Year 2003, Issue 1 Barnabite Fathers SPRING 2003
Table of Content
 Dear Reader
The Editor's Note
A Farwell Speech Presented To Most Rev. Dr. Scalese - by the Nigerian Aspirants in Poland
A homily by most Rev. Giovanni Scalese in the Barnabite's Community in Milanowek, Poland
Praying for God's Divine Mercy with St. Sister Faustina Kowalska
St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria`s idea of Prayer. A Priceless Gift.
Interview with Fr. Giovanni Scalese
Our Five Months Experience In Poland
St. Paul Teaches us About...
The Mysteries of Light and our Salvation
Dear Reader
"Crazy About God"! One might say: "What an odd title choice for a spiritual digest." You may agree with this statement so before I explain the meaning of the title, let me ask you a question. Have anyone ever called you "Crazy about God"? Most likely not. You live a normal moral life. According to your own conscience you fulfill all of the Catholic obligations, namely, you live according to the Decalogue. That means that you go to church on Sunday, you don't kill, don't steal, ect. In plane English, you consider yourself a good Catholic.
However, do you really feel completely fulfilled? Are you really experiencing a deep sense of spiritual happiness and spiritual fulfillment? Or, maybe in the bottom of your heart lingers a question that you never had the guts to answer. You know what I mean, don't you? Let me be more specific.
Let us consider a case in which you are experiencing a difficult spiritual dilemma putting you in a dire need of spiritual direction. So you start thinking of those people you consider "spiritually mature," people able to be of help to you. You most likely wouldn't seek help from those who are "Just Good Christian", but rather you would search for those people who are madly in love with God, who are, just let me say it : "Crazy about God".
What about you? And you a "lukewarm person"? If yes, what are you doing to change it? The main aim of the spiritual digest is to assist you and offer you a help to become "Crazy about God". It would be my greatest hope and my prayer that before you read our next issue of "Crazy About God" - someone will call you "Crazy about God"..
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Robert B. M. Kosek, CRSP, Ph.D. |
 
THE EDITOR'S NOTE
A saying goes "The story of a life-time begins in a day." The biblical story of "The Parable of the Talents" (Mt. 25:14), spurred the conception of our Spiritual Digest "Crazy For God" in the mind of Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP, Ph.D. He initiated the idea of sharing the word of God based on the reflection on the life of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria the founder of the Barnabites congregation, and the Angelic Sisters. Fr. Kosek realized that there were great talents in us and thought it wise, in the light of the story of Mt. 25:14, to put into practice the saying, "The Reward for Work well done is more work." Hence, the commencement of the "Spiritual Digest;" "Crazy About God."
This splendidly wrought spiritual Digest hopes to complement, in the English speaking world, the good work "ECO DEI BARNABITI" is doing in Italy and those areas where Italian language is understood. It also has the intentions of informing the world more about the Barnabites, and evangelizing to the world, especially to the youth and young adults who are the life-wire of every generation. This work is meant to give all of us the very best kind of moral and spiritual education, and support.
Accordingly, the "Spiritual Digest" presents a gallery of spiritually and intellectually rich articles from seasoned writers on the life and teachings of St. Paul and St. Anthony M. Zaccaria, who has been described as one of the towering figures in Christian history. More so, inside is found the description of the coinage of the phrase "Crazy about God", by the moderator. In an interview with Rev. Fr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP, the Barnabite is described as" a man who brings fire to the world." What kind of fire? Read and find out this and more.
This Spiritual Digest, which is well-suited for all especially the youths, should be in every home and be read by youths and to children so that we can change the tone of the generation.
We hope to receive articles, poems, cartoons and other materials in this line from interested contributors for the subsequent editions.
I encourage all to take, and read this you will be enriched, your heart moved, and exhilarated, and your mind delighted. Watch out for the next edition.
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A Farwell Speech Presented To
Most Rev. Dr. Scalese By The Nigerian Aspirants In Poland
"Let us run like madmen not only towards God,
but towards our neighbor as well"
(St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria) |
Like St. Paul, I greet you in the name of the Lord and I thank God for knowing you.(Phil.1:3). I do not know the best way to express my joy, and that of my brothers here, towards you Fr. Scalese for what your visit meant to us. Like when St. Paul said, "I have become all things to all men", it pleases me to tell you that you are and have been all things to us.
 As I said in the welcome address, "from the moment each one of us got in contact with you through the internet your words to us, especially those moments of difficulties, reflected the life of a caring father." From the little we know of the Founding Father through his writings we can reflect back and see in those letters the true picture of his spirituality in you. You are not only an expert in his writings but also a true Barnabite. No wonder my brothers and I can attest to the influence of the spirituality of the Founder on your past students presently here namely: Frs. Kazimierz, Robert, Jacek and Bogusław.
We thank you in a special way for allowing us come to Poland. You asked me, and I suppose you asked my brothers too, if we are happy here. What came to my mind was to remain mute wondering if you had not noticed my joy and happiness in this house right from your arrival till then. I remembered Christ's answer to Pilate when he was asked if he was the Son of God. I then managed to say something at least. However, I stand here to tell you that, not only that we are happy and content with the Barnabites, we are proud and feel great to be with the Barnabites. St. Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (10:17) wrote, "Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord." I tell you today, that we are boasting in the Lord that we have someone like the Superior General, and you Fr. Scalese. We are very much boasting in the Lord that we have the persons of Frs. Kazimierz, Robert, Jacek and Bogusław. We are pleased also with our brother seminarian - Thomas. We have never felt out of place or lacking a sense of being able to contribute to the spirituality of mankind. Rather all our steps and values have been greatly appreciated and cherished by the Barnabite community. We feel good, we feel great and we feel proud.
In his first letter to the Corinthians (3:10-11), St. Paul encouraged you Superiors and formators to be careful in laying foundations, and to know that there is no other greater foundation than that of Christ. I therefore confess to you that this has been the guide of Fr. Robert in the daily foundation he has been laying in us. Our prayer then is that you continue to pray for us that God gives us the grace we need to finally run the race to a finish, and one day proudly become Barnabite priests. Having come to this point, I wish to humbly make these requests:
1. That you consider creating an office for your assistant in the Vocation direction, if it does not already exist, and have Fr. Robert named as such, for we believe that it will pay greatly to God, and the Barnabites as a whole for such a man to combine forces with you, and to have a part in the lives of all the Barnabite seminarians all over the world.
2. I further request that our magazine project, which we have expressed to you, be very much encouraged.
Finally, I make these promises keeping in mind that we all shall continue to remain obedient to the words of our superiors and be ardent followers of the spirituality of our father founder. Inspired by our patron, St. Paul the Apostle, and by our founder, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, we commit ourselves to the reform and renewal of society and the building up of the Church in our little capacity.
As you leave us now for Rome, we wish you a safe journey home, and tell you that we feel saddened that you are leaving us, but we are consoled by the words of Christ saying "It is much better for you that I go. If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you, whereas if I go, I will send him to you. In the same way, you are sad for a time, but I shall see you again; then your hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you." (Jn 16:7, 22) .
Thanks and safe journey.
"Laa nke oma, Chukwu gozie gi".
Clement Chiedozie Nwachukwu
(in the name of the seminarians)
A homily by most Rev. Giovanni Scalese in the Barnabite's Community in Milanowek, Poland 29/11/2002
Wen (Barnabas) arrived (in Antioch),and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart."(Acts 11:23). Arriving here in Warsaw, I have also seen the grace of God and rejoice at it. I thank the Lord for this grace. I have already told you that, in my opinion, you are a gift of God to our congregation in this Zaccarian Jubilee Year.
In everything that is happening I see the hand of God. Everything is so mysterious that it cannot be explained rationally. The latest thing that I cannot explain is that you are here in Poland. Who would think some months ago that in November there would be five Nigerian Seminarians in Warsaw? This is a grace for you, for our Polish Conferees, and for the whole Congregation.
 In today's Gospel Jesus invites us to consider the Fig Tree, "Notice the Fig Tree or any other Tree. You observe them when they are budding and know for yourselves that summer is near" (Lk. 21:29-30). When looking at you I seem to see new buds on this old tree that is our Congregation. Promising that summer is near. You know, our Congregation, like most of the ancient religious institutes, is going through a crisis. Coming to Italy, you will realize that. You will see much work, and few religious, most of them old people. For many this is a lethal crisis; for me it is only a growth crisis. I have always believed that God has entrusted a great mission to our Congregation: He wants it to become like an army for the new evangelization. You will be soldiers of this army.
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The Lord has called you to announce, as our Holy Father says, "Spiritual liveliness and lively spirit everywhere". But Barnabas, besides rejoicing, encouraged the Antioch Christians to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart. This is also what I do today with you: I encourage you to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart. A long walk awaits you; keep, or better yet, use Anthony Mary's words, "increase your fervor". It is not sufficient to start walking well; what matters is to achieve one's goal. "To the victor, who keeps to my ways until the end I will give authority over the nations" (Rev. 2:26).
GOD BLESS YOU!
Praying for God's Divine
Mercy with St. Sister
Faustina Kowalska
 BY: CLEMENT NWACHUKWU
The 25th of August 1905 was a happy day for a poor and pious peasant family of Głogowiec, a village in the heart of Poland, as they received among them a new born baby girl.
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She was baptized and given the name "Helena" in the nearby parish of St. Casmir, Swinice Warcskie, Turek County, by the pastor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Chojnoski. She received her First Holy Communion in 1914 from the hands of her pastor Rev. Pawłowski. However, two years before this (1912), Helena heard for the first time a voice in her soul calling her to a more perfect way of life. In July, 1924, she joined the convent. She received her habit and became Sister Mary Faustina on April 30, 1926. She lived a holy life, even though she suffered with ill health and lived in pain, and at 10:45 pm on October 5, 1938, she went to the Lord for reward. In fact, to Sister Fuastina Christ revealed the secrets of his divine mercy.
 In observance of the divine hour of mercy, I have been made to understand the importance of the third (3rd) hour prayer, sharing in the reflection and readings of the diary of St. Faustina. Browsing through the diary makes me feel as though I am going through the Confession of St. Augustine, the psalms, and the book of Revelation. In sharing the chaplet of Divine Mercy, I feel proud to be one of those calling down the mercy of God on the world. In the prayers I find myself closer, and attached to God hence, St. Faustina's words re-echoes in my mind saying, "Nothing disturbs my union with the Lord, neither conversation with others nor any duties... my spirit is with God, and my interior being is filled with God, so I do not look for Him outside myself." (cf. Diary 11, 883) "For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor powers, neither height nor depth nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord." (Rom. 8:8-39)
In the divine hour of mercy I experienced God's mercy on me, the poor sinner. When we pray the divine mercy daily, I believe without any resignation that the mercy of God will surely come upon my family and the families of the world. I believe that His constant mercy will always be upon His Church . Each time we pray the Divine Mercy of God for the entire world, we act like Moses who interceded for the people of Israel. (Ex. 32:11-13) Each moment we pray with Sister Faustina saying, "Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly beloved Son , Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world" (Diary 476), we exercise the priestly power which we all receive at baptism. Thus making an offering to God like Zechariah (Lk1:8-10), not only for ourselves, but for the whole world. A world full of injustice, discrimination and oppression; the terrorist's world. A world where evil is glorified, a world where cloning and other manipulations of human genes are becoming the pride of man. Where wealth of weapons of man's destruction rather than poverty eradication, shelter and future of humanity give rulers of the world joy. Ours is a world where the persecution of God's elect, which the Apostles faced, has once more become the order of the day. Priests of God are now looked up as crazy men because of the great prize of celibacy. Once a friend called me on phone from the United States and said "this is a country where you are hated for being gentle, simple and chaste." He is not alone in that experience. It is not only in America, it is world over. The world is full of sin and corruption, and the worship of God is only left for the elderly and religious.
Anthony Mary Zaccaria encourages us here saying, "Vie with one another to become humbler, simpler, and readier to seek not so much your own will but Christ's in you. In this way you will easily put on Christ..., and will accomplish the wish of our Holy Father (Letter VII). Christ said to us, "Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for his friends." (Jn. 15:13) Must we pay back the one who died for us a shameful death on the cross with sins, persecution and ingratitude? No! We must not. So may we continue to pray to His wounded loving heart for His loving mercy on us and the whole world. Laying aside all vices, may we desire the pure milk of the word of God that is living and enduring, knowing that the glory of men is like the flower of the field. (cf. 1 Pt. 1:22-25) May we also run like madmen not only to God but to our fellow men as we pray with St. Faustina "For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world" God. And in adoration we pray "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One have mercy on us and on the whole world (cf. Diary 476).
PRAYER:
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is love and mercy itself. Amen (cf. Diary 950).
St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria`s idea of Prayer. A Priceless Gift.
 BY: OPARA JUDE E.
St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria was born in the city of Cremona, Italy, about the year 1502. During his lifetime, his native land witnessed great disastrous attacks from many stronger neighboring cities. Although these might have cut deep into his consciousness, he remained relentless in his efforts to live a Godly life.
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It is however regrettable that the present life styles of our modern-day youths are in sharp contrast to those of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria. It is indubitable that there is no surer way to success than to follow the footsteps of those who have successfully gone before us. Hence, we have decided to reflect on the life of this man of prayer. We hope that this right-up will serve as a guide to our youths and to all men of good will.
 St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria`s prayer life and thoughts were a charismatic gift from the Lord to all Christians. He saw man as being created and placed in the world principally to go to God. He was a radical man of God because as Rev. Fr. Stephen U. Njoku would say, a man who has left everything to stand above things is radical for God, for Jesus taught us to stand above things. Hence, as a radically prayerful man, his whole being remained in prayer, from prayer, and unto prayer in the presence of God. His steadfastness and ardent zeal to pray always and serve humanity for the greater glory of God portrayed him as a prayerful Christian.
Just like Christ, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria's prayer life is an exemplary way of praying to all who come in contact with him. A concrete example is his celebrated Letter III, to Mr. Carlo Magni, a highly respected attorney in Cremona. In this letter, he enumerated the various ways by which a prayer could be efficacious. St. Anthony Maria Zaccaria (1502-39)
This gave him the characteristic nature of acting as a spiritual director to many people. In his idea of prayer, he eloquently taught that having faith in God should go side by side with charitable works. Thus, making reference to Heb. 11:1; Jas. 2:14-20 and Prov.14:12.
Furthermore, he admonished, "…let us run like madmen not only towards God but also towards our neighbor, who alone can be the recipients of what we cannot give to God, since He has no need of our goods" (Letter II; cf. Sermon IV). This in fact, is not far from the reason why he conceived charity as the soul of religious life.
Similarly, he holds that efficacious prayer goes with right intentions. Such intentions are normally for oneself and for others. Just like St. Paul in Romans 1:9-12, St. Anthony Mary never ceases to pray for our good intentions.
In a Christ-like manner, this radical man of God beckons his admirers to be constant and consistent in prayer. He was patient amidst difficulties and he encourages all youths to follow the way of prayer, patience bearing in mind that there is no crown without a cross. Attesting to the biblical passage of Luke 18:1 and James 5:7-8, St. Anthony, the man of God averred: "If we want to maintain our union with God and at the same time to go on carrying out our daily life activities, we should be constantly lifting up our minds to God" (Letter III). For him, this will go a long way in obtaining from God a greater amount of grace. Also, in his Letter IV, he speaks on humility and simplicity of heart.
He sees pride as the mother of all vices, which equally produces other bad fruits.
Out of pride many of us have lost the consciousness of God's supremacy in our lives. To realize our authentic selves, just like St. Anthony M. Zaccaria, we must give in to the will of God in our lives. Equally, he sees gratitude to God and our fellowmen as substantial.
Thus before any task, he visited the Blessed Sacrament; giving praises and worship to God, as the bible instructs (cf. Lk 19:34-40). Therefore, if we desire to be holy, we should imitate Christ, imitate God by acknowledging His graciousness and giving Him thanks (cf. Sermon III).
Finally, through his spirituality and apostolic zeal, St. Anthony M. Zaccaria worked very hard towards the renewal of the Church and the sanctification of souls. He was a true man of God and his prayer life is a priceless gift, worthy of emulation for youths and all people of the world.
My fellow youths, with this modality of prayer we shall clear the cobwebs of evil in it's varied aspects in our society. Now is the time.
Interview with Fr. Giovanni Scalese
"...a Barnabite...is a man who brings fire to world"
Rev. Fr. Dr. Giovanni Scalese (CRSP); an Italian-born paradigmatic priest is one of the four Assistant-Generals to the Father-General, Most Rev. Fr. Giovanni Villa (CRSP) of the Barnabite Fathers. In this chat with our editor-in-chief Nnadi Anthony and Greg Acha of the editorial board,
Fr. Scalese reflects on the life of St. Anthony Maria Zaccaria
and the Barnabite Congregation.
Editorial Crew: Father, could you please tell us how long you have been a Barnabite?
Fr. Scalese: It is almost 30 years now. I entered our congregation in 1974.
Editorial Crew: When was the congregation founded?
Fr. Scalese: The congregation was founded almost five centuries ago, precisely in 1533. It was founded in Milan by St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria and then from Milan it spread to other regions of Italy and in other countries of the world.
Editorial Crew: Besides Italy where are the Barnabites present?
Fr. Scalese: In Europe, we are present in Belgium, Spain, Poland and Albania. In America, we are present in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Chile. In Asia, we are in the Philippines and in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan the only Catholic Priest is a Barnabite. Then in Africa, we are in two countries Congo and Rwanda.
Editorial Crew: Father, how can you address the question; Who is a Barnabite?
Fr. Scalese: I think that a Barnabite is a religious priest who must be like our founder. This year, that is the Zaccarian Jubilee Year, Angelo Montonati, an Italian journalist wrote a book on the biography of our founder which he titled, "FUOCO NELLA CITTA," FIRE IN THE CITY. Well, I think that a Barnabite like St. Anthony Zaccaria is a man who brings fire to the world.
Editorial Crew: Father could you explain to us the Zaccarian statement, "Let us run like mad men".
Fr. Scalese: As I have said before, a Barnabite is a man that brings fire to the world. He is a fervent man, a true Christian." I think one who is fervent is believed by others to be a "mad man". If others consider us "mad men", we must not be in crisis, we must be good followers of Christ Jesus.
Editorial Crew: You once mentioned that our founder's spirituality is a modern spirituality. Could you please tell us what you mean by this?
Fr. Scalese: Our founder lived in the 16th century, that is five centuries ago. He preached a modern spirituality. He asked all Christians to be fervent not only priest and sisters, but also laymen. This was not understood in his time. Meanwhile, in our time after the Vatican II Council ,the church invites all Christians to be holy, and now we speak about the universal vocation to holiness. Our founder in his time spoke about this five centuries ago.
Editorial Crew: Father, how do you feel having your first Nigerian Seminarians and What is your wish for them.
Fr. Scalese: I consider this a grace and a gift of God. I think that the Lord has a great plan for our congregation. Our congregation is a little congregation but I think that now God wants it to give it's contribution to the new Christian evangelization. Also, I think that the new vocation from other countries where we are not yet present is useful to realizing this plan of God especially in this Zaccarian Jubilee Year.
Editorial Crew: What is your impression about your first Nigerian Seminarians?
Fr. Scalese: The first impression is a good one. I have found you very fervent and this is a good sign. I pray and hope you go on in this way because, as we say in Italy, "A good-day is seen from the morning."
Editorial Crew: As a specialist on the life of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria, what can you tell us about him.
Fr. Scalese: St. Anthony Zaccaria lived a very simple life, a very short life. He lived only 37 years, and he did not do any extra ordinary thing. He lived his priestly life with great simplicity, according to the gospel and with much criticality and this is very important also for our time. This is because it is not important to be only Christians by name but to be Christians by deeds and our founder insisted so much on this.
Editorial Crew: In general, what have you to tell our readers about the Barnabite Congregation?
Fr. Scalese: Now our congregation is passing through a moment of crisis because it is about one of the oldest congregations in Italy, and the majority of Barnabites are Italians. In Italy, like in other countries of the Western world there are little vocations. Many Barnabites are growing old and we have many works in Italy but only a few number of Barnabites to continue these works. Nevertheless, I think this is only a growth crisis our congregation is going through. I think that not only our Congregation but the whole Church is passing through this moment of crisis. Yet, she is growing. The time we are living is a very important time; everything is changing but we must not fear these things because the Lord accompanies us. He is with us. So we have to go on with courage and trust.
Editorial Crew: You mentioned that there is a vocation crisis in the Western World, What are they doing about this?
Fr. Scalese: In these countries, there are occasional/pastoral and many other activities with young people to encourage them and to find out their vocation. However, we see that in our countries young people are not ready to follow their vocation. And so even if we strive for vocations resultantly, we have little vocations.
Editorial Crew: We thank you, Father for giving us this opportunity to have this all important chat with you. It has been a reflection, a revelation. In a nutshell, it has been a wonderful moment.
Our Five Months Experience In POLAND
 BY: ANTHONY OKECHUKWU NNADI
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 Our journey to another phase of life started when we arrived Warsaw airport on Oct. 27, 2002 at about 13.45. We were warmly received by Rev. Fr. Dr. Robert Kosek, CRSP who was to become our superior during our postulancy stay in Poland. The kind of reception given to us when we arrived at the house where we were to stay by our dear Fr. Jacek Sambak, CRSP, Fr. Bogusław Horodeński, CRSP, Tomasz Kubista, the only Barnabite Seminarian at the moment in Poland, and later by Fr. Kazimierz Lorek, CRSP suggested that our stay was to be a joyous one. As the saying goes, "The morning shows the day." The following days were no less good than the first day.
Within the first few days of our stay we visited the priest at St. Christopher parish Podkowa Łeśna and the Rev. Sisters in Milanowek. Each of these made us feel even more at home. We really felt the influence of the holy life of Pope John Paul II on the Polish people. This can be seen in the organized spiritual program of activities which our director Fr. Robert Kosek, CRSP presented to us at the beginning of our stay.
On Nov. 1, 2002 as it is a tradition in Poland, we attended mass at the cemetery of St. Christopher's parish Podkowa Leśna. The tombs were all decorated with costly flowers and ornaments. At the end of the mass, a rosary procession was held within the cemetery It was really an experience to witness a culture different from ours.
The sixth day in November was another big day as we were hosted by the Nigerian Ambassador to Poland; Alhaji Zubairu Dada in his office. Chief Sabastine Ngozi Anyanwu, Minister (Plenipotentiary) equally gave us a warm reception which was embellished with fatherly advice and words of encouragement. Interestingly, we signed the hospitality register in the Ambassador's office.
 On November 26,2002, we had another visitor in the person of Rev. Fr. Dr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP. During this visit, we deliberated on important issues ranging from spiritual, vocational, to social. We had the opportunity of being with the youths in the institutions especially schools and churches in Warsaw, where we exchanged views on meaningful issues on religion, culture etc.
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A warm welcome by the parish priests
of St. Christopher in Podkowa Lesna.
 As it is part of the apostolate of the Barnabites, we fed a good number of the poor and the less-privileged on December 24,2002. They were happy as they were made to feel once more that they are part of society, cherished and highly valued. We then participated in the Polish traditional family supper normally made up of twelve dishes. It was really enjoyable as we all were fed with finest wheat. This event took place at the magnificent Cultural Center in Warsaw, owned by the Polish Province of the Barnabite Congregation. This was followed by the Christmas vigil mass. The following day, Christmas Day, we attended mass at the St. Anthony Maria Zaccaria's parish Located in Warsaw which belongs to the Barnabites in Poland. On December 31, 2002, we had adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with some friends from a nearby parish, followed by the new year vigil mass held in our chapel at Milanowek. The whole of the Christmas time, and the celebrations were really special experiences for us. The fact that we had "A White Christmas," which means that the whole land was covered with snow made
it an extraordinary moment for us.
In the month of January, we were privileged to receive another Assistant General of the Congregation Fr. Darren, who came to represent the Father General in the ceremonies marking the end of the Zaccarian Jubilee Year. The Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Josef Glemp on January 19, 2003 and the other activities to mark the end of the Zaccarian Jubilee Year were great opportunities to meet with important dignitaries here in Poland. The memories of this great feast will remain indelible in our minds.
The month of February saw us evangelizing to the youths in the southern part of Poland. During this period of evangelization led by Fr. Robert Kosek, great advancements were made especially in touching the hearts of some young men who agreed to join the Barnabite Congregation here in Poland.
Our fifth month was more a period of evangelization which took place in both the Eastern and Southern parts of Poland. In Tarnów Moscice we visited Three high schools and we had contact with many students. We are particularly thankful to Evelyn Kwiecień for inviting us to her school. We also went to The Most Holy Trinity Parish, which is also the Shrine of Blessed Caroline. Here we discussed important spiritual issues with the people of God who are mostly youths.
In Podlasiu (East) we had wonderful moments as we had the opportunity to reach the wider society through Radio Broadcasts. During these broadcasts we encouraged the people of God to be good Christians and these were also wonderful opportunities for our Superior Fr. Robert Kosek to give to the larger society more information on the life of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria and the Barnabite Congregation in general. He also encouraged the youths who would like to join the congregation to apply. We also granted interview to the Diocesan Newspaper of the Diocese of Siedlce.
More so, we visited three schools; thirty three classes and about two thousand pupils/students. We had meeting sections with a group of University students and two groups of youths belonging to two parishes in Biała Podlaska: St. Ann and Bl. Honorat. Here we wish to mention that we met kind people like: Sr. Mary, Helen, Margaret and Dorothy, who made the hectic work seem easier for us.
It is pertinent to mention that in all these meetings both in the parishes and schools we emphasized on the importance of prayer as St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria teaches in his Third Letter. We found it very necessary to have the youths as our main targets because of our believe in the idea that the life-force and the life wire of any generation is enshrined in the phenomenon of her youth.
In general, we are contented with our stay in Poland, we met with nice people that really cared for us. On our part, we made sure we left no stone unturned as we diligently participated in all the activities; intellectual, spiritual, social etc. This spiritual digest "Crazy about God" is a great manifestation of this. It can be seen as the "primus" of our achievements here. We encourage all, especially the youths, to read this Spiritual Digest, and make the best out of it. As you read, think of the next edition.
St. Paul Teaches us About...
 BY ACHA GREG.
ST. Paul, whose destiny was preaching Christianity and the conversion of many was once Saul who persecuted Christians. Upon his conversion he had a mandate to preach the gospel, especially to the Gentiles. His well-seasoned teachings contributed a great deal to the composition of the new testament of the bible. Hence, in this write-up we shall review some of his ideas under the following subheadings: Humility, Faith, and Love.
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ON HUMILITY (Phil.2:6-11)
 This is the virtue by which a man attributes to God all the good he possesses. Humility, according to St. Paul, is selflessness consideration of another's interest before yours. His letter to the Philippians paints a vivid picture of humility in the person of Jesus Christ , who being God, did not exalt Himself but took the form of a servant. He became obedient even to death on the cross. Humility is self-abasement, seeing the nothingness in yourself, through the eyes of God. Humility is a scarce commodity which explains the unhealthy competition that results in chaos in our world today. People are so interested in personal egos and reputations that they become full of themselves. In fact, this is the good news! THE ONLY WAY UP IS DOWN. Jesus debased Himself and earned greatness "...God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him a name that is above every other name..." Everybody is ambitious, pressing to new height. To get there you must humble yourself; it is only then that God can exalts you. For it is only through Him that exaltation comes.(Ps.75:6-7).St. Paul teaches that greatness is a product of humility. Thus, he encourages us by his life and teachings especially in his letter to the Philippians to practice and live it.
ON FAITH (Gal.3:26-29)
Faith is the absence of doubt in God. It probably can be seen as assurance of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Heb.11:1). According to St. Paul, it is impossible to please God without faith, hence, faithfulness is a sin. We are sons of God based on faith. Our birth into being children of God takes place at baptism; filled with baptismal faith we are clothed with Christ, we tale on His life, and gradually His disposition and attitude. Therefore, we become unstoppable and all things become possible with us. If we belong to Him we are the descendants of Abraham, which means that we are inheritors of his promise.
In another dimension, faith is total dependence on God; total trust in the capability of God to handle every situation for us. In Philippians 4;6, St. Paul admonishes us, "Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God". The prayer God answers is a prayer made in faith. The only "currency" heaven accepts is the that of faith: Faith makes things that seemed impossible to be possible. Tersely put, faith in God moves the hand of God towards man and the gospel of Mark 11:22-24 confirms this: "Have faith in God" "I tell you the truth if any one says to this mountain, go throw yourself in to the sea and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it will be yours". Is this not an assurance form the Lord and Master? We must come to a place where we understand that we can have what we ask for.
St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria whose teachings and beliefs are based on the spirituality of St. Paul, throws light on the great importance of faith, "If one does not believe this truth, he believes still that God takes such good care of us that He will not let a single hair of our heads be lost" All these are pointer that we should build up bricks of faith for ourselves, so that if another hallmark of faith chapter like that of Hebrews 11:1, will be written, we will not be left out.
ON LOVE (Rm.13:8-13)
 Love is not one commandment among many. It is called for, by every commandment. Various obligation point out the external mode fulfilling the general law of love. But this general law of love is an internal commitment directed to one's neighbor; who is your neighbor if i may ask? Jesus answers in the gospel of Luke10:25-37 that, a neighbor is the person around you that needs your help and understanding. Love simply means adapting to other people and their circumstances. Owe no dept to anyone except the debt that binds us to love one another. He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. The commandment: "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; you shall not steal; any other commandments there may be are summed up in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" Love is the fulfillment of the law. It is interesting that St. Paul did not feel the need to mention love of God here. This is obvious because, true love of neighbor expresses love of God. The only obligation a Christian need fell is that which arises from the needs, failures, even wickedness of his neighbors. The sum total of Christian ethics is to love one another. There is no duty that is not included in love and no body that is not included one another says T.W. Manson.
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More so, in 1Corinthians13:4-8, St. Paul made mention of the litany of love;verse13"But the greatest is love" Let us lament out and try a little kindness because it will make us see Jesus in every body we meet. As the saying goes, "A man can not give what he does not have" let us ask God through the intercession of St. Paul to bless us with these virtues-humility, faith and love, which will add color to our lives and Christianity in general.
The mysteries of light and our salvation
BY CLEMENT NWACHUKWU |
Moving on from the book of Genesis, one discovers that light has always been a mystery to man. Hence, God marveled and saw how good the light He created was. God called the light "day" and the dark "night" (cf. Gen. 1:3-5). The book of Genesis reminds us of the importance of light. At the creation of a new world from formless wasteland and darkness, which covered the abyss, a mighty wind swept over the waters (Gen. 1:2), and God in His infinite wisdom knew that light would be very important to all. He echoed "Let there be light and there was light" (Gen. 1:3). The light became the first act of creation to break the world out from the shackles of darkness and shapelessness bringing forth form, beauty, life, joy and all that is good.
 When man destroyed the relationship between himself and God, death, suffering, sin, evil, hatred and all that is negative evaded man and the universe once more. God, whose intention it was not to see us perish, made a covenant with man promising us the new light: Christ the messiah. The prophets Jeremiah, Isaiah and Zephaniah looked forward to the rule of God's messiah; they wrote of that glorious day when God's promises to His people would indeed be fulfilled. In the face of every obstacle, whether political powers, improper religious practices, or imminent danger to God's people by unjust rulers, the writers believe that God would champion His people and turn disaster into glorious deliverance. They cry out for joy at the liberation and give glory to God at the birth of the "light" (Jer. 33; Is. 11;12;40; 66:1-14; Zep. 3:11-20). The books of Numbers 24 and 2 Samuel 7, tell of an individual who shall rise up out of the midst of the people. God's favor will rest upon him. These are messianic prophecies which in the fuller sense speak of the light whom Yahweh God would put forward to lead His people into the ultimate peaceful reign of God. In his epilogue to the book of Revelation, John in his conclusion prayed, "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev. 22: 20).
These prophecies came to the light with the birth of Christ, hence the visit of the astrologers bearing witness as they asked, "where is the new born king of the Jews? We observed his star at it's rising and have come to pay Him homage," (Mt. 2:2) Again "there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flocks. The angel of the Lord appeared to them as glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very much afraid. The angel said to them, "You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you-tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people." (Lk. 2:8-10) The citations above point to the importance of the light. The Astrologers saw this light in the star, and the glorious light was shone around the shepherds and they hastened to behold Him.
The whole life of Christ, having been shrouded with mysteries that rays towards our salvation, point to the fact that He is the light. Pope John-Paul II, in his Apostolic Letter "ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE" [The Rosary of the Virgin Mary] buttress this fact saying "moving on from the infancy and the hidden life in Nazareth to the public life of Jesus, our contemplation brings us to those mysteries which may be called in a special way "mysteries of light". Certainly the whole mystery of Christ is a mystery of light. He is "the light of the world." (Jn. 8:12) Thanks to the Holy Father for reminding us of these mysteries which we tend to relegate to the background, namely: His baptism in the Jordan, His self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana, His proclamation of the kingdom of God, His call to Conversion, His transfiguration, and finally His institution of the Eucharist as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery. I therefore wish to ask the following questions: Are these five not mysteries? Do they not reflect the light? Are these not signs showing that our salvation is at our door post? What further evidence do we need to make us believe, and accept these mysteries of light for our salvation. The Father Himself proved this when the heavens opened and God proclaimed him the beloved son. At Cana Mary, led by the same spirit of God, ordered us to do whatever He tells us. He then calls us each moment for repentance and proclaims His forgiveness on us (Jn. 20:22-23; Mk. 2:3-13;1:15). If we give up to His call for repentance then transfiguration awaits us strengthened by the Eucharistic food. This Eucharistic food, food of angels given to man is it not the greatest gift one can give to another? It is the food that unites us to Christ. Christ offered Himself body and blood to us for food-His love for humanity (Jn. 13:1).
To the question of the importance of the mystery of light to our salvation, I propose that without these remarkable mysteries and moments mankind would have remained under the wings of eternal death and darkness. Mankind would have still been engulfed by sin, suffering, and death. As there would have been lack and want in Cana, so would there have been constant want and lack in our moments of joy. Since He gave the whole of Himself as food and drink all for our salvation, we have the opportunity to live in His light. Let's thank God with St. Augustine for all this "Otherwise the very heaven above our heaven would have been a dark abyss in itself, whereas now it is light in the Lord." (Confessions, 8,8,9) What then is this mysterious light? A light by which we shall see Him as He is, a light to put an end to the tears that have become bread to me daily, nightly, as I hear the unceasing taunt where is your God? (Jn. 33:2) Is it not great now that we are already children of the light? May we always pray to God saying "for with you is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light" (Ps. 6:10).
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