Franziska Notes July 2012

Trying to situate the special charism of Franziska Lechner in a time very different from hers is a feat that requires much thought and prayer. It seems from her writings that she was convinced that the Church and her congregation would only thrive under a Catholic civil authority. We live in a very different kind of world. We are struggling with the place of religious life and moral standards in a time of democracy and pluralism. One of her lessons to her sisters gives us a little light on how we should proceed. While they were sheltering country girls who had come to the cities to work in the houses of the wealthy she reminded the sisters how important it was to give these girls a firm human and spiritual foundation. A servant who was secure in her dignity as a child of God and living according to His will would have a vital influence in the household. The children who came daily into contact with her would be the rulers, the educators, the military leaders of their society. If they were grounded in the faith and love of God the country would be in good hands. She was in her time a subversive!

As our society more and more bans all mention of God and religious symbols from the public square, it is important that we light a flame of enthusiasm in our young people. Not only must they learn doctrine and moral principles, these must be modeled for them and accompanied by an exposure to all that is good, true and beautiful.. and fun. Art, science, music, sport, all kinds of good interests must be promoted so that they may see where their gifts lie and how these gifts rooted in their Christian heritage can be put at the service of their future world in a career they have chosen with God’s will in mind. This does not mean only schools and formal institutions… This can be done best by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, etc. Let us be alert to bringing children to Jesus by “doing good, giving joy, making happy”…. and so leading many to heaven.

Today we celebrate St. Charles Lwanga of Uganda.  He is a Saint for our time and place.  Charles served his king as a faithful citizen until he was asked to do something against his conscience formed by his Christian/Catholic faith.   He was asked to perform immoral sexual acts and to take mind-altering drugs and to invite the young pages who were his responsibility into these practices.   He refused and modeled for them instead the courage to give their lives instead of offending God    These challenges face young people all over the world.  May the example of Charles and his companions, both Catholic and Protestant be a strength for our own youth.

PRAYER

God our Father,

We praise and thank you

for the life and death of your servant,

Charles Lwanga.

Through his intercession, 

we ask you to pour 

your Holy Spirit

on all young christians.

May they be courageous

witnesses of your Son.

We ask this in his name,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen  

from  shrine in  Uganda  (prayer adapeted)

Martyrs Day Uganda June 3

Uganda Martyrs' Day Celebrations are held every 3rd June at the Uganda Martyrs' Shrine, Namugongo, Kampala-Uganda. In Uganda, this day is a public holiday, which gives chance to millions of people from near and far to make pilgrimage to this Holy Land.



The Martyrs' Day celebrations begin with a Novena in various parts of the country especially in places where different Martyrs were either born or killed. The Novena begins from 25th May to 2nd June. The Novena at Namugongo is also attended by pilgrims from neighbouring countries like; Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and from some other continents.


Many of these pilgrims, young and old, walk miles and miles from their home areas up to Namugongo as a sign of honour to the Martyrs who shed their blood for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pilgrims also spend weeks on this long journey trying to invoke the Uganda Martyrs to intercede for them in overcoming their problems. These, indeed have often testified Martyrs' positive reaction to their prayers as they get salvaged from their bonds.


In preparation for Uganda Martyrs Day, not only pilgrims or faithful flock to the place, business people as well come to Namugongo in big numbers to sell foodstuffs and other merchandise to fellow business people and to pilgrims. This makes the numbers shoot high not only at Namugongo but even in the neighbouring trading centres.


The climax is the celebrations of a Pontifical High Mass on 3rd June. The liturgy celebrations are organized by various dioceses, year after the other. Mass begins at 10 (East African Standard Time) with processions accompanied by liturgical dances organized by the leading diocese. Important persons from Uganda government, embassies and other countries usually attend the celebrations. The security is always beefed up by police and the army. This makes the celebrations very peaceful despite the big numbers (millions) that turn up for the celebrations



Material taken from official web site in Uganda

Franziska Notes June 2012

What is the secret of the saints? Why do they seem to be so happy and fulfilled in spite of many obstacles, challenges and attacks? As we learn more of the life of Mother Franziska we see that she had an intimate relationship with Jesus and Mary.

She nourished this life in the spirit with the Sacred Scriptures, the Eucharist and daily meditation. Surely her life and work testifies to constant happiness and success. The opposite is true. In her own words we hear of disappointments in those she relied on for guidance, attacks by enemies, doubts and failures besides ill health.

Intimacy with the Lord has moments of supreme, inexpressible joy and consolation, but more often is uneventful. It develops slowly over a lifetime and has times of darkness. Those who remember the consolation and travel with courage and patience through the darkness discover how Jesus delights in surprising his friends. The key is perseverance. Those who are addicted to pleasure and good feelings run and turn to other things in an attempt to re-capture the joy that can only come from the Holy Spirit and on God’s time.

Mother Franziska surely asked at times, as we also do, “Why am I hindered from doing this good thing? Why are my gifts frustrated and my wings clipped?” Often it is the good people in our lives who become our obstacles… our superiors, our parents, our friends. I think it is the Lord Himself trying to remind us that all true gifts are from him and for service to the Church and world. If we were unhindered we could easily be deceived that it is our own talent and intelligence at work. It is in the “holy darkness” that we are reminded that all we have is from the Lord and all happiness and fulfillment comes in doing His will. Jesus is waiting to surprise and delight again the one sitting in loneliness and darkness. He tells us, “Do not be afraid of the dark”, as promised in Isaiah 41:13 He holds our hand and helps us.