All Saints Parish Homilies and News

https://oneturkeyrun.blogspot.com/2020/01/historic-structural-drawings-may.html I hope the All Saints blog readers will open this r eport (link above), published in The Washington Post, and the echo posted here, about the challenges involved in the proposed renovations to Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral. In fact, the interesting history and updated news reported in this article point to how important it is for architects to understand the intricacies involved in the past restorations of the Gothic Cathedral. In other words, a fully restored Cathedral de Notre Dame will involve architectural history and involve proposed current designs. Sadly, a complete restoration my not be possible. Construction of Notre Dame Cathedral de Paris began in 1160 AD.

My husband and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity see the Pietà when it was on exhibit at the New York World's Fair and two times when we were fortunate to see the masterpiece in Saint Peter's Bascilica.  This article was published in the newsletter Aleteia by E.M.Traverso.  7 Little-known facts about Michelangelo’s Pietà The most moving sculpture in Catholic art has a very interesting history. Out of the all the finest works of sculpture completed by Michelangelo, the Pietà is probably the one held most dear by Catholics. A lifeless Jesus is depicted in pose of spiritual abandonment on the lap of an angel-faced Mary. The whole composition evokes a deep sense of sorrow, symbolizing the very virtue after which it is named (piety, which may also be translated as pity or compassion). But not many Catholics may know that the Pietà traveled to New York in 1964 or that it was almost destroyed by a vandal in 1972. Here are some little-known facts about one of the...

My Bangor Daily News blog: Most notable 2019 French news- Fire in Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral :  PARIS, France - My heart breaks every time I see the photographs taken on April 15, 2019, when Notre Dame de Paris was ablaze. But, what happened to Saint Joan?  In my opinion, the devastation of the the Gothic icon Notre Dame Cathedral was the most significant 2019, news with lasting impact on French culture and history. Devastating Notre Dame fire in Paris, April 15, 2019

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Maria, gratia plena, Maria, gratia plena BRUNSWICK, Maine - Beautiful liturgy celebrated at St. John the Baptist in Brunswick on New Year's Day 2020, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God,, with Father Tom Murphy, pastor, celebrant.  A feast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church on 1 January, the Octave (8th) day of Christmastide. Singing the Ave Maria in Latin * , with organ accompaniment, as the Communion Hymn, was especially moving.  I regret not knowing the soloists' or organist's names, but they certainly moved the congregation with the solo and organ accompaniment.  Excellent acoustics in the St. John's sanctuary were perfect for the singing of this classic prayer and hymn. Nativity in St. John the Baptist Church, Brunswick, Maine, on New Year's Day 2020. * I've posted this hymn sung by Luciano Pavarott...

Advent 2019, at All Saints Parish: Sheila Murphy led Sacred Waiting, a faith seminar, at All Saints Parish, in Maine.  On December 8, 2019, she led the second seminar.  A reflection on the life of Jean Vanier. Jean Vanier lived the beautiful mystery of our human condition that we need one another, young and old, strong and weak. http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/jean-vanier-the-legacy-of-a-giant-in-humanity?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_rfvBRCPARIsANlV66NK1oxVXOd0xXQLntEDHnu2BFB4-95NagIOOeRPGvJHx1PwTqyc_yMaApDxEALw_wcB An enlightening Advent program with reflections about the inspired life of Jan Vanier.  Jean Vanier inspired countless people with his simple message that people with disabilities are teachers. Thank you Sheila Murphy for leading this informative program. We examined how we would respond to caring for people who live with serious disabilities if we had the opportunity to do so. American Magazine article describes Jan Vanier  by Colleen Dulle https://www.am...

BRUNSWICK, Me - Thank you to Deacon John Murphy, M.D., for presenting medical and religious expertise to the Saturday, November 16, 2019, program about Three Beliefs , the Diocesan Advanced Health Care Directive document.   Three Beliefs is a guide for Maine Catholics that offers valuable assistance and information regarding end-of-life issues. The 20-page document, produced by the Diocese of Portland, includes: an explanation of Catholic teaching on life-sustaining treatment and care; an introductory letter from Bishop Robert P. Deeley; the Maine Advance Directive form modified to ensure consistency with both Catholic teaching and Maine law; and a helpful FAQ section. For a printer-friendly version of Three Beliefs, click here . To view a color version of Three Beliefs, click here . Additional resources and information on a variety of topics regarding Catholic teaching on the end of life can be found below. Copies of Three Beliefs are also available by contacting...

Twelve Points of Agreement signed by the Vatican By Anne Kurian Pope Francis: The Declaration was handed to Pope Francis during a hearing. End of Life: Joint Declaration agreed by the Three Abrahamic Religions- "... text published in English and Italian" A “full agreement” and a common commitment: this is the substance of the Declaration signed on October 28, 2019, in the Vatican, by the three Abrahamic religions – Christians, Jews, Muslims – about the end of life. The signatories “categorically” refuse euthanasia and assisted suicide and plead for accompaniment of the person: “effectively alleviate suffering, keep company and give emotional and spiritual support”. The representatives of monotheistic religions also oppose the relentless treatment: “When death is imminent despite the means used, it is justified to take the decision to refuse certain medical treatments that would do nothing but extend a life precarious, painful, suffering." This statement, ...