SAINT BASIL the GREAT PARISH

Transcription

1 SAINT BASIL the GREAT PARISH 202 HARCOURT STREET, WINNIPEG, MB R3J 3H3 Parish Office: Parish Hall: Parish Priest: Rt. Rev Canon Walter Klimchuk SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY 10:00 a.m. (Rosary precedes each Liturgy by one half hour) SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE FROM FATHER WALTER Most of us would quickly size up the Pharisee as haughty and unlikable, but this is not why Jesus said that he departed the temple unjustified. Chances are the Pharisee was as good as he said he was, a man who performed his religious duties faultlessly. And the tax collector may indeed have been quite a sinner, committing offenses which never even tempted the Pharisee. If these two men were indeed - by all the usual standards - "good" and "bad", why was the "bad" man justified and not the "good"? It was because they had totally different ideas of who God is and who they were before Him. The Pharisee, deceived by pride, could not realize that even a lifetime of good deeds is not enough to set a person right with God. He didn't understand that he could trust God's forgiveness and mercy to be more abundant than any human failings. Thus he was trying to strike a bargain with God - good deeds in exchange for God's approval. This reduced what should have been a warm and loving relationship with God to one that was distant and businesslike. WEEKDAY SERVICES 8:30 a.m. Rosary followed by Liturgy CONFESSIONS Before Divine Liturgies BAPTISIMS By appointment FUNERALS By arrangement MARRIAGES By appointment at least three months in advance WEBSITE: PARISH OFFICE ADDRESS: parish@saintbasilwpg.ca BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS: bulletin@saintbasilwpg.ca The tax collector, on the other hand, better understood both God and himself. He knew he was a sinner, but he also knew that God would not reject him. He trusted in God s mercy and no doubt felt

2 his love in the forgiveness he received. His prayer was not a transaction but an interaction. Mother Teresa of Calcutta has written about this quality of trust that characterized a right relationship with God: One thing Jesus asks of me: That I lean on him and only in him I put complete trust; that I surrender myself to him unreservedly. Even when all goes wrong and I feel as if I am a ship without a compass, I must give myself completely to him. I must not attempt to control God's action; I must not count the stages in the journey he would have me make, I must not desire a clear perception of my advance upon the road, must not know precisely where I am upon the way of holiness. I ask him to make a saint of me, yet I must leave to him the choice of the saintliness itself and still more the means which lead to it. (Total Surrender, pp ) Like the tax collector, let us lean on God and surrender ourselves to him unreservedly. THE DIVINE MERCY Part One Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sister Maria Faustina, an apostle of the Divine Mercy, belongs today to the group of the most popular and well-known saints of the Church. Through her the Lord Jesus communicates to the world the great message of God's mercy and reveals the pattern of Christian perfection based on trust in God and on the attitude of mercy toward one's neighbors. She was born on August 25, 1905 in Glogowiec in Poland of a very poor and religious family of peasants, the third of ten children. Her family struggled on their little farm during the terrible years of World War I. Her father was a carpenter. She was baptized with the name Helena in the parish Church of Ðwinice Warckie. From a very tender age she stood out because of her love of prayer, work, obedience, and also her sensitivity to the poor. She had only three years of very simple education. She stated that she first felt a calling to the religious life while attending the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at age seven. She wanted to enter the convent after completing her time at school, but her parents would not give her permission. At the age of nine she made her first Holy Communion living this moment very profoundly in her awareness of the presence of the Divine Guest within her soul. At the age of sixteen she left home and went to work as a

3 housekeeper in Łódź in order to find the means of supporting herself and of helping her parents. In 1924, aged 19, Faustina and her sister Natalia went to a dance in a park in Łódź. Faustina said that while at the dance she had a vision of a suffering Jesus. She then went to the cathedral, where she says that she was told by Jesus to leave for Warsaw immediately and join a convent. She packed a small bag that night and took a train for Warsaw (85 miles away) the next morning, without the permission of her parents and without knowing anyone in Warsaw. After she arrived, she entered the first church she saw (Saint James Church in Warsaw) and attended Mass. She asked the priest, Father Dąbrowski, for suggestions and he recommended staying with a Mrs Lipszycowa, a local woman whom he considered trustworthy, until she found a convent. Faustina approached several convents in Warsaw, but was turned down time after time; in one case she was told "we do not accept maids here", referring to her being penniless. After several weeks of searching, eventually the mother superior at the convent of Zgromadzenie Sióstr Matki Bożej Miłosierdzia (the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy) decided to give her a chance and conditionally accepted her, provided she could pay for her habit. Faustina knew nothing about the convent she was joining, except that she believed she was led there. During 1925, Faustina worked as a house maid for one year to save up money, making deposits at the convent through the year and was then accepted at the convent. On 30 April 1926, aged 20, she received her habit and took the name in religion of Sister Maria Faustina of the Blessed Sacrament. The name Faustina means the "fortunate or blessed one". In April 1928 she took her first vows as a nun and her parents attended the ceremony. From February to April 1929 she was sent to the convent in Wilno (then in Poland, now Vilnius, Lithuania) as a cook. Although this was a short stay in Vilnius, she would return there later and meet Father Michael Sopoćko. She was then transferred to the convent in Płock, Poland for close to two years. At Kraków, Plock and Vilnius, she worked at the humblest of tasks as a cook, gardener and porter. Faustina arrived in Płock in May That year the first signs of her illness (which was later thought to be tuberculosis) appeared and she was sent to rest for several months in a nearby farm owned by her religious order. After recovery she returned to the convent and by February 1931 had been in the Płock area for about nine months.

4 Externally nothing revealed her rich mystical interior life. She zealously performed her tasks and faithfully observed the rule of religious life. She was composed, very natural, serene and full of kindness and unbiased love for her neighbor. Although her life was apparently insignificant, monotonous and dull, she hid within herself an extraordinary union with God. On Sunday February 22, 1931, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ appeared to this simple nun, bringing with Him a wonderful message of Mercy for all mankind. Saint Faustina tells us in her diary under this date: In the evening, when I was in my cell, I became aware of the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand was raised in blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast. From the opening of the garment at the breast there came forth two large rays, one red and the other pale. (Diary 47) I saw one like the Son of Man, clothed with a long robe The brightness was like the sun; rays came forth from his hand, where his power lay hidden. Revelation 1:13; Habakkuk 3:4 In silence I gazed intently at the Lord; my soul was overwhelmed with fear, but also with great joy. After a while Jesus said to me, paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the inscription: Jesus, I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and then throughout the world. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over its enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I myself will defend it as My own glory. (Diary 47 & 48) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.the reflection of God s glory and the exact imprint of God s very being All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3;2 Corinthians 3:18 I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature : Jesus, I trust in You. (Diary 327) The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My most tender Mercy at that time when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Fortunate is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him. (Diary 299) When they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. John 19:33-34

5 This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. -1John 5:6-8, Not knowing how to paint, Faustina approached some other nuns at the convent in Plock for help, but received no assistance. In November 1932, Faustina returned to Warsaw to prepare to take her final vows as a nun. On 1 May 1933 she took her final vows in Łagiewniki and became a perpetual sister of Our Lady of Mercy. In late May 1933, Faustina was transferred to Vilnius as a gardener, work that included growing vegetables. She remained in Vilnius for about three years until March The convent in Vilnius had only 18 sisters at the time and consisted of a few scattered small houses rather than a large building. Shortly after arriving in Vilnius, Faustina met Father Michael Sopoćko, the newly appointed confessor to the nuns. Sopoćko was also a professor of pastoral theology at Stefan Batory University (now called Vilnius University). When Faustina went to Sopoćko for her first confession, she told him that she had been conversing with Jesus, who had a plan for her. After some time, in 1933 Father Sopoćko insisted on a complete psychiatric evaluation of Faustina by Helena Maciejewska, a psychiatrist and a physician associated with the convent. Faustina passed the required tests and was declared of sound mind. Thereafter, Sopoćko began to have confidence in Faustina and supported her efforts. The Lord Jesus chose Sr. Maria Faustina as the Apostle and "Secretary" of His Mercy, so that she could tell the world about His great message. In the Old Covenant He said to her I sent prophets wielding thunderbolts to My people. Today I am sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to My Merciful Heart (Diary 1588). And, Secretary of My most profound mystery the Lord Jesus said to Sr. Faustina know that your task is to write down everything that I make known to you about My mercy, for the benefit of those who by reading these things will be comforted in their souls and will have the courage to approach Me (Diary 1693). In her Diary, she recorded faithfully all of the Lord Jesus' wishes and also described the encounters between her soul and Him.

6 Faustina told Sopoćko about the Divine Mercy image and in January 1934 Sopoćko introduced her to the artist Eugene Kazimierowski who was also a professor at the university. By June 1934, Kazimierowski had finished painting the image based on the direction of Faustina and Father Sopoćko. When the painting was finished, Faustina cried because Jesus in the picture was not as beautiful as she had seen Him. Jesus said to her: Not in the beauty of the colour, nor of the brush, lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace. (Diary 313) By itself an image is merely a painting, no matter how beautiful and expressive. Yet, it can point us to the mysteries of the faith and dispose us to grasp and receive what it represents, in this case the Divine Mercy. It is thus a vessel, not the source, a reminder, not the reality. The reality is the merciful fountain of grace flowing from the pierced Heart of Christ on the Cross, and flowing out visibly to represent the visible that is the sacramental, signs of grace, Baptism and Eucharist, standing for all the sacraments of the Church. The image also reminds us that salvation is not just by faith, but by works of charity also. It takes faith to see and believe in what the Image signifies, Divine Mercy poured out from Christ upon the Cross, but it takes mercy and love going beyond the strict requirements of justice, in order to draw down mercy on oneself. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us (Mt 6:12) and "the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you" (Mt 7:2) The Image of the pierced side of Christ pouring out blood and water reminds us that the Cross, love in action, is the price of mercy. "As I have loved you so also should you love one another." (Jn 13:34) This original Kazimirowski (Vilnius) Image, which was painted under the guidance of Saint Faustina in 1934, is once again becoming the most venerated Image of the Divine Mercy. Faustina wrote in her diary (Notebook I item 414) that on Good Friday, 19 April 1935, Jesus told her that he wanted the Divine Mercy image publicly honoured. A week later, on 26 April 1935, Father Sopoćko delivered the first sermon ever on the Divine Mercy - and Faustina attended the sermon. The first Mass during which the Divine Mercy image was displayed was on 28 April 1935, the first Sunday after Easter Sunday, and was attended by Faustina. Father Sopoćko obtained Archbishop Jałbrzykowski's permission to place the Divine Mercy image within the Gate of Dawn church in Vilnius during the Mass that Sunday and celebrated the Mass himself. On 13 September 1935, while still in Vilnius, Faustina wrote of a vision about the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in her diary (Notebook I item 476). The Chaplet is about a third of the length of the Rosary. Faustina wrote that the purpose of the Chaplet's prayers for mercy are threefold: to obtain mercy, to trust in Christ's mercy, and to show mercy to others. Jesus said to Sister Faustina:

7 Say unceasingly this Chaplet that I have taught you. Anyone who says it will receive great Mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as the last hope. Even the most hardened sinner, if he recites this Chaplet even once, will receive grace from My Infinite Mercy. I want the whole world to know My Infinite Mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy When they say this Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person not as the just judge but as the Merciful Savior. I saw an Angel about to strike the earth I found myself pleading with God for the world with words heard interiorly. As I was praying in this manner, I saw the Angel s helplessness; he could not carry out the just punishment which was rightly due for sins The words with which I entreated God are these: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ for our sins and those of the whole world, for the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us. (Diary, ) The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy 1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed. 2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following: 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. 3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades). 4. Conclude with (three times): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

8 Today I was awakened by a great storm I began to pray that the storm would do no harm, when I heard the words: Say the chaplet I have taught you, and the storm will cease. I began immediately to say the Chaplet and hadn t even finished it when the storm suddenly ceased, and I heard the words: Through the Chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will. (Diary 1731) In November 1935, Faustina wrote the rules for a new contemplative religious congregation devoted to the Divine Mercy. In December she visited a house in Vilnius which she said she had seen in a vision as the first convent for the congregation. In January 1936, Faustina went to see Archbishop Jałbrzykowski to discuss a new congregation for Divine Mercy. But he reminded her that she was perpetually vowed to her current order. In March 1936, Faustina told her superiors that she was thinking of leaving the order to start a new one specifically devoted to Divine Mercy, but she was transferred to Walendów, southwest of Warsaw. She reported that Jesus had said to her: "My Daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My Divine Mercy, I will make up for what you lack." In 1936, Father Sopoćko wrote the first brochure on the Divine Mercy devotion and Archbishop Jałbrzykowski provided his imprimatur for it. The brochure carried the Divine Mercy image on the cover. Sopocko sent copies of the brochure to Faustina in Warsaw.

9 Later in 1936, Faustina again became ill. She was moved to the sanatorium in Prądnik, Kraków. She continued to spend much time in prayer, reciting the chaplet and praying for the conversion of sinners. The last two years of her life were spent praying and keeping her diary. On 23 March 1937, Faustina wrote in her diary (Notebook III, item 1044) that she had a vision that the feast of the Divine Mercy would be celebrated in her local chapel and would be attended by large crowds and also that the same celebration would be held in Rome attended by the Pope. In July 1937 the first holy cards with the Divine Mercy image were printed. In August, Father Sopoćko asked Faustina to write the instructions for the Novena of Divine Mercy which she had reported as a message from Jesus on Good Friday Throughout 1937 progress was made in promoting the Divine Mercy and in November 1937 a pamphlet was published with the title Christ, King of Mercy. The pamphlet included the Chaplet, the novena, and the litany of the Divine Mercy and the Divine Mercy image appeared on the cover, with the signature, "Jesus I Trust in You". On 10 November 1937, Mother Irene, Faustina's superior, showed her the booklets while Faustina rested in her bed. As her health deteriorated at the end of 1937, Faustina's reported visions intensified, and she was said to be looking forward to an end to her life. In April 1938, her illness had progressed and she was sent to rest in the sanatorium in Prądnik for what was to be her final stay there. In September 1938, Father Sopoćko visited her at the sanatorium and found her very ill but in ecstasy as she was praying. Later in the month she was taken back home to Kraków to await her death there. Father Sopoćko visited her at the convent for the last time on 26 September Sister Maria Faustina, consumed by tuberculosis and by innumerable sufferings which she accepted as a voluntary sacrifice for sinners, died in Krakow in a convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy at the age of just thirty three on October 5, 1938 with a reputation for spiritual maturity and a mystical union with God. The reputation of the holiness of her life grew as did the cult to the Divine Mercy and the graces she obtained from God through her intercession. She was buried on 7 October and now rests at the Basilica of Divine Mercy in Kraków, Poland. It is the mystery of the Mercy of God which she contemplated in the Word of God as well as in the everyday activities of her life that forms the basis of her spirituality. The process of contemplating and getting to know the mystery of God's mercy helped develop within Sr. Maria Faustina the attitude of child-like trust in God as well as mercy toward her neighbors. O my Jesus, each of Your saints reflects one of Your virtues; I desire to reflect Your compassionate heart, full of mercy; I want to glorify it. Let Your mercy, O Jesus, be impressed

10 upon my heart and soul like a seal, and this will be my badge in this and the future life (Diary 1242). Conscious of her role in the Church, she cooperated with God's mercy in the task of saving lost souls. At the specific request of and following the example of the Lord Jesus, she made a sacrifice of her own life for this very goal. In her spiritual life she also distinguished herself with a love of the Eucharist and a deep devotion to the Mother of Mercy. The years she had spent at the convent were filled with extraordinary gifts, such as: revelations, visions, hidden stigmata, participation in the Passion of the Lord, the gift of bilocation, the reading of human souls, the gift of prophecy, and the rare gift of mystical engagement and marriage. The living relationship with God, the Blessed Mother, the Angels, the Saints, the souls in Purgatory with the entire supernatural world was as equally real for her as was the world she perceived with her senses. In spite of being so richly endowed with extraordinary graces, Sr. Maria Faustina knew that they do not in fact constitute sanctity. In her Diary she wrote: Neither graces, nor revelations, nor raptures, nor gifts granted to a soul make it perfect, but rather the intimate union of the soul with God. These gifts are merely ornaments of the soul, but constitute neither its essence nor its perfection. My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God (Diary 1107). The mission of Sister Maria Faustina consisted of 3 tasks: ONE reminding the world of the truth of our faith revealed in the Holy Scripture about the merciful love of God toward every human being. Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I grant even more graces than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to My compassion, but on the contrary, I justify him in My unfathomable and inscrutable mercy Before I come as a just Judge, I first open wide the door of My mercy. He who refuses to pass through the door of My mercy must pass through the door of My justice. (Diary, 1146) Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10 TWO entreating God's mercy for the whole world and particularly for sinners, among others through the practice of new forms of devotion to the Divine Mercy presented by the Lord Jesus, such as: (1)the veneration of the image of the Divine Mercy with the inscription: Jesus, I Trust in You, (2) Chaplet to the Divine Mercy (3),the feast of the Divine Mercy celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, (I desire that there be a Feast of Mercy. I want this image, which you will paint with a brush, to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of Mercy I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I

11 pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of my mercy on that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. (Diary 49, 699)), and (4)prayer at the Hour of Mercy (3 p.m.). When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? which means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Mark 15:33-34 At three o clock, implore my mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My passion, particularly in my abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy for the whole world In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of my Passion In this hour, you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world mercy triumphed over justice. (Diary 1320, 1572) The Lord Jesus attached great promises to the above forms of devotion, provided one entrusted one's life to God and practiced active love of one's neighbor. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy, and I demand the worship of my mercy through the solemn celebration of the Feast and through the veneration of the image which is painted. By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of my mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works. (Diary 742) What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works?...for just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.-james 2:14,26 There are three ways of performing an act of mercy: the merciful word, by forgiving and by comforting; secondly, if you can offer no word, then pray that too is mercy; and thirdly, deeds of mercy. And when the Last Day comes, we shall be judged from this, and on this basis we shall receive the eternal verdict. (Diary 1158) Then the king will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. -Matthew 25:34-36, 40 The Lord said to me, It should be of no concern to you how anyone else acts; you are to be My living reflection, through love and mercy. I answered, Lord, but they often take advantage of my goodness. That makes no difference, My daughter. That is no concern

12 of yours. As for you, be always merciful toward other people, and especially toward sinners. (Diary 1446) Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. -1Peter 3:9; Luke 6:32-33, 35, 36 When I receive Jesus in Holy Communion, I ask Him fervently to deign to heal my tongue so that I would offend neither God nor neighbor by it Great are the faults committed by the tongue The tongue is a small member, but it does big things I tremble to think that I have to give an account of my tongue Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all. (Diary 92, , 163) The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing :I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. -James 3:5-6,9-10; Matthew 12:36-37 THREE the third task in Sr. Maria Faustina's mission consisted in initiating the apostolic movement of the Divine Mercy which undertakes the task of proclaiming and entreating God's mercy for the world and strives for Christian perfection, following the precepts laid down by the Blessed Sr. Maria Faustina. The precepts in question require the faithful to display an attitude of child-like trust in God which expresses itself in fulfilling His will, as well as in the attitude of mercy toward one's neighbors. I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with my signature: Jesus, I trust in You. The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive. Souls that trust boundlessly are a great comfort to Me, because I pour all the treasures of my graces into them. (Diary 327, 1578) Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.-jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalm 84:12

13 to me. (Diary 386) I understand souls who are suffering against hope, for I have gone through that fire myself. But God will not give [us anything] beyond our strength. Often have I lived hoping against hope, and have advanced my hope to complete trust in God. Let that which He has ordained from all ages happen Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness Hoping against hope, he believed No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.-romans 4:3, 18, Although the path is very thorny, I do not fear to go ahead. Even if a hailstorm of persedution covers me; even if my friends forsake me, even if all things conspire against me, and the horizon grows dark; even if a raging storm breaks out and I feel I am quite alone and must brave it all; still, fully at peace, I will trust in Your mercy, O my God. (Diary 1195) This extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff-they comfort me.-2 Corinthians 4:7-9; Psalm 23:4 I have come to know that, in order for God to act in a soul, it must give up acting on its own; otherwise, God will not carry out His will in it. (Diary 1790) Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.-psalm 37:5 Today, this movement within the Church involves millions of people throughout the world; it comprises religious congregations, lay institutes, religious, brotherhoods, associations, various communities of apostles of the Divine Mercy, as well as individual people who take up the tasks which the Lord Jesus communicated to them through Sr. Maria Faustina.

14 In an extraordinary way, Sr. Maiay Faustina's work sheds light on the mystery of the Divine Mercy. It delights not only the simple and uneducated people, but also scholars who look upon it as an additional source of theological research. The Diary has been translated into many languages, among others, English, German, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Hungarian, Czech and Slovak. In the years , the investigative Process into her life and heroic virtues was undertaken in Krakow and in the year 1968, the Beatification Process was initiated in Rome. The latter came to an end in December On April 18, 1993 our Holy Father John Paul II raised Sister Faustina to the glory of the altars. Sr. Maria Faustina's remains rest at the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Kraków, Poland. If anyone wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confession or Holy Communion at home or in the hospital or nursing home please contact the parish office at PLEASE REMEMBER THOSE WHO NEED OUR PRAYERS Oh God our Father we pray You restore to physical health, those who are weakened with illness. Give peace of mind to those troubled with worry and comfort those discouraged with problems. Help them find their inner strength, a faith and trust in you and a love for one another to guide them through any health challenges or troubles they may face. Amen. Please pray for the health of Jack Lysak. Please pray for the health of Harvey Lysack. Please pray for the health of Fran Chobotar. Please pray for the health of Paulette Elkon. Please pray for the health of Tillie Zyla. Please pray for the health of Linda Goral. Please pray for the health of Terry Prychitko. Please pray for the health of Ann Armour. Knights of Columbus We have our monthly Perogy Supper on Friday Jan 30, :30 pm. We are looking for assistance to get everything ready for Friday with peeling of potatoes on Monday Jan 26, 6:00 pm. All are welcome to come down and enjoy our first perogy supper for 2015 and visit with fellow parishioners. Submitted by Andrew Labay Grand Knight

15 SANCTUARY LIGHT WEEK OF INTENTION OFFERED BY JANUARY 25 TH +SOULS OF STOSKI & POTURNAK FAMILIES CASPER & VIOLET STOSKI FEBRUARY 1 ST +SOULS OF PARENTS ANNIE & HARRY HUMINICKI DOREEN MUSICK FEBRUARY 8 TH +SOULS OF SISTERS CHRISTINE MARY & PEARL DOREEN MUSICK FEBRUARY 15 TH +SOULS OF BROTHERS PAUL WALTER & NICHOLAS DOREEN MUSICK FEBRUARY 22 ND +SOUL OF J.R. ALLARD THERESA ALLARD MARCH 1 ST +SOUL OF LARRY FEDORCHUK PHYLLIS FEDORCHUK & FAMILY MARCH 8 TH +SOULS OF THEODORE & MARIE LUTZ ROSE SWIDINSKY MARCH 15 TH +SOULS OF CATHERINE & DMYTRO MANDZIE FAMILY MARCH 22 ND +SOUL OF EUGENE KOLOCHUK (20 YEARS) BETTY KOLOCHUK & FAMILY MARCH 29 TH +SOUL OF ALEX BUGERA VICKI BUGERA & FAMILY APRIL 5 TH +SOUL OF DARLENE BUGERA VICKI BUGERA AND FAMILY APRIL 12 TH +SOUL OF NICK KURYK ANNE LAMOTHE APRIL 19 TH +SOUL OF MICHAEL TANCHAK ANNE TANCHAK & FAMILY APRIL 26 TH +SOULS OF PARENTS WILLIAM & MARY MELNYK SAM & SYLVIA SZWALUK & FAMILY +SOULS OF PARENTS JOHN & ROSE SZWALUK SAM & SYLVIA SZWALUK & FAMILY MAY 3 RD +SOUL OF JOHN SWIDINSKY ROSE SWIDINSKY MAY 10 TH FOR ALL MOTHERS LIVING AND DECEASED ANNE LAMOTHE MAY 17 TH +SOUL OF PARENT JUNE MORANT BILL BRENDA & MEGAN MORANT MAY 24 TH +SOULS OF MIKE & JEAN NECHWEDIUK MARTIN & LEONA NECHWEDIUK MAY 31 ST HEALTH OF SAM & SYLVIA MARTYNIUK ANONYMOUS JUNE 7 TH +SOULS OF MARY MARYNIUK & METRO STRILKIWSKI ROSE & JOHN WASYLIW JUNE 14 TH +SOUL OF NICHOLAS TURKO MARY TURKO JUNE 21 ST +SOUL OF AUDREY SKURA MARY TURKO JUNE 28 TH AVAILABLE JULY 5 TH HEALTH OF ANNA LABAY ANDY & LINDA LABAY JULY 12 TH JULY 19 TH AVAILABLE AVAILABLE JULY 26 TH +SOUL OF EMILY STOYANSKY ANGELA & CATHY STOYANSKY A Sanctuary Light burns eternally to indicate the presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist in the Tabernacle. It is a marvelous thing that we can actually be in His presence!

16 LITURGIES & INTENTIONS INTENTION OFFERED BY January 25 th 10:00 am Health of Father Walter Jean Derhak Health of Margaret Antonyshen +Soul of Jean Hollinger Jean Derhak Teresa Allard January 26 th 8:30 am +Soul of Michael Paly Oksana Paly & family January 27 th 8:30 am Health of Ed Prociuk & family Father Walter January 28 th 8:30 am +Soul of Josephine Hafichuk Phyllis Fedorchuk January 29 th 8:30 am +Soul of Emily Stoyansky Angela & Cathy Stoyansky January 30 th 8;30 am NO MASS February 1 st 10:00 am +Soul of Darlene Bugera Vicki Bugera Health & Blessings Vicki Bugera +Souls of Dmytro, Ivanka, Mykhaylo, Mariya Cathy Stoyansky Olana Nataliya, Dmytro, Olga, Ivan, Paraskoviya February 2 nd 8:30 am +Soul of Helen Piskor Albert Wispianski February 3 rd 8:30 am +Soul of Josephine Hafichuk Vicky & Tony Stastook February 4 th 8:30 am +Soul of Larry Fedorchuk Father Walter February 5 th 6:45 pm Health & Birthday Blessings Sophia Bill & Lesia Boyczuk February 6 th 8:30 am +Soul of Peter Yaskiw Father Walter February 8 th 10:00 am Faithful Celebration of Light February 9 th 8:30 am Souls of Stanley & Emily Stoyansky & family Cathy & Angela Stoyansky February 10 th 8:30 am +Soul of Josephine Hafichuk Dorothy Labay February 11 th 7:00 pm +Souls of Fred & Stella Tkach Father Walter February 12 th 8:30 am +Soul of Michael Paly Father Walter February 13 th 8:30 am +Soul of Michael Paly Oksana Paly & family February 14 th 11:00 am Children s Divine Liturgy February 15 th 10:00 am +Souls of Darlene & Alex Bugera Vicki Bugera +Soul of Stefan Bill & Lesia Boyczuk

17 THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO: ROXY MELNYK who will celebrate on January 29 th MARY ILNISKY ZIMROSE who will celebrate on January 29 th ELIZABETH HOTEL who will celebrate on February 3 rd BRENDA MORANT who will celebrate on February 3 rd MNOHAYA-MNOHAYA LITA! GOD GRANT YOU ALL MANY HAPPY YEARS! the Parish Renewal Committee will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, January 27 th at 7:00 pm to discuss the survey results. Submitted by Rose Olynyk From The Parish Council: On behalf of the parish, we extend a hearty thank you to all of the ladies that helped prepare and serve the delicious Christmas dinner that was enjoyed by approximately 140 parishioners, thank you also to everyone that stayed and helped to clean up after the dinner. It is that time of the year, that the various organizations in the parish, are holding their annual meetings, and nominations, our thanks and Hats Off, to the various individuals and organizations for their selfless dedication of time and work on behalf of the parish, without these volunteers and their tireless dedication, we couldn t survive as a parish. It s perogy week at St Basil s parish this week with potato peeling Monday 26 th 6:00pm, perogy making Wednesday 28 th 9:00am, with a fair number of our regulars away on vacations, we need new volunteers to come out and assist their parish, it s a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners, forge new friendships, and just an opportunity of being part of the parish family. The new electronic sign and cross installation has been delayed until the middle of February, due to construction problems. Submitted by John Bazarkewich

18 COMMUNITY CALENDAR HOMAGE TO MANITOBA S CATHOLIC WOMEN RELIGIOUS Did you know that nearly 50 Catholic Women Religious congregations have been of service to Manitobans since 1844? Do you have a wonderful testimonial to share about a sister that you know or congregation? In the Catholic Health Association of Manitoba is leading a project entitled Legacy of Care, Courage and Compassion to render homage, commemorate and celebrate these humble and courageous pioneering women. Manitoba s communities have been blessed by the work accomplished by the devoted Catholic women religious. While surmounting numerous obstacles and challenges to respond to the needs of the oppressed, poor, sick, underprivileged, and uneducated, the Sisters have contributed greatly to the foundation of Manitoba s health, education, and social service systems, as well as played an integral role in our parishes and communities. We invite you to take part in this historic moment by: *submitting a testimonial (maximum 250 words) * participating at special events *making a donation to help fund a commemorative monument to honour the Sisters. Please mail your charitable donation to: Catholic Health Association of Manitoba, N5067, 431 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg R2H 2A6 Visit for more details or contact Julie Turenne-Maynard at r consultjtm@mymts.net Please refer to the poster located in the nave for more information. "The Holy Family Home Auxiliary would like to invite the ladies of the community to a wonderful evening together at our Annual Ladies' Fundraising Dinner and Elimination Draw - "Sisters of the Round Table", to be held February 6, 2015 at Holy Eucharist Parish Centre, 460 Munroe Ave. E. Tickets for the event are $70,00 and may be obtained by calling Lydia Kandla at Proceeds dedicated to the Expansion and Renovation of the HFH Residents' Chapel for their spiritual comfort and wellbeing during their stay. Pizza, Pajamas and a Movie! Friday Jan. 30 at 6pm at St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall (35 Marcie). We will feature Despicable Me 2. Bring sleeping bags, pillows, pajamas, your favourite stuffie... anything to make you and your family comfortable! Cheese Pizza Slice $1.50, Drinks $1. Please RSVP with your food order to Michelle at rymcssr@gmail.com by Wednesday Jan. 28 or call We are asking all families to bring a nonperishable food donation for The Welcome Home. Parent(s) are expected to attend with their children. ~Hosted by the Ukrainian Redemptorists~ UR Youth. > A screening of the Movie The Triumph Saturday, February 28, 2015 Free 233 Scotia Street (Chancery) At 7pm To register, contact: (204) Tamara youth@archeparchy.ca

19 Table for Two - Feb. 14, 2015 For young married and engaged couples. Celebrate a meaningful Valentine's Day with a three course meal, quiet conversation and a special presentation with Nancy and Ted Wood (members of the Chemin Neuf Community and directors of St. Charles Retreat Centre). 6pm at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall. Cost is $40/couple. Reserve your table by Feb. 6th! Contact Michelle at rymcssr@gmail.com or call We would like to invite all clergy and parishioners to the annual Bishop's Levee to be held Sunday January 25, :00 pm St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church 100 Yale Avenue East Winnipeg Patricia Sirski Centralia Board member Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia, Palliative Care Winnipeg Life's Vision Presents their 2015 Annual Luncheon With Guest Speaker - Dr. Larry Rados, MD MP Steven Fletcher has introduced two private members' bills that support physician-assisted suicide for all competent adults over the age of 18 years. This issue will be brought forward before the 2015 federal election. If you want to be better educated on this topic join us on: Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Holy Eucharist Parish Centre 460 Munroe Ave. (corner of Munroe and Watt). Doors open at 11 am. Speaker at 11:30. Tickets are $20.00 each and can be purchased by contacting Life's Vision Manitoba at or lifesvision@shaw.ca DEFENDERS OF UKRAINE SAVE A LIFE BUY A LIFESAVING GIFT $100 Many Ukrainian patriots are in the line of fire without bulletproof vests or life saving aid. 60% of combat deaths result from catastrophic blood loss. The solution The improved first aid kit and combat lifesavers training will increase a patriot s chance of surviving critical wounds. Right equipment and training saves lives The organization Patriot Defense in Kyiv is dedicated to supplying the IFAKS and providing training for Ukrainian soldiers in their use. Patriot Defense has been vetted by the Ukrainian World Congress which has agreed to help raise funds for this endeavor. Your gift of any amount can save lives. Send cheques to Ukrainian Canadian Congress Manitoba Provincial Council 777 Pritchard Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2X 0E8 Immaculate Heart of Mary School will be hosting their Annual Tea on Sunday, February 1, at 650 Flora Avenue, between the hours of 1:30 and 4:00 P.M.. Tea Theme: 'Honouring Our Youth' The Tea will be officially opened by... Alex Pankiw, UCY President & Dayna Konopelny, UCY Vice President An invitation is extended to all... come and visit the school! While attending the Tea, enjoy the Bake Room and Raffles.

20 December ~ January 2015 ~ February Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Knights of Columbus Coffee House Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast Parish Christmas Dinner 19 Parish Council Meeting UCWLC Annual Meeting Potato peeling 6:00 pm Perogy Making Perogy Supper 31 More Calendar: Feb, Mar, PDF Calendar