This Asian Brush Painting on Japanese Shikishi Board, symbolizes for me the essence of Advent, a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of The Christ Child, God’s giftto our world.
Although we usually think of a gift as something that is purchased, I’m reminded that during his time on earth, Jesus gave few material things to people. Rather, his gifts were treasures of the heart: belief in self, inner healing, peace of mind, compassion, forgiveness, dignity, and justice. This loving presence now lives on in us, yet it’s so easy to get caught-up in the “Christmas Rush” and forget that it’s our Presenceand not material things that show how much we love others. Sharing our presence is difficult to do in this culture that keeps promoting material things as a sign of our love. Advent may be a good time to intentionally share the gift of our presence with others each day in simple yet meaningful ways, such as BEing with someone though a phone call, letter, or visit.
As you gaze at the simplicity of this painting, you may want to reflect on the following:
How can I practice “BEing with others during these twenty-five days before Christmas?”
How can I live more simply in this consumer-driven society?
How can I celebrate Christmas in a more meaningful and spiritual way?
When the feast of Christmas arrives, may we be more aware of the loving presence of Jesus within us, and continue to touch the lives of others though this Gift of Presence!
Sister Ave Clark, O.P., received the St. Catherine of Siena Award from her order, the Sisters of St. Dominic, Amityville, at a Nov. 2 reception. Presenting the award is Sister Mary Pat Neylon, O.P., prioress. (Photo: Michael Rizzo)
Generous. A gift giver. A saint.
Those were some of the many accolades heaped on Sister Ave Clark, O.P., who received the St. Catherine of Siena Award from her fellow Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville, L.I., at the annual Dominican Gala on Nov. 2.
Sister Ave was honored for the work of her Heart to Heart Ministry, based in Bayside, through which she conducts retreats and offers counseling in parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn and throughout the New York metropolitan area.
About 300 people attended the reception at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, N.Y.
Love, Given and Received
From the start of the festivities, Sister Ave could be seen welcoming the many attendees with enthusiastic hugs. She seemed to know each of them by name. And that energy came back to her tenfold.
“She sends out love and she’s full of love,” Pat Lannon said of the night’s honoree. Lannon, who grew up in Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish, Williamsburg, now leads the prayer group at St. Catherine of Sienna parish, Franklin Square, L.I., in which Sister Ave participates.
“She can meet complete strangers and take them into her heart,” Lannon added.
Sister Ave felt the love and gave it right back. “It’s a humble, wonderful, holy feeling,” she said of being honored, “with all the memories I have of what I’ve learned from all of these people.”
To Giulia Dimilta of Immaculate Conception parish in Astoria, that was classic Sister Ave.
“She teaches you to do everything with love,” Dimilta said. “Just her voice alone is soothing and so calm.”
Before recognizing Sister Ave, the gala honored Al Roker, the meteorologist on NBC News’ Today Show, with its Veritas Award. Roker could not attend the dinner but sent a video thanking the Dominican Sisters who taught him at St. Catherine of Siena’s elementary school in St. Albans.
The introduction of Sister Ave began with James Palmaro of St. Augustine parish Park Slope reciting his poem “Another Candle.”
Palmaro, who is blind, met Sister Ave at a retreat in 2017 and said they’ve been in touch ever since.
“That’s the Dominican way,” he said on why he chose this poem to recite for his friend, “to light a candle to dispel darkness and that’s what she does.”
In her acceptance remarks, Sister Ave, who grew up in Holy Innocents parish in East Flatbush, spoke of the people, young and old, who have touched her life. She thanked her family and friends as well as her fellow religious.
Sister Ave invited some friends to join her on stage to hold tea lights and sing, “This Little Light of Mine.”
Spreading Her Light
She also called up to the stage several special needs adults she supports in St. Matthias’ parish in Ridgewood and Sacred Heart parish in Bayside and had them hold tiny tealight candles.
“Sing with me,” she then said, and led the entire room in the gospel song, “This Little Light of Mine.”
She encouraged everyone present to be lights for those less fortunate.
“She reaches out to those in need and helps them and that’s our mission,” said Sister Mary Pat Neylon, O.P., prioress of the Amityville Dominicans.
“She has an unassuming way and keeps her sense of humor even in suffering. We picked the right one to represent us,” she said.
Sister Ave’s suffering included a 2004 train accident that leaves her walking with a cane. But as one friend said, even a train crash couldn’t stop her.
So, as the night turned from dinner to dancing, there was Sister Ave – her cane held high like a modern-day Moses parting the waters of revelers – encouraging everyone to celebrate this joyous evening with her.
The proceeds from the Dominican Gala, estimated at about $150,000 for this year’s event, support the ministries of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville in the New York area and as far as Puerto Rico.
Click here to view the video shown at Sr. Ave's Award ceremony
Please click HERE
to listen and watch a youtube video of this song by Chris Rice. As you
view, sing along and ponder the beautiful gift of the light we have to
give and share with others especially those in need. Let us be the light
of compassion...the light of hope...and the light of love in our
world. Be courageous, generous of heart. Give your light and in return I
am sure you will receive the light of Grace.
There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home
Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame
Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
We are a family, whose hearts are blazing
So let's raise our candle and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times
Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
Peace~~Prayer
is for all to connect in spirit and prayer for Peace and non-violence.
To stand in solidarity for a world connected with compassion, hope and
respect for all. To receive a pin, please email pearlbud7@aol.com.
Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hated, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; 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
Of all the extraordinary women in Scripture, one stands out above all others as the most blessed, most highly favored by God. Indeed, no woman is more truly remarkable than Mary.
I was drawn to this style of painting, Mexican Folk Art, because of its old-world charm and irregularity, The rough-hewn brush strokes touched my heart and reminded me of my own imperfections.
Mary didn't give one thought if her own flaws when the Angel Gabriel entered her home and said,"You are favored by the Lord. The Lord is with you." There was no second guessing about her opinion of herself. She accepted with an open heart the Love of God upon her. She didn't grasp, at first, any of what the Angel announced because of her innocence. However, once explained, she said "YES". Mary ... trusted and surrendered. Her faith exemplifies Hebrews 11:1-2, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for."
When God calls upon you, will you say yes without complete understanding? Will you question your own ability, doubting that God knows what He's doing in your life? Mary, a beautiful example of obedience, faith and unbridled trust. She praised, not doubted, lifting her voice and honoring God "my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 1:46-47.
Painting and Meditation by Susan Pussilano
Please enjoy these two paintings by Sr. Mary Anna Euring, O.P.
The novelist Dostoevsky tells us that "The world will be saved by beauty". This prophetic statement inspired Pope John Paul II in his "Letter to Artists" to suggest that when humanity is challenged (as it is today), BEAUTY and WONDER can draw it forward. As Spring bursts forth around us through sight, sound, smell and touch, may we be deeply aware of the beauty that surrounds us, and know that we, individually and collectively, can save our world.
We are all on the journey called “Life”! As you reflect on this Asian Brush painting, you may notice that there is darkness and light, mountains and valleys, twists and turns, a bridge to cross over, and hidden places to stop and rest. If you look closely, you may even see paths of your own personal journey and recall the persons in your life who have been there to encourage, inspire and support you in times of both joy and sorrow. If you wish, sit quietly with the painting and reflect on “What path am I on now in my life journey”, and know that you are not alone. As Paula D’Arcy has said: “God comes to us disguised as our life”.
“Sunrise Serenade”
Asian Brush Painting by Sister Mary Anna Euring, OP
Surrounded by such beauty in the Canadian Rockies, all I could say was “Thank You!”, and years later, paint it from memory. Each day, no matter where we are, or what we may be dealing with in our lives, we are surrounded by beauty. During November, a month of remembrance and thanksgiving, I invite you to see, really see, the beauty in your life, the beauty of others, the beauty of our earth, the beauty of YOU, and be filled with gratefulness.
You may want to visit Brother David Steindl-Rast’s website which has deepened my sense of gratitude and wonder: www.gratefulness.org (especially his video “A Good Day”)!
Faith makes all things possible
Hope makes all things bright
Love makes all things easy
Let Jesus be in your heart
Eternity in your spirit
The world under your feet
The will of God in your actions
And…Let the love of God shine forth from you
Imagine a “Lighted ” candle for every time you’ve listened, cared, forgiven, laughed, hoped, helped, comforted or put someone else before yourself.
Imagine this “lighted ” candle for every quiet, hidden, unassuming and very compassionate extra tablespoon of love you have given to others.
Every time you made a small, but meaningful difference in someone else’s life this small lighted candle becomes a deep, wonderful and forever Light of Peace and helps to make the world so much warmer and peace filled.
Take your candle wherever you go….leave it lit in someone’s heart.
Lent…..a time to be still…..and hold your heart with a Faithfilled-Prayer.
A Time to share our Faith in word, deed and example as a loving and dedicated Christian. Time to pray quietly, offer prayer with others and outstretched hearts of love to one another…those in need and those who knock on our hearts with challenges and wonderful happiness…to be the Light of Jesus’ Love…here and now is truly a Blessing.
Special Reflection: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 1 John 4:7-12
Heart~Prayer Sharing:
What is better…to give up candy or to give kindness, hope and understanding
What is better.. to give up….an attitude of indifference or a harmful word
What is better…..to spend time thinking good thoughts
What is better….to just do, say and be…the goodness in life
Ingredients:
2 pkgs. chicken breast
4 oz. or more prosciutto (cut into small pieces)
1/2 bag fresh spinach
8 oz. fresh mushroom (sliced thin)
1 envelope lipton secret savory herb & garlic
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp butter
8 oz. shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Preheat over 375 degrees
Spray 13 x 9 pan with Pam
Flash fry chicken with olive oil & 2 tbsp. butter
Make layer of chicken in pan – cover with prosciutto pieces – top with spinach – top with mushrooms
continue to make layers.
Whisk together olive oil – wine & herb from envelope – pour over top
Place foil over lightly – Bake 30 mins. – top with mozzarella cheese & whatever you like on your pizza (oregano, Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper, etc.)
Ingredients
1 lb Lean Ground Beef 95%
1/4 c Seasoned Brad Brumbs
1 Large egg
1 tsp Skim Milk
8 oz Spaghetti broken into 2-3” pieces
3 egg whites
1 oz parmesan cheese freshly shredded (I used the smallest holes on a box grater to shred mine)
1/4 c 2% shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 c plus 3 Tsp Marinara sauce
Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil then lightly mist it with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, egg and skim milk and stir until mixed. Add the ground beef and stir in until thoroughly combined. Split the meat mixture into 12 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Set the balls on the prepared baking sheet and put them in the over to bake for 25 minutes at 350. While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the broken spaghetti pieces according to package directions. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside to cool (I actually stuck mine in the fridge for a few minutes. It doesn’t need to be cold, but you don’t want it to be too hot to handle when you press it into the cups). When the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a saucepot with 1 1⁄2 cups of marinara sauce. Bring the meatballs and sauce over low heat on the stovetop, just to keep it all warm. Stir occasionally. Turn the heat on the oven up to 400 degrees. OPTIONAL: Parsley or chopped fresh basil (optional garnish)
Ingredients
1 lb Penne Pasta
2 tbsp Olive oil
1/4 cup Vodka
1 can Crished Tomatoe
1/3 cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
Cooking Time: 15 min.
While pasta is cooking - heat oil - add vodka - raise heat-cook 30 seconds - stir in tomatoes salt & pepper. Cook 10 minutes on medium heat - stir occasionally - reduce heat - stir in cream cook 5 minutes - do not boil - drain pasta well - add half sauce - mix - top with rest. serve with Parmesan cheese.
