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A glance at the Roster shows us that the Seattle Chapter of our Association is
not very large --- but it is very active! Read on to find out what has been happening
in the Northwest over the past six months.
"A
Time to Remember and give Thanks"
A
Summer Evening with our Malades 2006
July
9th, 2006
Time
generally goes too fast but somehow the time
from the Lourdes pilgrimage to the summer
gathering when we all got to see each other
again seemed to be a long time in coming.
So many things change once we return to the
United States. Life goes back to the fast
lane. Our “malades” went back
into treatments. No specific problems arising
from the time spent on the pilgrimage yet
changes nonetheless. Everyone wanted to gather
to share their stories of the “little
miracles” of Lourdes. It was important
that we gather and the sooner the better.
We
had our share of “little miracles” on
the green team. Finally, our gathering time
arrived and it seemed to work for most of
the “malades”. Timothy Bomke
and his wife, Ashley wanted to come, but
the next day was to be the day that Timothy
would go into surgery for the amputation
of the leg which sustained the injuries of
war. He, however, wanted the group to know
how much he appreciated his time in Lourdes
and how important it was for him as he prepared
for this surgery. In the last quarterly journal,
he tells his story (see Quarterly Journal
of October 2006). He felt so blessed to meet
young Matthew who had his limbs replaced
and was able to navigate with everyone at
Lourdes. He felt forming this bond with this
courageous young man was his “little
miracle” and grace for this pending
journey.
Marin
Morrison and her mom, Nancy were able to
attend this night of our gathering. They
shared how very special was the trip to San
Sebastian. It seemed like a miracle to them
to visit this city dedicated to the Patron
Saint of all athletes. Marin is a competitive
swimmer. This trip was unplanned and yet
evolved so beautifully for them. It was an
unexpected joy on their last day in Lourdes.
Marin is back now on the swim team and an
inspiration to all her high school classmates.
She had just celebrated her 16 th birthday
in June, two weeks prior to this meeting,
and even though she is in treatment, she
is doing as well as can be expected.
Lisa
Jones felt that her “little miracle” was
being able to share this trip with her devoted
sister, Janelle. It was a special time of
bonding and sharing with each other and with
all of us. We were blessed to know the love
they shared with each other and then with
all of us.
Anita
Mitchell continues to be an inspiration to
all of us. Her work against colon cancer
and awareness for early detection is wonderful.
One of her “little miracles” occurred
after the Mass at the Grotto. We were headed
for the picture taking session and then suddenly
on our right side appeared Cardinal Levada.
He was most kind to all of us, but especially
Anita. He allowed us to have our picture
taken with him. It was a special moment and
a special blessing for us all.
Many
other “little miracles” were
shared on this special evening. It was a
time to recount God’s many blessings
on us all for everything is indeed grace.
These unexpected joys and a peace that surpasses
all understanding are an integral part of
this evening. It is one of the highlighting
events of our year. It was a time to remember
and recount His Goodness in our lives and
how wonderful it is that His Mother, Mary
calls us to Lourdes and she shares the living
waters of healing for us all.
The
summer gathering is special in that each
and every time we have this annual event
it is so important for our malades, but also
for those of us who have been privileged
to share the journey. It is a time to remember
and give thanks.
"Fall
Visit to One Serving the Poor—Dr. Dale
Peterson KM"
Journey to Wenatchee
October 3rd, 2006
It
was a beautiful fall day to travel. The air
was crisp and the morning sun was peeking
through the clouds--uncovering the colors
of the trees which were rich in yellows,
golds and reds all standing in contrast with
the evergreens. The tops of the mountains
showed a fresh dusting of snow boding the
winter days to come. It was a picture-perfect
fall day.
Members
of the Seattle Chapter were invited to come
and see the work of Dr. Dale Peterson KM.
In cooperation with the city of Wenatchee
he has founded two shelters, one for women
and one for men. Dr. Dale Peterson is a urologist
and his wife, Camille “Cammy”,
is a former nurse who became a lawyer and
now is a concert harpist with the Symphony
in Wenatchee. They raised their children
in this valley. Both Dale and Camille have
been longstanding contributors to their community.
Dale
became a convert to Catholicism as he worked
with the homeless and he found a way to work
with the city to establish these shelters
for the homeless. He garnished doors and
windows from buildings that were being removed
from areas of the city that were being refurbished.
He himself sleeps in the men’s shelter
one night a month to help with the staffing.
The shelters are heated with wood that is
cut and stacked by its residents using wood
that comes from blow-down in the National
Forests. Food is all donated by the stores
and gardeners. The city figures it costs
only 39 cents a day to feed and house the
homeless in Wenatchee.
Serving
the poor in his area, Dr. Dale Peterson is
truly an inspiration for others. Yet he not
only does this work, but he takes a team
to Haiti every year for 1-2 weeks to help
with the health care at the Crudem Hospital—Sacre
Coeur. He has taken on the task of raising
funds to build a better facility in Haiti
as well.
We
arrived in Wenatchee and met at the Church
of St. Joseph where Fr. Tom Kuykendall celebrated
a Mass for us in this beautiful new church
dedicated in 2005. We were hosted by Dr.
Dale Peterson for lunch at one of the local
fine diners. During lunch, Dale shared with
us pictures of his most recent trip to Haiti.
The need for health care is great!! He admits
that the first time he couldn’t wait
to leave. Yet, when the day of departure
came, he heard himself say: “I’ll
be back”. He has returned and it was
there he met the Knights and Dames of the
Order of Malta. It was there, in Haiti, that
he came to know the work of the Order. He
applied to the Seattle chapter since we were
the closest to Wenatchee and he is now planning
on going to Lourdes this year.
Dale
Peterson is an example for us all of one
trying to live closely to the Gospel of Christ.
He is an inspiration to know and truly a
friend of God. We are blessed in the Seattle
Chapter to be able to visit him and to come
to be inspired by his leadership and authenticity.
This
fall trip led us down another branch in the
road as well. We in the Seattle Chapter also
met some of Dale’s friends who have
supported Dale’s work in the Wenatchee
Valley. One of the couples, Steve and Jane
Baldock also have a place in Sun Valley which
overlaps with our interest in skiing as well.
As an aside, we were all able to connect
this Christmas in Sun Valley with Dale and
Camille Peterson as they celebrated their
43 rd wedding anniversary. It was truly a
joyful evening. Sun Valley, Idaho is another
grace-filled place and another opportunity
for our Chapter to encourage those who live
the Gospel and carry out the works of kindness
and compassion, to explore the possibility
of working with the Knights and Dames in
the Order of Malta.
It
is becoming clear to us in the Seattle Chapter,
that even though we are small we can reach
out across the state and the Pacific Northwest
to meet some individuals who are truly following
the calling of Christ and living the Gospel.
We are leaving plenty room for the Holy Spirit
to lead us and help us grow in grace. There
must be some pioneer spirit of exploring
as well urging us to follow these pathways.
We are trying to encourage those who seem
to be authentically following the Gospel
and sharing the joy of helping those in need.
We feel inspired in their presence. We feel
inspired by their leadership. We feel inspired
by their examples of personal effort and
compassion. Our fall visit to Wenatchee was
such an opportunity and it appears that maybe
there is another fertile field in Sun Valley,
Idaho, as well.
Time
will tell, but this was a day of encouragement
of one another and inspiration of leadership
and sacrifice leading to the betterment of
all who participated. It was a day to honor
and acknowledge one of our members who truly “Serves
the Poor” not only in Wenatchee but
also in Haiti—Dr. Dale Peterson KM
Preview
to Our Lourdes Pilgrimage 2007
Visit from Kevin White
November 5th, 2006
It
was your typical cold and rainy NW day when
Kevin White arrived, but our timing was good
and we connected easily at the airport. This
visit was preceded by a feeling that everyone
was coming to Seattle on THIS day. It seemed
like all airline tickets were taken and then,
come to find out, ALL hotels were completely
booked. Downtown Seattle was now “ Mecca” for
football fans. It seemed like an advent experience
of “No Room at the Inn”.
Nevertheless,
the day went smoothly. Kevin was remembered
by our malades of 2006 and two were able
to come to greet him that afternoon at Mass.
Marin Morrison and her mother, Nancy and
Anita Mitchell were able to be there. It
was wonderful to see their joy in reconnecting
with Kevin and acknowledging all he is doing
for those who are malades and what “going
to Lourdes” means for them.
After
Mass, Kevin gave his update on the new non-stop
chartered airplane for the trip to Lourdes.
He outlined his hopes that the pilgrimage
begins on the flight to Lourdes May 1 st,
2007 and will not end until we return together
to the west coast, May 9 th 2007. One of
the most wonderful features of this charter
jet is the handicap-access bathrooms which
will be larger and allow for some assistance
in the bathroom.
Not
only has the travel itself has changed, but
also the application process has changed
as well: he told us the forms would be forthcoming
and the new due date for completion was set
up to be before Christmas on December 15
th. Lots of changes this year will hopefully
have a positive impact on ease of this pilgrimage
for the malades and their caregivers.
The
focus of the trip is to honor Mary, our mother
and to acknowledge this gift of healing waters
which she has given this world. We are to
acknowledge her role in interceding for us
with her Son in asking for His healing touch.
It
was so generous of Kevin White to take his
time and come to visit us in the Northwest.
The malades loved seeing him again and share
their bits of advice as well. The evening
ended with a buffet dinner at the Seattle
Yacht Club and an adventuresome ride on this
full-moon night to Kevin’s brother’s
log home in Suquammish—a newly restricted
zoned area due to flooding. We all felt blessed
to have Kevin White with us and we know this
pilgrimage of 2007 will be special because
of all his sacrifices and efforts.
Advent
Retreat with Monsignor Otellini
December 5th, 2006
Monsignor
Steven Otellini was most gracious to agree
to come and assist our little group here
in the Pacific Northwest and what a busy
time of year to give us his time and presence.
H E. Richard Rudy was most kind to invite
him, as a personal friend, to visit our group.
At the time of the invitation we did not
have a spiritual director or priest committed
to our group. We had been looking for almost
a year trying to find a fit with a priest
in the northwest community.
We
hoped to have an Advent retreat and as Ambassador
Richard Rudy was going to California he asked
if it would be possible to have Monsignor
Otellini come to speak to us. It seemed like
we were blessed indeed when Monsignor Otellini
agreed to come to be with us. The arrangements
were made. Again it was a blustery and cold
wintry day for the arrival of Monsignor Otellini.
We
are a group “poor in spirit”,
all members seeking the elusive goal of personal
sanctification. Monsignor Otellini was most
kind in assuring us that we have hope in
our work and in our prayers. His message
included: encouraging us to deepen our own
spirituality and to practice our faith. Our
image must correspond to our work and we
must nourish the faith within ourselves and
others—“tuitio”. It is
good to give of our selves to others. The
most important virtue to practice is charity.
If
you look at the Advent season, it is a journey
of hope and love for others. It was good
to be reminded of our call as members of
the Order of Malta to continue to grow and
work with and for each other and others who
depend on our kindness and care.
After
Mass and Monsignor Otellini’s reflection,
we went to dinner together. There was a grace-filled
moment when a group of carolers came and
sang “O Holy Night” at our table.
It truly felt like a night where His Love
was shared with us all and we could feel
His Goodness with us. It felt like a Holy
Night, indeed.
"Serving
the Poor" Christmas Dinner at Sacred Heart
Shelter
Sunday, December 10th, 2006
Christmas
is always a magical time. Grace and “Glory
be to God” seems to hang in the air.
The shorter days cause us to draw closer
to one another physically as we seek the
warmth of company and the lights which cast
away the darkness. We are encouraged to share
His Love with all we meet in our greetings
of “Merry Christmas”.
Every
second Sunday of the month, the Order of
Malta provides the Sunday dinner for Sacred
Heart Shelter. Sacred Heart Shelter was founded
by Boyd Sharp KM in the 1970’s. It
is a shelter which serves about 25-30 homeless
adults and children. Tonight is no different
and yet it is special in that we gather together
in the cold and darkness to break bread and
share a meal. The children giggle in anticipation
of the glorious day of Christmas and its’ promise
of hope for new joys and perhaps a fulfillment
of some dreams. Several members of the Order
are involved in the fund raising efforts
of this Shelter. There is the Golf Tournament
held in the summer in which we are becoming
more involved as underwriters of this event.
In October, we help with the fundraiser called “Soup
Line”. It is there that we serve the
signature soups donated by all the wonderful
downtown restaurants. This event is held
one to two times a year at the Plymouth Congregational
Church. The Archbishop or an Auxiliary Bishop
comes to celebrate Mass and attend this community-supported
event on behalf of the shelter.
Back
to Christmas: this particular Sunday we play
Christmas music and we try to create a special
atmosphere for the residents. Our gifts generally
are small, but we tend to give new dishes,
silverware and nice plastic glasses to give
them a sense of dignity and feeling special.
The meal is made and we try to serve something
that everyone likes and can eat. Chicken
is favorite entrée and we try to dress
it up a little. Salmon in the Pacific Northwest
is also a wonderful summertime meal that
they all enjoy with pasta.
Tonight
was a special night. We had the candles lit
and the lights turned off except for the
small Christmas tree with its colored lights
giving everything a soft glow. The Christmas
carols were playing softly in the background.
It was hushed atmosphere as the children
entered the room with their soft “oohs
and ahhs” as they dart for the candy
canes and treats hidden in the decorations
and look for permission from their parents
and us. The words, “Isn’t this
pretty, Mama?” and the “Thank
You’s” from the residents fill
one’s heart with unexpected joy for
this opportunity to give just a little. We
try to make this season a little easier and
a little brighter for them. It is truly a
wondrous night filled with peace and joy.
"Serving
the Poor" Christmas Party and Luncheon
Matt Talbot Center
(admist the power outages and great winds)
December 16th, 2006
God
has a way of building faith and Christmas
time with all its pressures seems to be a
way for God to call us closer to Him. Weather
is always dicey at this time of year particularly
in the Northwest. As I watched the barometer
fall during the week, I kept praying that
God had in focus the 150 people who would
be gathering on Saturday, December 16 th
for their annual Christmas party. St. Cecilia’s
has been responsible for this event for about
15 years. We take over honey-glazed hams,
rolls, cookies, scalloped potatoes, green
salads and fruit salads, juice and paper
products. We also enlist the Daughters of
Charity from Spokane, Washington to help
us gather the stocking knit hats, new socks,
and warm gloves. God had some extra surprises
this year and many “little miracles” came
into play to make this event happen.
It
started with the gathering of the gloves
and hats. Generally, they are purchased by
the Daughters of Charity in Spokane. This
year, however, the boxes which are usually
available in the “Dollar Stores” in
the fall were not on display anywhere. It
seemed that this year we would be out of
luck. Instead, a little miracle, one of the
women went to the last store which might
have something and a huge box of all that
we need in terms of warm hats was located
in the back of the store under a table just
waiting for us. We felt blessed in this discovery.
However, many more “little miracles” had
to occur before this event was able to be
held.
On
Thursday, 80-90 mile/hour winds blew through
the Puget Sound Region. Thousands were without
power or phone coverage. Bainbridge Island
was no different. Reminder phone calls could
not be made. It was cold and dark and windy
most of the time. Weather was threatening.
Fortunately, the Matt Talbot Center in Seattle
has a generator and they had some power with
an operating kitchen.
The
Wyatt House also had a generator and ovens
available on Bainbridge Island. It was going
to be tricky getting the scalloped potatoes
made and ready for the lunch on Saturday.
The hams, too, were to come from Bellevue
and with so many phones out, last-minute
details had to be left up to the Holy Spirit
and God’s angels to get the reminder
messages out.
Friday,
we tried to get the word out that those making
the scalloped potatoes could deliver them “ready
to cook” to the Wyatt house for baking.
Cookies too were delivered to the Wyatt House.
The stores were virtually closed on Bainbridge
Island, and if it weren’t for the kindness
of the proprietors many would not have been
able to get the ingredients for the scalloped
potatoes or the green or fruit salads. It
was a time of faith that the Good Lord would
not abandon us. He would help us in this
hour of need to bring this event to His cherished
poor and homeless and the miracle of His
Love could shine for all to see.
Saturday,
almost everyone was still without power,
but the ovens were on and cooking early at
the Wyatt House. It was bitter cold, but
not raining which was a blessing. We loaded
everything up and Fr. Carroll SJ, the pastor
of St. Cecilia’s gave us and the food
his blessing. We caught the 9:40 a.m. ferry
to Seattle which thankfully was running on
time and we were on schedule--even our musicians
were with us to bring the joy of singing
carols together.
We
arrived and the ovens there were on and all
went together as planned. It felt indeed
that even with the challenges of weather
and power outages, it was His Goodness and
Power that prevailed. It was all in His Hands
to begin with, but we tend to try to think
we are important in the process. In this
case, so much depended on Him it simply couldn’t
have happened without the kindness and thoughtfulness
of so many. It was truly an event filled
with Christmas surprises and miracles.
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