinary study of the Shoah, the entire class embarked on their senior trip yesterday to the
National Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. The students visited the museum and saw the hundreds of displays and tributes after first participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Many of the seniors spoke of being overwhelmed by the inhumane acts of violence that were unleashed on the Jews and others n the concentration camps.
Today we held our annual Holocaust Remembrance Day back at school. As I started the school day with our opening prayer at 8 a.m., I shared with the students the words of the Holy Father four weeks ago on the occasion of International Remembrance Day, Jan. 28, 2013, when Pope Benedict
called attention to this horrendous chapter in human history and prayed that the horrors of the Holocaust would never be repeated.
“The memory of this enormous tragedy that so severely struck mainly the Jewish people should represent for all a constant warning so that the horrors of the past are not repeated, so that every form of hatred and racism is overcome, and so that the respect and dignity of the human person is promoted.”
--Pope Benedict XVI
I prayed with the students, and later with our special guests, the
prayer issued for the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the death of Anne Frank:
God, you created us all in your own likeness.
We thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in your world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellow feeling and understanding;
show us your presence in those most different from us, so that in all our relationships,
both by what we have in common and by things in which we differ,
we may come to know you more fully in your creation;
for you are Father, Son and Holy Spirit forever.
Amen.
Included were Holocaust survivors, the psychiatrist-son of a concentration camp survivor who teaches a college course on Oral History of the Holocaust, a liberator of the camp at Buchenwald, and the program directors. Our students were able to hear two small-group talks, as well as the afternoon large-group presentation.
To view a slideshow, navigate the arrows below:
A highlight of the day was the afternoon talk by Sol Goldstein who was a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II. He landed in France on D-Day (June 6, 1944), and ten months later was one of the first liberators on hand in April of 1945 at the Buchenwald Concentration Camp, one of the largest established by the Nazis.
Mr. Goldstein spoke without notes for almost 40 minutes as he recalled being twenty years old and discovering the Buchenwald camp, and not knowing what it was or why it was there. He said they never heard of or knew anything about concentration camps. He and the seven soldiers in his command were confused by the overwhelming stench, what the place was used for, and by not understanding who the emaciated persons were who approached them for help, while crying and embracing them.
Many tears were shed today as Sol Goldstein recalled the first man who asked him in German if he and his seven subordinates were American soldiers. When Sol responded in Yiddish, “Yes, we are American soldiers and I am a Jew,” the man questioned, “What took you so long to get here?” Sol Goldstein recalled crying uncontrollably as he realized at that moment that if not for his own parents moving to the United States thirty years earlier he himself could be there as a prisoner too. We all cried with him.
Sol continued his account of this real-life tale of horror by recalling how he and the other seven soldiers could not believe what they were seeing. Offering water and their food rations to the prisoners resulted in some deaths due to the poor physical condition of the prisoners until the paramedics got there the next day to set up cots and to hand-feed gruel to those who could swallow. The impact that this experience had on Sol Goldstein was visibly overwhelming though he has told his first-person account hundreds of times over the years.
When he finally came home to the United States after serving in a transportation unit for an additional seven months, Sol had a very difficult time adjusting back to “normal.” He told of meeting his future wife at the Lyric Theatre in Baltimore and having “had the most wonderful life for sixty years” until she passed away in 2006. They had three sons, and now five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
He told the seniors that he has never been back to Normandy in spite of making many trips to Europe over the years. His sons wanted to take him back for his 90th birthday next month, but he refused, and instead they took him earlier this month to New Orleans for the Super Bowl where he watched the Baltimore Ravens win the Lombardi trophy.
One of our seniors asked him why he won’t go back to Normandy and Sol shook his head and said, “I left too many friends there who didn’t come back. I can’t go back.”
One of the senior girls asked him about the segregation that existed in the United States when he got home. He immediately recalled the women of the Red Cross passing out cartons of milk and donuts to the soldiers coming down the gangplank in Hoboken. He said there were no black soldiers coming down that gangplank; they had one on the other end of the ship with no one from the Red Cross there to greet them. Then when he got to the Pennsylvania train station in Baltimore there were two different bathrooms marked Colored and White. Sol told the students that, seeing how people were treating persons of other races here in this nation, he made a promise to himself then and there that “if ever a Jew would be in trouble, I’d be there to help.” And Sol Goldstein has spent decades serving with the Jewish Council of Baltimore and other organizations to assist Jews in need in all areas of the world.
The concluding remarks of Sol Goldstein to our John Carroll seniors: “They said that (WWII) was the war to end all wars and that there would never be another Holocaust. But look at Cambodia, Yugoslavia, Africa...” He encouraged the seniors to: “Learn as much as you can. Make this a better country. Try to do the best you can. Watch what is going on around you. Be aware. To me, that’s life.”
Sol Goldstein has visited John Carroll for 35 years now, starting back in 1977 at the invitation of Russian teacher Ed Miller to address his Russian language and history students. Today Mr. Goldstein was presented with a special John Carroll diploma in honor of his many years of sharing his first-hand account of the horrors of the Holocaust with our students and for contributing to make this world a better place.
Sol Goldstein with John Carroll Principal Madelyn Ball and President Richard O'Hara
At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring,
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer,
We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us
as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share,
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make,
We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
-- Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer
February 27, 2013 10:54
By Patti Murphy Dohn
Can you believe that it will be Ash Wednesday in four days? Time passes by so quickly. It seems like the boxes of Christmas decorations just went back to the attic. And we were finally getting used to the green chasubles at Mass. But in a few short days we will see the purple vestments come back out. This time the purple is not for our Super Bowl-winning Ravens, but for the Season of Lent. Yes, Ash Wednesday is in sight, starting the Church’s season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We take some time during the liturgical cycle to make sacrifices and repent for our sins.
Make a Plan: Preparing For Lent
The weeks since Christmas Break have gone by so quickly that I thought it might be a good thing to get my
John Carroll students and faculty thinking early about their options for observing the sacred season this year. So I started on Wednesday—one week out—and challenged them to think outside-the-box and make a plan for observing a more spiritual Lent. Before opening prayer each morning I have given three ideas to get them thinking creatively to find a plan to which they can be faithful for the 40-day journey.
Some of the following suggestions come from
Lifeteen, while others are traditional or from my own reflections. Maybe you will find something in this list of ideas to adopt to make your observance of Lent more spiritual this year. Many involve some level of sacrifice from comfort or luxury to an experience of solidarity with those who have far less than we have. All ideas are in random order.
25 Suggestions For a More-Spiritual Lent:
Part I: Give It Up!!
1. For generations Catholics and other Christians have given up desserts, snacks, and soft drinks for the 40-days of Lent. If you do this, donate the money you save from these items and from any snack-stops at Wawa, Dunkin Donuts, and Starbucks to the poor box at your parish or send a donation to
Catholic Relief Services.
2. Give up all drinks, except for water, in solidarity with those who cannot afford coffee and specialty drinks. There are many people in the world who do not have clean water. Catholic Relief Services teaches how we can make a difference. Click on this
link to learn more.
3. The Church teaches us that fasting should be as a big part of our Lenten practice, especially on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Perhaps you might consider fasting more often. Limiting the number of meals, eating only basic food items, and staying away from alcohol might be part of your considerations. Coupled with prayer, fasting is an amazing spiritual experience. Saint Francis De Sales taught, "If you are able to fast, you will do well to observe some days beyond what are ordered by the Church."
And Saint Alphonsus Ligouri said, "God has given us the goods of the earth, not only that we may enjoy them, but also that we may have the means of ... showing him our love by the voluntary renunciation of his gifts, and by the oblation of them to his glory. To abandon, for God’s sake, all worldly enjoyments, has always been the practice of holy souls."
4. We know that the Church also teaches us to abstain from eating meat on the Fridays of Lent and on Ash Wednesday. Many of us remember when all Fridays were meatless days before 1966. About three years ago, one of my daughters gave up meat for the entire 40 days of Lent and found that it not only made her more health-conscious, since she is not a vegetarian, but it also gave her a better understanding of what the poor go through when there is not enough money to spend on burgers, chicken breasts, and steaks for their families. Meal planning is a constant reminder of what you are doing for Lent and why. Do you think you could you give up meat for all the days of Lent?
5. Don't wear shoes, except for work and school, in honor of those who have no shoes from poor countries. One of our graduates from the Class of 2011 did her Senior Project on the Toms program "
One Day Without Shoes." It made such an impact that Ellen took her efforts with her to college and sponsored this program at High Point.
6. Give up Facebook and other social media in order to nurture relationships through more personal face-to-face communications. Some young people agree that they waste a lot of time on Facebook that could be better spent on their studies. Their teachers and parents would support this effort, I am confident.
7. Give up listening to music in the car in order to be more in tune with God's presence in the silence and to appreciate His creation while driving. (See number 22.)
8. Though not for everyone, consider giving up the use of hot water in the shower to live in solidarity with those who have little to no water and have not ever had the luxury of a relaxing hot shower.
9. Again not for everyone, could you give up the use of your bed? I have read about some who have chosen to sleep on the floor in sleeping bags, while others slept on the sofa each night instead. I also read about a young person from wintery Canada who not only gave up his bed for the 40 days of Lent, but he slept outside in a tent in solidarity with the homeless and wrote about it in his daily blog.
10. Can’t give up your bed? Maybe you might consider giving up your pillow for Lent to experience discomfort in solidarity with those who have no pillows in so many places in our world.
11. Could you give up the complete use of your cell phone and its apps and text-messaging, except for emergency use? No checking email, Facebook, playing games, taking photos, and so on? This would definitely be a challenge for those of us with smart phones of any kinds.
12. How about giving up video games? Our young people especially might find this challenging. Replace the time spent on games in other productive ways: studying, quality family time, working on a project around the house, and so on.
13. Not a morning person? Try giving up the snooze button on your alarm clock to be better-disciplined. Practice makes perfect.
14. Ladies, could you give up make-up?
15. How about giving up watching television and movies for this sacred season? Replace that viewing with something more meaningful or important.
16. Music is such a big part of the culture in which we live, consider giving up your favorite playlists on your iPod and listen only to Christian music. There are lots of varieties available including Christian rock.
Part II: Go For It!!
Again most of my previous suggestions above have involved some level of sacrifice. Now I will give some ideas for proactive ways to spend Lent:
17. Improve your spirit of giving by doing random acts of kindness. I noticed this trend after the tragic deaths in Sandy Hook in December: People did random acts of kindness in honor of those who were killed. Some of the ideas listed on
this blog brought tears to my eyes.
If you have ever had someone pay your toll at a bridge or pick up your lunch tab at a restaurant, you know that it was unexpected and made you smile. Pass on the goodness with which you have been blessed by doing spontaneous
random acts of kindness.
18. In the same manner, schedule some volunteer hours at your local soup kitchen, food pantry, and other hands-on charitable organizations. Consider serving the daily hot meal at
Catholic Charities' Our Daily Bread.
19. I love this idea: Make a list of 40 persons who have touched your life in a meaningful way and write a note/letter to one each day of Lent letting them know of the impact they have made on your life. People of all ages could do this and enjoy this reflection on good memories and gratitude for all the people on their list. The recipients will be overjoyed with the results. Just ask any teacher who has ever had a grateful note from a former student. Priceless.
20. Do you talk a lot? Maybe for Lent, you will try to be a better listener and tune into the thoughts, ideas, and concerns of those around you instead.
Can't stop talking? Make a few visits to elderly at the local assisted living facility or nursing home. So many of our elderly yearn for companionship.
21. Examine your gifts and talents: Then pass it on. I challenged our students in this manner: If you do well in Math, help tutor someone who is having a tough time. Play a musical instrument? Then encourage another person who is interested in learning and give them lessons. Talented in your sport? Show another person how to better their athletic skills. Are you super-organized? Help another person straighten out their locker and binder, and get them on a better path for academic success. There are a multitude of ways to pass on your God-given gifts and talents to those around you.
Prayer, Mass, and Reconciliation:
22. Saint Louis De Monfort said, "The Rosary is a priceless treasure inspired by God." Pray the rosary for the special intentions of a different friend or family member each day of Lent. Some say that it takes thirty days to form a habit. What better habit to form than praying the rosary? Think you don't have enough time? Try praying the rosary while you drive. (See number 7.)
Pope Saint Pius X shared: "Of all prayers, the rosary is the most beautiful and the richest in graces.... Therefore, love the Rosary and recite it every day with devotion: this is the testament which I leave unto you so that you may remember me by it." Print out this
rosary guide to help you with the mysteries and prayers, if needed.
23. Consider going to Mass more often during Lent. Our parishes see a greater number attending daily morning (or lunch hour, where available) Mass during both Advent and Lent. The Mass aids that are available now are a wonderful way to enter more deeply into the liturgical celebration during all seasons of the Church Year. Many of us carried our personal missals or breviaries with us to Mass. Now there are many other options available to enhance your experience of worship. I have subscribed to "
Magnificat" since it first came out over ten years ago. It not only includes the readings and prayers for daily Mass, but also has morning and evening prayer, writings of the saints, and information on each holy day or patron saint. Eighteen months ago another similar Mass aid, "
Give Us This Day," was offered by Liturgical Press. My husband gave me a two-year subscription for Christmas. I use both of them for personal and school prayer. Each softbound book is filled with excellent helps to assist us during prayer and Mass. And both companies offer a free sample, as well as online options and apps for your smart phones and iPads.
24. Participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this sacred season. The Archdiocese of Baltimore started a wonderful program in 2011 called “
The Light is on for You” to encourage Catholics to reconnect with the sacrament during Lent. This link has some great resources and guides for preparing to celebrate this wonderful sacrament of spiritual healing and renewal.
25. Let’s leave this last idea open-ended and unspoken. You know yourself better than anyone else. You know what you need to do to put God first and to honor and help those around you. You know what you could do to better the condition of those who are less-fortunate. And only you know best if you need to re-prioritize your life.
Take some time over the last few days before the distractions of Mardi Gras to make an age-appropriate personal plan and put it into action starting on Ash Wednesday. You will be a better person for making the time and effort to get closer to God through your sacrifices and works of mercy.
My Plans for Lent:
Last year I did several private devotions each day, but I also did a more-public spiritual work of mercy by randomly selecting two people from my vast Facebook network each day and offering prayers and random acts of kindness in their honor. By posting this publicly it made me accountable to them and to my prayerful efforts. And in the resulting connection with these persons I found that many were in definite need of special prayers at that very time. There are no coincidences with God. I also found that a good number promised to pass on the prayers to those in their lives who were in need. Passing-it-on is always a Win-Win for everyone involved in good works. I plan to continue this effort this Lent.
Not Like a New Year's Resolution.
Always remember, if you don’t succeed in sticking to your plan each day, don’t give up as one might with a New Year’s resolution. Just put your best foot forward the next day and try again.
I have had some students and colleagues tell me over the years that they forgot about no-meat on Friday. I tell them not to panic, rather try to stay away from meat on Saturday that week and try to remember the following Friday.
The Church advocates all Fridays as special days of sacrifice in union with our Lord's ultimate sacrifice for us on Good Friday. We are taught that all Fridays should be days of prayer and sacrifice year-round. The U.S. Bishops
Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence is a great read.
God loves our efforts to be better and holier people. I am certain that He will give us the graces we need to be faithful to Him in all areas of our lives during Lent and all the sacred seasons of the Church Year.
God is Good!! All the Time!!
February 09, 2013 03:46
By Patti Murphy Dohn
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