Gang, Clique, or Family?
No, it’s not a Halloween costume. It’s just Joe, the little brother one of the seminarians, who wanted to see what it would be like dress as his big brother.
This past weekend, over one hundred guests came to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary for Family Weekend. It gave the seminarians a chance to welcome their moms, dads, siblings, other relatives, and friends to their home away from home and to introduce them to a whole community of brothers – the ir fellow seminarians.
As a faculty member, it’s such a great experience to see where these men come from. Meeting the seminarian s’ families and friends explained a lot about these guys. Although each family member is unique, there are probably more similarities than differences between them.
What a blessing it is to come together and celebrate all we have in common. We’re all looking for people who can understand us, share our interests, and make us feel like we belong. Isn’t that why gangs and cliques are such powerful and influential institutions in our divided society? They bring like-minded people together in order to celebrate their similarities. Unfortunately, these particular relationships don’t always bring out the best in a person. In fact, cliques and gangs bring out the worst in members . P eople join these alternative families and dangerous associations because they don’t have a close knit family at home.
What’s the biggest difference between gangs, cliques, and a loving family? Families help us to be the best people we can possibly be. True families will always have God as the center and foundation of their communion.
I sensed this characteristic of bringing out the best in one another when I met the families of the seminarians over the weekend. In fact, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride for them as they watched their sons, brothers, and friends take such a courageous step in life. At one point, the seminarians presented some entertainment to the guests, just as my siblings and I did when we were kids. But these guys really put on a show! Check out some of the talent in our (God willing) future priests:
Seminarian Jon Samaha (Savannah): Claude Debussy: "Clair de Lune"
Seminarians Ed David (DC) and Brian Baker (Atlanta): Original piece composed by Ed
Seminarian Ed David (DC): Original piece composed by Ed
Needless to say, it was a great opportunity for families to reconnect and expand their understanding of family. When you’re part of the church family, you are a part of a universal family.
During the seminary’s family festivities, I also had the chance to celebrate a special occasion with my own family : my grandmother’s 90th birthday. As my only living grandparent, you can understand why she’s such a treasure .
Even though she is becoming more fragile and forgetful in these twilight years, she is instinctively aware of what family members do: they pray for each other, remind each other of the priority of prayer, and bring out the best in one another. For example, as I prepared to leave my parent s’ home and return to the seminary, grandma asked me if anyone would accompany me on this long drive. I said, “No.” She said, “Jesus will be your companion!” She’s right.
If there’s anything that we can do to avoid being in a clique or gang, it’s to make sure that Jesus is not only a companion, but a part of our family. The men at the seminary are learning this and had a chance to share this knowledge with their families . I continue to learn this valuable lesson from of my own family, in particular , my grandma.
I pray that we protect our children from the influence of unhealthy cliques and gangs. I pray our communities and relationships can truly celebrate the binding force that keeps our families together: God’s love.
Long Life Food – Pancit
Grandma is 90 years old.
This called for a feast!
While her physical strength may weaken as she ages, her faith in prayer is stronger than most people I know. S he always tries to practice her F aith – especially when life gets tough. However, some may attribute her long life to the traditional Filipino dish “Pancit,” a stir-fry made up of vegetables mixed with a long rice noodles . The length of the noodle is said to help sustain longevity and life-long blessings .
Please click here for the recipe.
The Blessing of the Family
Lord, bless our families with the bond of true unity, which is a strong love for You! You know that we are weak, and the pressures of the world can put a strain on our family. I ask You Lord, to bless the Grace Before Meals Families with a desire to bring the best out in one another. Help each member avoid destructive relationships that can pull families apart. Give everyone increased faith so that they can be for each other true companions on the pilgrimage of life towards Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ask Fr. Leo for fatherly advice.
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