June 2014 156

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Fr. Stuart - Jesus’ love and trust for us Our Lady of Europe - in Gibraltar, Lourdes & Algatocín Two Saints - Canonisation of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II Lay Franciscans - Admissions Ceremony for Candidates Teaching - The origin of the Feast of Corpus Christ JOY TO ALL MEN AND PEACE TO MANKIND

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Fr. Stuart encourages us to pray

Feeling o O

ne of the greatest privileges and responsibilities we have been given by God, is to pray not only for ourselves, but for others as well. The Lord Jesus lived a life full of prayer, blessing, and gratitude. He prayed for his disciples, especially when they were in great need or danger. Mark tells us in his gospel account (see chapter 6:46-51) that when Jesus was praying alone on the mountain

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he saw that his disciples were in great distress due to a lifethreatening storm that was beating against their boat. Jesus immediately came to their rescue - walking on the waves of the rough waters before he calmed them! Luke records in his gospel account, the words of Jesus to Simon Peter shortly before Jesus’ arrest and Peter’s denial of the Lord three times “Simon,

Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift

you like wheat, but

I have prayed for you, Simon, that your

faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32).

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overwhelmed?

Jesus’ prayers were personal, direct, and focused on the good of others.

The longest recorded prayer of Jesus is found in the Gospel of John, the “high priestly” prayer which Jesus prayed aloud at his last supper meal with his disciples (John 17). This prayer most clearly reveals the heart of Jesus - who and what he loved most - love for his Father and love for those who believed in him. His prayer

focused on the love and unity he desired for all who would believe in him and follow him, not only in the present, but in the future as well. Jesus’

prayer concludes with

a petition for the

unity among all Christians who profess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Jesus prays for all men and women who will come after him and follow him as his disciples. In a special way Jesus prays here for each one of us, that

as members of his body the Church, we would be one as he and his Father are one. The unity of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, with the eternal Father, is a unity of mutual love, service, and honor, and a oneness of mind, heart, and spirit. The Lord Jesus calls each and every one of his followers into this unity of mutual love, service, honor, and friendship with all who belong to Christ.

Jesus’ prayer on the eve of his sacrifice shows the great love and trust he had for his

beloved disciples. He knew they would abandon him in his

Upon this Rock magazine is published monthly by EuropeAxess Media, Gibraltar. Editor: Fr. S. Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.gi Production Editor: A. Sargent angela@europeaxess.com Upon this Rock magazine is entirely supported by advertising and donations. It is run in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar by EuropeAxess Media Ltd. as a not-for-profit project. For Advertisers: This magazine is hand-delivered to homes, churches, hospitals and many businesses around Gibraltar every month. To discuss your advertising requirements, or promote your church group or charity, call Tel: +350 200 79335 email: angela@ europeaxess.com. Editorial is selected by EuropeAxess Media in liaison with the Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar. Neither of these parties is responsible for the accuracy

Note on the illustration:

Retouched image of a surfer wearing the robes of Jesus’ time.

Is it Jesus speeding to the rescue? Or is it Simon Peter, his faith faltering, albeit temporarily until he ‘turns back’ to Christ? Look again... Original photo Gaaizka Iroz/ Getty

hour of trial, yet he entrusted to them the great task of spreading his name throughout the world, and to the end of the ages. The Lord Jesus entrusts us today with the same mission – to make him known and loved by all. Jesus died and rose again that all might be one as he and the Father are one. God Bless you, Fr Stuart.

of the information contained herein, nor do the views and opinions expressed herein necessarily reflect the views and opinions of either party. Advertisers are not endorsed by virtue of advertising in this magazine. EuropeAxess Media Ltd. reserves the right to refuse space to any submissions or advertisements. Efforts have been made to establish copyright owners of images, but if we have used your material, and have not credited you, please contact us to discuss restoration. The magazine is online at uponthisrock.gi. You’ll find exclusive Christian gifts in the WebShop. COVER PIC: Bishop Ralph Heskett and Fr. Stuart lead the Gibraltar pilgrims at the head of the candlelit procession in Lourdes. Photo: J. Tewkesbury

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A Decree of Heroic Virtue

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abemus Papam! The most eagerly awaited Latin announcement, from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, declaring the end of the conclave and election of a new Pope. Millions greet the announcement with cheers of joy, it reminds me of New Year celebrations, when in a similar vein we greet a New Year as yet unknown to us. We seem to accept it on faith and hope alone and it is likewise with a new Pope who is, as yet, unknown. The present Vicar of Christ, Pope

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Francis, has made himself known to us through his self-effacing acts of humility, openness, and his love and concern for the poor “How I would like a Church that is poor, for the poor”. There have been 265 Popes since St. Peter, 82 of which have been declared saints, and when this centuries old process was carried out, before a tidal wave of humanity which had descended on Rome on a gloomy and grey Sunday morning, it felt new again. This occasion was a historical first as never before, since the procedure was established by Pope Gregory IX

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Pope Francis reads the Decree for the Canonization of two of his predecessors. Historically, this event unfolded in the presence of another living predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, seen reading in the photo opposite.

in 1234, had two Popes been declared saints at the same time. Those being declared saints are seen to have led a holy enough life to be already in the presence of God after death. They are prayed to for intercession, and miracles are attributed to them. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, the 27th of April 2014, it seemed that the world had come to Rome. All night prayer vigils had been held, a group of twenty two from Poland had arrived after a 2,000kms relay marathon run, just to say thank you to Pope John Paul II, and flags of various countries waved their

joy. Before this vast crowd and millions watching on T.V., Pope Francis, in a simple and profound declaration, proclaimed Pope John XIII and Pope John Paul II saints. The crowd burst into spontaneous applause, it was an emotional moment, and the Mass continued. The Gospel was read in Greek and Latin, the Readings in Latin and Polish. The Gospel of John 20, 19:31 was sung, followed by Pope Francis’ homily on the theme of doubting Thomas. It was simple and to the point. The huge crowd, witnessing the ceremony, included 24 heads

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Anne Mesilio writes about two blessed men who became Saints

true. He became much travelled,

of state, 150 Cardinals, 1,000 Bishops, 6,000 priests and 1,000 garbage collectors. From their vantage point atop St. Peters Basilica, the 140 statues of saints had an enviable view! So too did I from the comfort of my sofa. Who were these two men whose larger than life portraits gazed enigmatically out over St. Peter’s square on a day that saw four Popes in one place? Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, retired and retiring took his place unobtrusively and of course Pope Francis. The two new saints were in their lifetime very different in outlook and certainly in the legacy they left behind. John Paul II is the nearest to us in living memory and his pontificate spanned twenty seven years (1978-2005). His election as Pope surprised everyone except the Polish people “A man too big for Poland alone, what Cracow has lost the world will gain”, a statement which proved so very

made a connection with people, “ y o u n g p e o p l e of Ireland I love you”, and is credited with playing a part in the downfall of communism. He embraced Vatican II which his fellow Pope and saint had started in 1962. The Faithfulls’ cries of “Santo Subito” at his funeral Mass were answered only nine years after his death. My mother was very much alive in my heart as I remembered her love for Pope John XIII, known as “good Pope John”. During the six months leading to his death in June 1963, the daily bulletins kept us aware of his illness and every night we were on our knees saying the Rosary for him. He was born Angelo Roncalli, fourth in a family of thirteen in a little village called Sotto il Monte, Bergamo, Italy. They were a poor family of sharecroppers who eked out a living on eight acres of land. “Poverty has held me in its arms since my childhood… I praise all those I know as poor, simple humble folk, good and fearing God”. So, from his village ‘under

the mountain’ to the See of St. Peter came

this humble Pope. He who would fling open the doors and windows and invite the Holy Spirit to preside over the second Vatican Council, which actually came as a shock to many. He wanted to ‘create dialogue where the Church would engage in all the forces of the modern world’. His pontificate lasted only four and a half years but today, it is credited with shaping the modern Catholic Church. As the ceremony drew to

a close and I switched off the television, my thoughts were troubled. Nothing had changed in this world of woe as I contemplated how tormented we are by nature, e.g. famine, floods, earthquakes; by man making war, creating conflicts; by tragedy, the unknown fate of missing flight MH370’s 370 passengers, the appalling loss of young life in the Korean ferry disaster, an avalanche sweeping thirteen Sherpas to their deaths, and the hideous terror group seizures of over two hundred young girls in Nigeria. Now that we have two new saints to intercede for us I could only whisper “Ora pro nobis”. Pray for us.

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Photos courtesy of Algatocín Joven Youth Group

Our Lady of Europe goes to Algatocín

With a message of thanks

O

n Sunday 4 May Monseigneur Charles Azzopardi concelebrated Mass with Father Mariano at the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Algatocín, one of the white villages on the road from Gaucin to Ronda, half way up

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the stunningly beautiful, valley of the lower Genal river. The special Mass, said on the day when the people there were celebrating Mother’s Day, was to mark the presentation of a Statue of Our Lady of Europe. This was given to the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish by a family from Gibraltar who moved into one of the houses in the village there, a few years ago, and wished to give something back to the local town. They wanted to do this as a gesture of their gratitude for the warm welcome with which the people of Algatocin have accepted them into their community, not only with their friendly attitude but also with practical gifts of produce from their gardens and smallholdings such as lemons and fresh eggs. The statue, which can be seen on the Altar in the photograph, is now displayed in a prominent

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position in the church with a poster explaining a little about the meaning of the statue and the devotion to Our Lady of Europe. One thing the white village of Algatocín has in common with Gibraltar, is the cloud for which it is known, due to the high altitude, the town is

often shrouded in early morning cloud, which may or may not disperse during the course of the day. So next time you are out for a Sunday drive, linger a while at Algatocín, to visit the friendly people there and say a prayer before Our Lady of Europe in the Parish Church.

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Research by Louisa Agilera o.v.

Corpus AChristi celebration of the

‘medicine of

immortality’

S

ince the times of the Apostles, Christians have been receiving the Holy Eucharist as part of the celebration of Mass. Jesus instituted this holy meal on the evening before he was crucified. To emphasize the centrality of the Eucharist in the Church, the Pope Paul IV echoed the words of St. Ignatius of Antioch, in his encyclical Mysterium Fidei referring to the Blessed Sacrament the “medicine of immortality.” In his Homilies, St. Ephrem the Syrian taught that even crumbs from the Eucharistic host could sanctify thousands and thousands. Thomas Aquinas considered the Eucharist to be the greatest of all sacraments. The Catholic Catechism summarizes this teaching of the importance of the Eucharist: The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” “The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained

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the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch” (1324). The Thursday after Trinity Sunday was chosen for the date of the Corpus Christi feast because it is a Thursday, the same day Christ instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper and it is the first free Thursday after the Easter season (since the Thursday after Pentecost was a part of the ancient octave of Pentecost). Outdoor processions of the Blessed Sacrament are common in some churches as a way to celebrate Corpus Christi. Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction are also common Corpus Christi devotional practices in many churches.

We will celebrate Corpus Christi on Thursday 19th June, this year. Celebration of Holy Eucharist will be at 7pm at the Piazza, followed by Procession of the Most Holy Sacrament along Main Street to the Cathedral St. Mary the Crowned.

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Photos John Tewksbury

Text Manolo Galiano

Dioscesan Pilgrunage to

LOURDES Braving heavy weather and seismic events last month, pilgrims from Gibraltar led the Lourdes Candlelit Procession and took a prominent role in the International Mass.

A

gain this year, a diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes was organised, ably planned to the last meticulous detail by Richard Martinez, and led by His Lordship, Bishop Ralph Heskett and Father Stuart Chipolina. 54 pilgrims departed on the overland route through Spain and another 24 travelled by air from Seville to Toulouse and then to their final destination of Lourdes. The group travelling by

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coach joined up with the earlier arrivals in the Hotel Astoria Vatican and after an appetising dinner (as indeed were all the meals served in the hotel), made their way to the Grotto for a group rosary in which grateful thanks were given to Our Lady for our safe journey. Lourdes is as much a magnet for first-time visitors as it is for those of us who have gone there on several occasions. It continues to be a unique meeting place for the revival of one’s

faith, a chance to charge one’s batteries and to forget the daily toil and woes, while we dedicate time to our own spiritual needs, opening our mind and soul to what God always wants to give us–His Love. Moreover, the contrast is so great between the hurly-burly of the town, with its innumerable shops selling all kinds of souvenirs and trinkets, and the prayerful peace of the Domain, that it is almost like entering a

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finished we heard a mighty noise like a thunder clap, all the benches were shaking slightly. We were all somewhat taken aback, especially as this happened again just 10

different dimension altogether when one passes through St. Joseph’s Gate. Early morning calls were the order of the day, with Holy Mass being celebrated quite early, and on Monday 28th we were at Mass in the Grotto at 7.30 am, and we all got drenched due to a heavy downpour as well. Despite the inclement weather we had for most our stay in Lourdes, there were no complaints from the pilgrims, many of whom made use of the drinking fountains to further soak their faces and heads in the healing spring water. After breakfast, we returned as a group to the crest of the steep hill above the Sanctuaries to undertake the Stations of the Cross, praying,

minutes later; we subsequently found out that there had been a 4.7 magnitude earthquake 15km from Lourdes, although there was negligible damage and no one was hurt.

meditating and marvelling at the colossal cast iron figures which depict different scenes from the Passion of Our Lord. During the afternoon, we attended a Eucharistic Service in the underground Basilica of St. Pius X. Bishop Ralph himself carried in the Blessed Sacrament and during the Service many of the sick and infirm were blessed, most of them were in wheelchairs or the special wheeled stretchers that are brought from the hospitals nearby. The Basilica of St. Pius X, with a capacity for 20,000 persons, was consecrated on the Centenary of the Apparitions on 25th March 1958 by the future Pope John XXIII, who was canonised together with Pope John Paul II in Rome on the very Sunday of our arrival in Lourdes. On Tuesday 29th April, we heard Mass in the Crypt, situated between the Upper Basilica and the Basilica of the Rosary, and just as Holy Communion had

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The Feast of Our Lady of

EUROPE

On the 5th of May the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe at Europa Point was filled to capacity. After this issue of the magazine went to print, the Annual Procession from St. Bernard\s was held. Many of us took advantage of our free time on that day to follow the Virgin Mary’s invitation to Bernadette to ‘Go, drink at the spring and wash yourself there.’ Going to the baths, which many consider as a preliminary step to Confession. This is a ritual which all pilgrims to the Shrine at Lourdes should undertake, not as a mere penance, but as an acceptance of our own personal vulnerability and of our continual trust in God our Creator. Afterwards, there was plenty of time to visit the Basilicas, view a documentary of the apparitions in Lourdes and get closer to the historical figure of St. Bernadette Soubirous by visiting the Mill of Boly, where she was born and the decrepit Cachot (previously a oneroomed jail) where she lived

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‘The Sower’ Cursillo RetreatDe Colores!

with her family. The International Mass held in the Underground Basilica on Wednesday 30th April, was a huge affair, even at this quieter time of the year, with well over 8,000 people in the congregation and the participation of some 150 priests, eight bishops and an archbishop. There was a general buzz of expectancy as the Basilica filled up and the Gibraltar contingent was rewarded by the sight of the image of Our Lady of Europe carried on high, on a flower decorated stand, along with the banners and standards of communities from allover Europe. That evening it did not rain, which was a great blessing as the image of Our Lady of Europe was again borne aloft leading the Torchlight Procession, which had the Gibraltar pilgrims leading the way just in front of Our Lady of Lourdes. (see front cover pic) Our Lady of Lourdes was followed by the vast numbers of pilgrims from many nations, praying the Rosary and singing the ‘AveMaria’. This special mark of favour is due to our Shrine forming part of the European Marian Network and in the fact that a replica of the Virgin has its own chapel in Lourdes On Thursday 1st May we again heard Mass in the Crypt, and we were delighted that there was no earthquake on this occasion! Later we made the offering of a huge candle at the Grotto, which had the signatures of all the participants. This was presented to the Virgin together with all our

innermost pleas and prayers for family, friends and the sick. Not everything we did was of a spiritual nature, as many of us went on protracted shopping sprees in the narrow and hilly streets, visiting the busy market and even going on a panoramic city train trip in the pouring rain. Friday 2nd May found us bleary-eyed at 4.30am, having a hurried breakfast prior to leaving Lourdes in the rainy darkness for Blagnac Airport in Toulouse and back to Gibraltar, via Seville. There would also be a later second sitting for breakfast for the pilgrims returning to Gibraltar, via Madrid, by coach–they did not arrive until late Saturday evening, although, having no excess weight restrictions, they were able to transport a far greater quantity of Lourdes water back to the Rock. We thank Our Lady of Lourdes for having been with us through the course of this pilgrimage and offer Her the following prayer: ‘0 Holy Virgin, we know that in the midst of your days of glory, you do not forget the sorrows of this earth. Cast a merciful glance upon those who are suffering, struggling with their difficulties, with their lips constantly pressed against life’s bitter cup. Have pity on those who love each other and are separated. Have pity on our rebellious hearts. Have pity on our weak faith. Have pity on those we love. Have pity on those who weep, on those who pray, on those who fear. Grant hope and peace to all. Amen.’

W

e thank God for all the blessings we received during ‘The Sowers’ retreat held 28-30 March 2014.

As always the Lord was very generous with all who attended. Everyone remembered and relived all those special and wonderful moments we lived in our ‘Cusillo’. In this retreat the love of God took over, and everything developed with a lot of love and peace. The Lord keeps sowing the seed in all hearts, especially in those who are open to his Spirit, so that we can carry on working in his vineyard and cooperating with him to produce good fruit to glorify his name. De Colores! Eric Goldwin

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Looking back on lent 2014

Lenten talks

•Guidance on the use of The Creighton Model System is available in Gibraltar from: Dr Monique Risso MB ChB MRCGP General Practitioner and NaPro Technology Physician • Specialist Medical Clinic, Unit 7, First Floor, ICC Building, Casemates Square, Gibraltar. • Tel: +350 200 49999 • www.ladyofeuropefertilitycare.com

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A Very Big

Thank You to Albert and Emily

T

here are many people who have worked behind the scenes on the Upon This Rock magazine, some who’s names never appear in print, nor do they ask for recognition.

From proofreaders, to photographers, writers, those who help with the finances, printers, binders, drivers and distributors we have been blessed by willing helpers. Albert Brugada is just such a person, he has been on the team for over ten years, and it is certain that without his generosity the magazine could not have carried on for as long as it has. Behind every good man, there is a good woman, and we would also like to acknowledge the help Emily has given, in quiet support of Albert’s work. We know that he has been busy, not only with the magazine, but also for very many charitable causes where he has helped out around the Diocese. What has most touched me in recent years, and sets Albert apart from the rest of us, is that even while he has been unwell, and receiving treatment, he has continued to work on the telephone, from his hospital bed. There is no doubt he is one giant of a man, in what he has accomplished over the years. I know everyone on the team joins me in saying once again, ‘Thank You and God Bless You’, Albert and Emily!

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The Secular Franciscan Order New

Admissions

I

t was with great joy that we welcomed Aileen Borastero, Dianne Fisher, Marie Carmen Latin, Nicole Lopez, Gianna Pitto, Olympia Reyes, and Joanna Torres into the Divine Mercy Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order. They were admitted on Saturday 3rd May 2014 after 7pm Mass at St. Bernard’s Church, after over a year of initial formation. They have undergone a period of Orientation and a time of Enquiry. They will now embark on at least one more year of formation (Candidacy),

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which will lead (if each one and the Council agree) to their Profession into the Order. Secular Franciscans commit themselves to a way of life spelled out in Art. 4 of the OFS Rule as follows: “The Rule and Life of the Secular Franciscans is this: to observe the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the centre of his life with God and people…“ The Rule says simply: “Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the gospel,

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going from gospel to life and life to the gospel.” This is at the root of our lives. Secular Franciscan live in the world, draw strength from the Gospel of Jesus and share in the spirit of the Franciscan Family. They seek to give flesh to the Gospel vision and our lifelong commitment is to continue the journey of learning and applying the Gospel in daily life. Following the Gospel is neither easy nor simple but fraternal life helps us to find our way and to support others so attending the Fraternity Meeting is essential. We also gain inspiration from

the life, example and the writings of St. Francis and St. Clare and many Franciscan resources. St. Francis exhorts us to desire above all things “the Spirit of God at work within them”. The spirituality of the Secular Franciscan is a plan of life centred on the person and on the following of Christ, rather than a detailed program to be put into practice. (Rule Art. 5) Belonging to the OFS affects our whole of life therefore we need to witness in our homes, our work and among friends. We seek to develop a prayerful spirit. Equally we seek to

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forgive each other when we hurt one another. We have a hopeful spirit. Fraternity-community may need a new approach to life. We know for a fact that

daily conversion is essential… Individually and in fraternity we participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist and also attend retreats

RIP Diego Balbuena

O

n Saturday 17th May our Lord took our beloved Brother Diego Balbuena to himself after a long and painful illness. He died as peacefully as he lived. He was professed into the Secular Franciscan Order on 18 January 1999 with his wife Vivian, who has been with him every step of the way, through joy and suffering. Diego was always a very active and faithful member of our fraternity, working on all our endeavours with faith and enthusiasm. He was a devoted husband and father and we know he will be greatly missed by all but we

know that we have another of our brothers interceding for us. I would like to share with you the words of one of our National Spiritual Assistants Fr. Jesmond Pawley OFM.Conv, who wrote these words when he heard that Diego had passed away: Thanks for the news about Diego... especially that he passed away ‘very peacefully...’ I am glad to have spent the Easter with him, with Vivian... and with all of you at the Hospital. I will continue to cherish the time that I spent with him talking about the presence of God in our lives. It seems to me now that he was waiting for that moment... to have a word together... after which he was taken for his operation. And for all this and other, I am glad to be part of the Franciscan family. God called Diego to prepare the way for us all... so that when it is our time, he can have a word with the Lord in our favour. Yes, may

at local, regional, national and international levels. etc. Devotion to our Blessed Lady is a characteristic of Franciscans as St. Francis made our lady the

patroness of his Order. Looking after the Lord’s Creation, being bearers of Peace and joy and helping the Youth are areas very close to our hearts.

the Lord console his family! But please tell them that our beloved Diego is with the Lord... so they should not worry... as tomorrow’s gospel is going to remind us: “Do not let you hearts be troubled. Trust in God still and trust in me” says Jesus. Tell them that they will see Diego again as we will all do... but this time not on a hospital bed, but in the presence of the Lord!!! Please assure them of my personal prayers. On Tuesday we will be offering a Mass for him and his family. May he rest in peace... Fr. Jesmond. We cannot thank the Lord enough for having had the privilege of having Diego as a

brother in our Fraternity for so many precious moments that we have shared in the Lord. We can all affirm that indeed he was a GOOd man. Always in our hearts and prayers.

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