I have just returned from a mission trip that took place in Chimbote, Peru, about six hours north of Lima, the capital city of Peru. I am so blessed that St. Ann Catholic Church had given me the opportunity to visit the parish that they continually support in Chimbote, Peru. I had many expectations about my trip to third world country. I was looking forward to having my eyes opened to the face of poverty, and the joy of those whose only riches are found in our savior, Jesus Christ. What I experienced was beyond what I could have possibly expected.
Chimbote is a city that was created to support the fishing industry. This city is located near the Pacific Ocean, but is surround by arid desert. If I didn't know better I would have though someone had brought me to the Sahara Desert. The city is busy with noise of cab drivers honking, speaking blaring music, and the occasional whistle of a police officer. I saw living conditions that shocked me, and houses that I couldn't believe people lived in.
Though what stands out the most was the people I encountered. An eighteen year old mother with a 12 day old baby. A old woman hunched over so much that she was bent over. Not to mentioned the many people with disabilities. However, it was the faith of these people that made such a powerful impression upon me. They look to God for answers and have faith that God will take care of them. They even say a prayer after the collection asking the Lord to bless what they have offered to God and his Church.
I hoped that this trip would broaden my view of the Church and its purpose in this world. I have returned with a different perspective on this world we live in, and my priesthood has taken on a new meaning. As I look toward Thanksgiving, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for, and that there is bountiful harvest that I have been invited to work on.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
High School Revisited....
High School Revisited!
This year is my 10th anniversary of High School graduation. I don’t know what happened with my Class of ’99, but I haven’t heard about any events to celebrate. Perhaps they left me off the invitation list (teary eyed).
I enjoyed High School. I even remember most of the words to the Alma Mater and enjoy singing it on occasion. The great memories of classes, teachers, athletics, friends, etc. I can’t believe it has been 10 years!
God is good! Even if my classmates abandoned me, God has not (Is 49.15). My first year in the priesthood, in the Year for Priests, God has brought me to John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee…Go Panthers!
Over these past few months since the academic year began I’ve had the opportunity to relive the excitement of High School simply being in their presence. Once a month I offer Mass on Friday and if there are other events going on, such as this coming weekend, they will perform Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol, I’ll try to attend. I’ve enjoyed attending the various Fall sports, however, I must admit that I’d rather be playing than watching. Recently, the girl’s volleyball team won the Regional Championship and will advance to the State Finals this week…once again…Go Panthers!
I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my 10th anniversary! Thanks JPII!!
Father Will Ganci
This year is my 10th anniversary of High School graduation. I don’t know what happened with my Class of ’99, but I haven’t heard about any events to celebrate. Perhaps they left me off the invitation list (teary eyed).
I enjoyed High School. I even remember most of the words to the Alma Mater and enjoy singing it on occasion. The great memories of classes, teachers, athletics, friends, etc. I can’t believe it has been 10 years!
God is good! Even if my classmates abandoned me, God has not (Is 49.15). My first year in the priesthood, in the Year for Priests, God has brought me to John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee…Go Panthers!
Over these past few months since the academic year began I’ve had the opportunity to relive the excitement of High School simply being in their presence. Once a month I offer Mass on Friday and if there are other events going on, such as this coming weekend, they will perform Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol, I’ll try to attend. I’ve enjoyed attending the various Fall sports, however, I must admit that I’d rather be playing than watching. Recently, the girl’s volleyball team won the Regional Championship and will advance to the State Finals this week…once again…Go Panthers!
I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my 10th anniversary! Thanks JPII!!
Father Will Ganci
Monday, November 2, 2009
Life is changed not ended...
"Life is changed, not ended." These words echoed in my mind as I celebrated the commemoration of All Souls. Since I have been at St. Ann's, there have been numerous funerals. Some we (The Staff and I) were expecting and others caught us by surprise. As the names of the faithful departed over my short time at St. Ann came to mind, I began to truly understand that simple phrase, "In death, life is changed, not ended." Just about every funeral I have concelebrated with my pastor, he choose the first preface for Christian Funerals, which includes that phrase. I knew of course that we must die to this world to be reborn in life eternal, but there is something more to this phrase.
A parishioner mentioned that a certain parishioner who had died was one of the pillars of St. Ann's. Without missing a beat I said, "Now he is part of the foundation." It was then I realized that the lives of this parish family have not only effect on earth, but continue to pray for us in heaven. I knew of the concept of the communion of saints, those in purgatory, and the Church present, but it was only then did I experience with such power the love of God that binds us all together.
With that in mind, the Eucharist, as the point at which heaven kisses earth, is nothing short of experiencing God's love. What an honor that God has chosen me, a weak man, to bring about such a reality!
A parishioner mentioned that a certain parishioner who had died was one of the pillars of St. Ann's. Without missing a beat I said, "Now he is part of the foundation." It was then I realized that the lives of this parish family have not only effect on earth, but continue to pray for us in heaven. I knew of the concept of the communion of saints, those in purgatory, and the Church present, but it was only then did I experience with such power the love of God that binds us all together.
With that in mind, the Eucharist, as the point at which heaven kisses earth, is nothing short of experiencing God's love. What an honor that God has chosen me, a weak man, to bring about such a reality!
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