Monthly Archives: October 2014

Foundations

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

“Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the capstone” (Ephesians 2:20)

On This Date…

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The Justin E. Diny Science Center at Archmere

On October 28, 1973, a Sunday, Bishop Thomas Mardaga of Wilmington dedicated the Justin E. Diny Science Center at Archmere. Assisting Bishop Mardaga was Father Justin Diny, O.Praem., headmaster and Father Robert Sliben, O.Praem., principal and math teacher. The building was named in honor of Father Diny who taught chemistry, math, and Latin before becoming headmaster in 1946. Before the science building was constructed, biology, chemistry, and physics were taught in The Manor and 9th grade science was taught in the current language lab in St. Norbert Hall.

At Mass today we heard that we are “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the capstone”. At Archmere we are also built on the foundation of teachers and administrators like Father Diny and Father Sliben.

– Father McLaughlin

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Father Justin Diny, O.Praem

 

 

Open the Doors to Christ

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

“In sending us Jesus, the Eternal Son made man, God has drawn near to each of us. In Christ He has become our traveling companion.”(Pope John Paul II)

On This Date…

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Saint Peter’s Square

On October 22, 1978, Pope John Paul II was inaugurated as pope. In his homily that day at Mass he said, “Be not afraid! Open the doors to Christ.” Pope John Paul had been elected four days earlier.

When Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, the thousands of mourners gathered in Saint Peter’s Square began to cry out, “Santo Subito” (“sainthood immediately”). Pope Francis canonized Pope John Paul II on April 27, 2014 and today is his feast day.

This morning Mr. Gabriel shared these words of St. John Paul II with the Auk Ministry Team: “In sending us Jesus, the Eternal Son made man, God has drawn near to each of us. In Christ He has become our traveling companion.” So, unafraid, let us “Open the doors to Christ.”

– Father McLaughlin

What Matters to God

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

“…rich in what matters to God” (Luke 12:21)

On This Date…

At noon on Monday, October 20, 1924, Father James Kern, O.Praem., died during surgery in Austria at age 27. He was shot at age 19 while serving in the army during World War I. He was discharged from the army at age 20 and joined the Norbertines; he was ordained in 1922 at age 25. The following year he had surgery again on his war wound, and during his recuperation ministered to many sick people. He said, “The believer knows that suffering is a difficult path but that it ends up in bright light and warmth which awaits us on the other side of the grave.” When his body was exhumed in 1956 his right hand, which he used to bless people, was found incorrupt.

Pope Saint John Paul II beatified Father James in Vienna, Austria on June 21, 1998, encouraging all to follow this “hero of the Church.” Father James Kern was, as Jesus said in today’s Gospel, “rich in what matters to God”.

– Father McLaughlin

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Blessed James Kern