A WEEK OF TRAGIC TORNADOES IN THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES...........

Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, are six Southern States in the United States of America, that have been struck by a severe series of tornadoes, which has taken more than 300 lives.  Our thoughts, prayers, solidarity, and support, reach out to them, especially those survivors who are clinging to life, and facing a total new beginning, following the devastation.  It is estmated the tornadoes have cost $2 billion in damage.  In this hour of loss of life in such significant numbers, and property damage that limits the livelihoods of survivors, our prayers and charity need to be with them. 
May the Lord Bless You and May the New and Risen Life of Jesus the Christ, bring you comfort, consolation, and confidence, that despite the adversity of this tragedy, you may persevere and prosper to a better day, on our continuing path to the the place God has prepared as a Kingdom to be shared with us from the foundation of the world.  Easter Peace + Prayers To The Southern United States Tornado Victims And All Believers In The Risen Christ,   Fr.  Troy

THE 7TH DAY OF EASTER : WINDING UP THE FIRST WEEK OF THESE GLORIOUS 50 DAYS...........

It is a very windy Saturday morning here in Sacranento, and the tree to the west of the rectory outside is blowing firecely.  It is a 4 pm Confessions, 5 pm Vigil Mass day, as we bring the first week of Easter to a close.  Today, we liturgically hear from Mark 16:9-15; as the Gospel of the Day.  In this passage, Mark the Evangelist provides how Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene after His Resurrecetion, and how her experience and that of the Disciples on the road who encountered the Risen Jesus, were not immediately believed by others with whom they shared the news.  A scriptural phrase around which a Jesuit retreatmaster presented a week's reflect to me and my fellow seminarians, in the day - sums up the response of Faithful People, to that kind of response, "Lord, Help My UnBelief" !!!!!!!!!!!  Only by believing, accepting, embracing, following, the Good News of the Risen Christ, can we all Believers, come to the fulfillment of New and Risen, Eternal Life in God's Kingdom.  The wind fiercely blowing outside today, is a more than subtle reminder, that tomorrow, the Octave Say of Easter, is the Sacrament of Confirmation Day here at OLOL...........Fr.  Troy

THE 6TH DAY OF EASTER DRAWS US EVER MORE INTO THE PASCHAL MYSTERY...........

Beyond the British Royal Wedding, I effusively blogged about yesterday and overnight until early this morning, today Friday April 29, is Easter Friday on the Catholic-Christian Liturgical Calendar, and as Easter Week is a  Solemnity in its entirety, it preempts the feast day normally observed on this date.  Today, the Church usually honors and remember St. Catherine of Siena, the great 14th century woman, who was a member of the Dominican Third Order, who was intellectually adept as a scholastic theologian, and was a fierce supporter of the Pope, and returning Pope Gregory XI, to Rome, from exile in Avignon, France.  She along with St. Francis Assisi, are the co-Patron Saints of Italy.  In 1970, she was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church.  One of the initial reasons, Buckingham Palace promulgated last November, regarding the selection of this date for the day of Prince William and Princess Catherine's Wedding, was that it is the Bride's Feast Day...........Fr.  Troy

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; A SLEEK, SMOOTH, STREAMING, ROYAL WEDDING DAY FOR THE PRINCE AND HIS PRINCESS WIFE.....THE NOW, DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE...........#20

In twenty five minutes the British Royal newlyweds, Princess William and now Princess Catherine, will leave their lunchtime Wedding Reception, at Buckingham Palace, and drive to Clarence House, their official London royal residence; the phrase being used to describe the next several hours by themselves, is, "a period of reflection".  After their private, mutual reflection on this their wedding day, they will return to Buckingham Party for a Dinner Party hosted by Princes Charles, for 300 guests; followed by a Disco Dance, organized by the Best Man and Maid of Honor, Prince Harry; and Pippa Middleton, the younger, brother and younger sister of the newlyweds.  I having slept for about an hour, am getting up to prepare for 8 am Mass, and will then return to my bed for a few hours sleep...........Troy David Powers
More Later on this Ryal Wedding Day 2011 in Britannia...........

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; FEAST DAY, WEDDING DAY, ROYAL PARTY DAY, FOR THE REALM ON THIS APRIL 29, 2011...........#19

Were it not the Solemnity of Easter Week, today is the liturgical feast of St. Catherine Siena, Doctor of the Church, a very learned and holy woman; the patron saint, and feast day of the young commoner, who married her Prince, three hours ago in Great Britain's Westminster Abbey, in London.  Now, Princess Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, at this moment she and her newlywed husband, Prince William Wales, Duke of Cambridge, are partaking of the lunchtime Wedding Reception, being hosted by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in Buckingham Palace.  I am going to take a forty five minute sleep, before getting up for morning Mass, at 7:05 am..........Troy David

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; STROLLING OUT ONTO THE PALACE BALCONY.....THE NEWLYWED PRINCE AND PRINCESS SHARE THEIR FIRST KISS AS WIFE AND HUSBAND...........#18

Mirroring the fabled nuptial kiss, Prince William's father and mother shared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, 30 years ago this July 29, the now officially titled, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will share their first kiss as husband and wife, before the acclaiming crowds and a worldwide audience.  800,000 persons are estimated to be in London today for the Royal Wedding; with 100,000-150,000 of them now making their way on foot towards the grounds of Buckingham Palace.  The post wedding color commentary and coverage is equalizing as the American network and cable anchors dig deeper with their British royal experts and historians, to provide insight into the day's festivities.  Piers Morgan, on CNN; has just predicted a total of 1 million people, will be in London beforte this Royal Wedding day is over.  Joe Scarborough and Mikha Breszinski, of MSNBC, are speaking of the hope generated by this "fairytale",  Royal Wedding.  The guest list of the Wedding was very inclusive.  From royals and celevrities, to the homeless and representatives of over 80 charities, were on this Royal couples' guest list.  The newlyweds have mounted the balcony, and the families and wedding party have followed them.  Broadly smiling, William gives Catherine a quick peck, and the crowds below erupt even louder.  Katie Couric calls for an instant replay, and it is a short, but meaningful, one commentator suggests, an "old couples' kiss".  The Royal Air Force flyover follows
now, - appropriately, as Prince William is an R.A.F. Officer.  The happy couple still smiling, wave to the throng and return into the Palace for canapes and champagne, served in nine staterooms, to the 600 guests...........Troy

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; THE WEDDING RECEPTION BREAKFAST / LUNCHEON BUFFET IS UNDERWAY AND "THE KISS" IS 50 MINUTES FROM NOW...........#17

As the Queen's Reception for her grandson and new granddaughter by marriage, gets underway, for 600 invited guests from among the 1,900 guests present in Westminster Abbey, within the past ninety minutes plus, having not yet exchanged a wedding kiss, in either the church or the carriage; Prince William, and Princess Catherine,will do so in less than an hour, a tradition the Groom's mother and father began when they emerged out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace, 30 years ago.  This was a one ring wedding, made of Welsh Gold, for the Bride.  British male royals do not wear wedding rings, but a signet ring, or no ring at all.  Katie Couric of CBS News responded, she, "Does not like men who do not wear wedding rings".  My guess is she is making an exception for the newlywed future King of the British Realm.  The much anticipated, "Kiss", is according to the precision to detail, timeline for today's Royal Wedding, 50 minutes away...........TP; 4:25 am.

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; THE NEWLYWED PRINCE AND PRINCESS.....ARE NOW HUSBAND AND WIFE...........#16

William Wales and Catherine Middleton, Prince and Princess, are now newlyweds; husband and wife; Duke and Duchess of Cambridg; and the future King and Queen of England.  A smoothly, streamlined Wedding Service, taken directly from trhe Anglican Book of Common Prayer, but only one Scripture Reading, taken not from the Kings James Version of the Bible, but the Revised Standard Version, was proclaimed by the Bride's brother James, followed by a Sermon preached by the Bishop of London, with whom they did their pre nuptial marriage counseling.  A beautiful procession of the newlywed Royal couple down the center aisle of Westminster Abbey, has brought them to it's foors and they are proceeding to their open carriage, for the ride back to Buckingham Palace for the Wedding Reception luncheon, hosted by the Queen.  They are due at the Palace within the half hour, and their eagerly anticipated Kiss from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, is less than an hour and a half from now......I am surfing ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, and just out of curiosity, FOX; to see the focuses of their post wedding commentary and analysis, along with the visuals.  Catherine's Wedding Gown is being described as denoting her desire to dress for herself, with elegance and dignity.  CNN's Piers Morgan is saying, although with Princess Diana's death, Britain lost its superstar; in Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, they have found their NEW superstar...........The procession of royal carriages back to Buckingham Palace, led off by William and Catherine; and concluding with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip; the crowds along the Mall and lining the streets are going wild with emotion, seeing their newlywed Prince and second in line as Heir to the Throne and his Princess Bride, make their way to their Wedding Reception..........T >4:25 am

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; THE HOUR OF MARRIAGE ARRIVES FOR CATHERINE AND WILLIAM IN LONDON'S WESTMINSTER ABBEY...........#15

The Bride has arrived in what is almost verifiably a Sara Burton dress of the Alexander McQueen fashion house in Engtland.  It is now 3 am Pacific, 6 am Eastern, and 11 am GMT, and the hour of the Royal Wedding 2011, of William and Catherine, is about to get underway.  I will return at in 55 minutes with my next blog update...........T

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...MINUTES REMAINING BEFORE THE ROYAL NUPTIALS OF 2011 BEGIN...........#14

With the ten minute countdown to the start of the Royal Nuptials, the senior members of the British Royal Family, have made their way from the Palaces, through the streets by cars, of distinctive British brands; Prince William's royal uncles, Princes Andrew and Edward; and their children are present now at the Abbey.  The Groom's father and stepmother, Prince of Wales Charles; and the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla; are now also at Westminster Abbey.  Queen Elizabeth, and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip, aarived at the church, just four minutes ago, as well.  The young bridesmaids and page boys are also now present.  At exactly ten minutes to 11 am GMT, Catherine Middleton, has departed the Goring Hotel, with her father, in a Rolls Royce.  The glimpses of her wedding dress, are reminiscent of the late Princess Grace of Monaco.  The commentators are waiting to see iof it a Sara Burton designed dress...........TP

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; THE BRITISH ROYAL WEDDING OF WILLIAM AND CATHERINE IS 45 MINUTES AWAY...........#13

With 45 minutes to go before Bride and Groom stand before the Altar in Westminster Abbey, Prince William, and his brother, Prince Harry, today''s best man; are being driven in a Bentley through the streets of London, from Clarence, for their arrival in moments at the church.  They have stepped out of the car in front of the Abbey, William in a red Royal Air Force Officers uniform; Harry, in a blue British Royal Army uniform.  The church bells are ringing jubilantly, as the two Princes, enter Westminster Abbey.  Just behind the Princes are Catherine's  mother and brother; to b followed within moments by the Bride and her father...........TDP 

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; FURTHER NEW TITLES FOR TODAY'S ROYAL WEDDING COUPLE...........#12

In addition to the newly gifted Wedding Day titles of, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; to William and Catherine; they have also been designated, as Earl and Countess of Strathearn; and Baron and Lady of Carrickfergus.  Carrickfergus, is in the North of Ireland; Whereas, the Sovereign's Wedding Day titles are given, traditionally one each, from England, (today Cambridge) Scotland, (Strathearn) Ireland, (Carrickfergus).  The first hour of American broadcast network coverage is three quarters of an hour on, and NBC and ABC, are outdistancing CBS; as the latter has decided to highlight the Royal Wedding of the nuptial Prince / Duke / Earl / Baron 's; father and mother, as their motif for this first of five hours of continuous live coverage.  It's value on this Royal Wedding Day, the historic video footage being broadcast, from 1981.  I will be returning to MSNBC and CNN, for the 2 am PDT hour of pre wedding coverage.  Until then, your fellow viewer and happy blogger...........Troy David Powers

THE SOON TO BE PRINCESS - DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE.....FAMILY ENTOURAGE LEAVES THE GORING HOTEL FOR WESTMINISTER ABBEY...........#11

The London Chamber Orchestra are joined with the Westminster Abbey Organist, in providing a multi hour prelude of music as the guests arrive.  The American broadcast networks are about to Go Live at 4 am EDT, with their overnight coverage.  a bizarre occurrence has transpired on my television right now.  Less than two minutes into American live broadcasts, with me starting with Katie Couric and CBS News, she and CBS disappeared fromn the screen for over four minutes; and NBC, with Matt Lauer and Mredith replaced vthem on KOVR CBS 13 ?  Could it have been a satellite glitch ??  CBS is rerunning highlights of Charles and Diana's Royal Wedding 30 years ago;  ABC News has its B Team cdoing the pre-coverage presently; and it is NBC News and the Today Show Team, who this hour have begun their blanket coverage the strongest.  I have flipped back to Katie Couric, just as she goes to commercial, so I've switched to ABC, and their coverage now has Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters commentating, along with the rest of their team.  Maple Trees are the choice of the Bride to adorn the Abbey...........Troy David

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; JUST MORE THAN 2 HOURS.....TO THE ROYAL WEDDING OF THE, "DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE"...........#10

As the 8 am hour GMT, openede, Richard Qwest, of CNN, announced Queen Elizabeth II, grandmother of the groom, has bestowed on him and his bride, as a wedding gift, the titles of, "Duke and Duchess of  Cambridge".  The music has begun in Westminster Abbey, the organ is playing, and the doors are opened, allowing in the first arriving of the 1,900 invited guests.  Westminister Abbey is the site of 39 Coronations since 1066 A.D.; and 9 Royal Weddings, during the past century, including the late, Queen Mother; Queen Elizabeth II; Princess Anne; and the Duke of York, Prince Andrew.  As 1 am PDT, nears, I will be switching to CBS News Coverage, with Katie Couric; and then NBC News coverage with Brian Williams; and finally ABC News with Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters.  Then it will back to CNN, and MSNBC, before topping it off, with the Today Show on NBC, at 7 am PDT.  Stay tuned with me here, for updates, news, and communication, about the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine, the newly designated, "Duke and Duchess of Cambridge"...........Troy

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; T MINUS 3 HOURS.....TO WILLIAM AND CATHERINE'S ROYAL WEDDING...........#9

The Midnight hour in California puts us just three hours out from the start of what has been variously described to date, as possibly the Wedding of the Year,...the Decade,...the Century,...the Millennium,...........Whether or not it is, so early in this decade, century, and millennium, to predict; it is a majestic day of pomp and pageantry, as the British are about the best there are in all the World, to provide.Cynthia McFadden, of ABC News Nightline, reports live from London, that the headline in England's Sun newspaper this morning is, "Mum Would Be So Proud"; a reference to the groom William's mother, the late, Princess Diana.  She also has described the similarities and differences between the two most significant women in the marrying Prince's life.  Kate, now also called by her Christian name, Catherine, is said to be more experienced and prepared to assume the expectations her Royal Marriage will require of her, being 29, nearly a decade older than Diana was, at her Wedding 30 years ago.  A former British Boy Band performer, who attended St. Andrew's University, with Kate and Wills, underscores her, sensibility, and how loving she is...........Let The Royal Wedding Countdown Continue,   TDP
underscored the sensibility and

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; THOROUGHLY ADDRESSING EVERY ASPECT.....TO THE ROYAL WEDDING OF KATE AND WILLS...........#8

MSNBC presented a special Dateline edition on the Royal Wedding, contrasting 2011's Nuptials of Prince William and Catherine, to that of Wills' parents, Prince Charles and Lady Diana.  At this hour, I have changed channels to ABC News Nightline, and will go back to CNN and Piers Morgan, at Midnight.  My well brewed tea, has me wired for sound, and I am moniring the coverage and blogging from my bed.  I should state, my queen size bed, in my quarters at OLOL Rectory.  I invite you, whoever, where-ever you are to dialogue with me here, if you are awake and waiting to watch Kate and Wills' exchange of matrimonial vows.  You who are Britons, or in the British Commonwealth, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, et al, I especially hope you will check in and share your thoughts on this special day in Great Britain...........TP

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; LESS THAN 5 HOURS.....TO THE NUPTIALS OF WILLIAM AND CATHERINE...........#7

At 10 pm Pacific Time, I switched from CNN to MSNBC, for pre hours coverage of the Royal Wedding of William and Catherine.  Matt Lauer, and Meredith Vierra, of NBC's Today Show, are providing pre recorded, documentary coverage of Wills and Kate; their love story, and the details surrounding tomorrow's Nuptial activities.  Brian Williams, Matt Lauer, and Meredith Vierra, will head up NBC's coverage of the Royal Wedding, from 1 am Pacific; 4 am Eastern; and 9 am GMT in England.  As I blog Matt Lauer is rebroadcasting his interview from this morning with Prime Minister Cameron, sharing details of his 1981 Royal Wedding observer at the corner of the Mall and Buckingham  Palace, as a 14 year old.  The Royal Calvary plays an integral role in the Royal Wedding pageantry, four and a half hours from now; as they have at British Royal Weddings since 1662.  Will Catherine, a commoner, arrive at Westminster Abbey in a coach, or a car.  Conventional analysis says, coming out of the Abbey, Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine, that she will likely be driven in a car, perhaps a Rolls Royce, it is suggested.  So we will see four hours or so, from now.  More in an hour..........T

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; ON THIS ROYAL WEDDING DAY.....THE PRINCIPALS AWAKE...........#6

The lights have gone on, in the windows of Buckingham Palace, reports the BBC; and just as likely at
Clarence House, the Groom's royal residence, as principals of this Royal Wedding Day are awakening and ready to meet the day.  No reports from the pre wedding residence of the Bride, the Goring Hotel, but she too, is likely nearing her rising and readiness to meet her pince and soon to be husband, in less than a half dozen hours, at their Nuptial Altar.  Piers Morgan of CNN, is leading up their Royal Wedding coverage and on his Live nightly program is interviweing singer George Michael, who has recorded a song, as his gift / tribute to Wills and Kate.  250,000 downloads of the song on the internet have already taken place and Michael confirmed to Morgan, that he has been told, his song will be played as a part of the Wedding Reception tomorrow night.  Stay with me overnight for more hourly blogging on the Royal Wedding. from Stateside, in California.  For an American perspective on a British specialty...........T

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; WILLS AND KATE'S WEDDING DAY.....#5...........

With less than seven hours and counting to the Nuptials between Prince William and commoner Catherine Middleton, every aspect, and vantage point of the Royal Wedding is being presented to a global audience.  Comparisons between Princess Diana and Kate are being contrasted, similarities and differences.  The much more confident Kate, versus the shy, near bashful Diana; the fashion sense both women have possessed; leading the way.  Will's more normal royal upbringing, as compared to that of his father and grandmother; and the resemblence to his mother, not only physically, but in temperment and inclinations.  The relationships both Catherine and William have shared with their parents.  The Windsors have had a turbulent several decades, of scandal and disappointment, despite the constancy of the Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, now in her 60th Year on the British Throne.  Great Britain moves forward and takes a big step advancing its future, with the nuptials Wills and Kate exchange, in that august edifice in London - which since circa 1066 A.D., has been the historic site of the Coronation of British Kings and Queens.  More in an hour, as I proceed with my following of  Royal Wedding Britainnia 2011...........TP

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; ROYAL WEDDING '11.....#4...........

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish on North Avenue, and Oor Lady Czestochowa Polish Community, on Marysville Boulevard, in Del Paso Heights, held a rehearsal tonight for the conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation on our young people, this coming Sunday morning at the 10:30 am Mass.  In three quarters of an hour, Sister Felicity, Father Pius, and myself tool them through the Rite of Confirmation.  The candidates and their sponsors were instructed and practiced going through all the ritual and sacramental actions and responses, on the day.  Thus I have returned to the OLOL Rectory and continuing pre-hours news coverage of William and Catherine's Royal Wedding tomorrow.  I have my first pot of tea brewed; my sugar free scones and jam standing by; in readiness for festive celebration.  The coverage is picking up steam, with every detail being researched and shared with the audience.  News at this hour, is that the couple had a private wedding rehearsal Thursday night, and then departed ways : she to a dinner with her Family in the Goring Hotel, just at the baqck of Buckingham Palace, while he held a private dinner in Clarence House, his and Prince Harry's official residence, with his father, Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, and his brother, Prince Harry.  CNN's Anderson Cooper, and theirv British correspondent, Richard Qwest, are at this hour being joined by others, in doing color commentary and analysis, to the lead up to the Wedding, and whaqt can be expected tomorrow.  Stick here with me for continuing, hourly, blog updates..........TDP 

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; WILLIAM WALES AND CATHERINE MIDDLETON'S ROYAL WEDDING.....#3...........

The greatest mystique and mystery surrounding tomorrow's Wedding of Prince William and his bride to be Catherine, is the dress and the designer, the Bride has chosen for her Royal Wedding Day.  Showing her astuteness as a young, professional, woman - who for five months has kept completely secret, down to her departure in her gown tomorrow morning, from the Goring Hotel, at which the entrance will have a extended tent enclosure around it, to prevent a full view of her wedding gown until she exits the royal carriage outside Westminister Abbey.  Kudos to her for knowing what she wants on one of the happiest days in her life.  Why should the media or business, drive learning in advance for their own advantage.  This day and the events surrounding belong to the marriage couple, and they themselves should determine the way their Wedding Day unfolds for public consumption.  The coverage is hotting out as is said across the miles in Britainnia.  Stay near for further blogs in the twelve hours ahead...........Fr.  Troy

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; THE ROYAL WEDDING 2011.....#2...........

Thirty Years ago at the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, David Cameron, the current occupant of 10 Downing Street, as Prime Minister, drove withhis 17 year old brother, from their hometown, to London, to witness the Royal Wedding processions along the streets.  They arrived the day before, with a hamper full of food and beverages, camping out overnight to keep their front row spectating position, to view the royal carriages passing by.  Tonight, at Buckingham Palace, Prince William, tomorrow's groom made a surprise visit to the Palace lawn, to greet wellwishers, reminiscent of the visit he, his brother, and father, made. out on the Palace grounds, in the days following Princess Diana's death in 1997.  The, "Modern Royals", as he and Catherine are being called, are showing an adept feeling for sharing their Wedding events with the public and the media, to the satisfaction of interested parties.  The festivities playing out over the next day will refresh and renew the uncanny connection the British Royal Family has with their fellow Britons and citizens of the world, particularly a sizable share of Americans.  Will you be among those 27% of Americans, who will watch the Wedding Live, or by DVR, / re-broadcast ?  Why ? or Why not ?  I welcome your comments and assure you I will respond right away.  What stands out in your memory in regards to Prince William and the Windsors ?  Are they worth the coverage, following, and support, they receive ?  Or is their Monarchy and all monarchies an anachronism, overdue in being abolished.  Today, I believe most in Britain and billions more worldwide, are affirming, appreciative, and awestruck, by the majesty and splendor Wills and Kate's Royal Wedding affords its followers...........Fr.  Troy

BLOGGING,"BRITANNIA"; ROYAL WEDDING 2011 - THE MARRIAGE OF WILLIAM OF WALES AND CATHERINE MIDDLETON.....#1...........

At this hour, it becomes Friday April 29, 2011, in Great Britian, and 2 billion or more persons around the World, are beginning to focus on London, England, and the Royal Wedding in eleven hours time of soon to be 29 year old, Prince William, of the House of Windsor; second in line to the British Throne, and his chosen bride, Catherine Middleton, a 29 year old commoner; whom he became friends with a decade ago at University, who subsequently became his girlfriend and fiancee', today becoming his wife, and in the future his queen.  I will be among the 7% of Americans, whom polls say will view the Wedding in Westminister Abbey, Live on television, cable, satellite, and internet, at 3 am Pacific Time.  30 years ago this July 29, 1981, I was awake and watching all through the night, as William's father, Prince Charles, and his mother, Lady Diana Spencer, were married in London's St. Paul's Cathedral.  I did that from St. Rose's Rectory in South Sacramento, a pre-seminarian..  Tonight, I will be viewing the Nuptial festivities from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, in north Sacramento / Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / where I am now Pastor.  I plan to blog about the Royal Wedding - from now, until the 7 am, PDT hour tomorrow morning.  This is history, pageantry, and ritual, that we as Americans emanicipated ourselves from 235 uears ago; yet remain highly fascinated with.  I invite you to join me during the next 15 hours plus, for my blogging about the Wedding Day of Wills & Kate.....At least 2 more of my Sacramento friends will be watching the Royal Wedding Live overnight, and I hope to exchange messages through the celebrations with them.  Crank up the coffee or the tea;  gewt comfortable, and be ready to settle in for the latest grand chapter in the Windsors Royal History, to open more earnestly with the vows, the kiss, the dress, and the pomp and circumstance, cxoming hours will unfold..........Cheers To The Royal Couple,   Troy David Powers

NEW NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM MEMBERS FOR OUR NATION...........

Within the past hour President Obama, nominated four new members to the country's National Security Team; all of having having served with distinction in other roles for more than the past decade.  With Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, stepping down on June 30, the President has nominated Leon Panetta, currently the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, to succeed Secretary Gates at the Pentagon.  To replace Director Panetta, at the C.I.A., General David Petreaus, Chief Commander in Afghanistan, has been nominated.  General Jim Allen, presently leading Central Command; will go to Afghanistan to succeed General Petreaus as Commander.  And veteran four time Ambassador, Ryan Crocker, curently Dean at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library, at Texas A & M University, will be reactivated for the second time in a decade, as American Ambassador to Afghanistan.  All 4 nominees, vastly experienced in foreign affairs and international relations, thus outstanding choices for the Obama Administration's National Security Team, as we continue to monitor and maintain the safety and security of the United States at home, and abroad...........Fr.  Troy

5TH DAY OF EASTER : RESURRECTING THE PARISH INVOLVES CONFIRMATION REHEARSAL AND FINAL PREPARATIONS...........

Easter Week and the Story of the Resurrection of Jesus The Christ, continues to proceed as we share in these 50 Glorious Days of the Paschal Victory of our Redeemer.  Today's Gospel Proclamation, Luke 24:35-40; continues from where the Road to Emmaus passage concluded yesterday.  In these five verses, the Risen Jesus appears in the locked Upper oom to His Disciples, on the night of the Resurrection.  The Risen Christ imparts His Peace to them and extends to them the power to Forgive Sins in God's Name.  We too, as the Disciples of the Risen Jesus, share in the Peace and Forgiveness, The Christ of Creation and Humankind's Salvation.  As the Solemnity of Easter Week continues, how are you, me, and Catholic-Christians, everywhere responding in Living Faith, responding to, and incorporating the Paschal Peace and Forgiveness of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, into the Life of the Church and the World ?????  Here at OLOL Parish, our Easter Week focus is on the Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, with Bishop Jaime Soto presiding at, and administering the Sacraments, on Sunday morning at the 10:30 am Mass.  There is a Confirmation Rehearsal tonight, and I am spending some of today organizing the Luncheon we will share with Bishop Soto, on Sunday afternoon.  The parish maintenance man wil also be here this morning to do his twice yearly check-up on the parish grounds.  All of this with less than 22 hours to that wedding across the pond, that is becoming the focal point of Great Britian and other nations around the World...........Fr.  Troy

BLOGGING, "BRITANNIA"; JUST MORE THAN 2 HOURS.....TO THE WINDSOR-WALES / MIDDLETON NUPTIALS...........#10

BACK TO BACK MED APPOINTMENTS MAKE FOR A FULL FOUR HOURS...........

Departing the OLOL rectory at 10:30 am, for an 11 am appointment with Dr. McMonagle, parishioner Dave Quinn kindly drove me, waited for me, and then drove, and waited for me, at my physical therapy appointment with Quinn McArthur, bringing me back to OLOL rectory, just after 2:30 pm.  They were productive appointments, but made for a lengthy chunk of day expended.  I have been refueling and resting since, and plan on it being an early night to bed, for a solid night's sleep.  More tomorrow, or as my body naturally wakes and is energiozed to blog.  Paschal Prayers,   Fr.  Troy

EASTER WEDNESDAY : ON THE 4TH DAY OF THIS OCTAVE WE PONDER THE ROAD TO EMMAUS EXPERIENCE FOLLOWING JESUS' RESURRECTION...........

On the night of Christ's Resurrection, Luke's Gospel 24:13-35; chronicles the story of two Disciples of Jesus, who were walking along a road, discussing the events involving their Master, of recent days.  How He had suffered and been put to death, only to have reports surfacing that He had Risen on the third day.  And a stranger joins these two disciples along the road and walks with them; seemingly unaware of the memory of the events burning in their hearts.  They eagerly inform the stranger in animated conversation until they reach their destination, the village of Emmaus.  The stranger was supposedly journeying farther, but is convinced to join the two in their Emmaus lodgings overnight.  As they sit at table together and break bread, it is then that they see with the new eyes of Faith, who this stranger was, their very Master, the Risen Jesus.  Yet, it is then He also vanishes from their midst;  another post Resurrection appearance on the day of His Rising from the Dead, having occurred.
The Road To Emmaus story, like the Gospel stories of Christ's Easter morning appearance to Mary Magdalene, being two of the reports of Jesus' New and Risen Life, that unfolded on THE Easter Sunday.  On this 4th Day of the Paschal Season of 50 Glorious Days, in the midst of the Octave of the Solemnity of Easter, we as Catholic-Christians, revisit and recognize the Emmaus event, as one of the assurances of our Faith in the Eternal Life Jesus The Christ possesses and provides for us who believe in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.  As your daily lives stream into these 50 Days, may the vigor and vitality of Christ's Resurrectional Joy, burn in your hearts today and everyday, in the Paschal Mystery that redeems and saves us...........Easter Peace !!!!...........Fr.  Troy    

A MILESTONE DAY IN THE HISTORY OF MY MOTHER'S FAMILY...........

In my Mother's Family, April 26th, is a keystone day.  For it was on April 26, 1915, at 5 pm, that my maternal grandparents, Manuel Lawrence Corey, and Claudia Frances Francis, were married in St. Elizabeth's Church, at 12th & S Streets, in downtown Sacramento.  My grandfather was 24 years, 6 months, and 17 days old; my grandmother 15 yearts, 3 months, and 17 days old; on their Wedding Day.  My great grandmother Francis, and my grandmother's oldest sister Adeline, felt Manuel was too old for Claudia; so at age 13, they sent my grandmother to a convent in Los Angeles, for eighteen months.  Fifteen year old Claudia, returned to Sacramento after her release from the convent,  and within a matter of weeks she married Manuel, in what is my family's ancestral Portuguese National Church.  Their marriage produced 9 children, two who died in childhood; and I am one of 31 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren, and more than 107 great great great grandchildren !!!!!!!!!!!  And their delayed and doubted marriage prospects nearly one hundred years ago, lasted for more than 71 years, until my grandfather's death on May 18, 1986.  My grandmother died less than three years later, on February 26, 1989.  He was 95; she was 89.  So my thoughts, prayers, and memories are with you today, "Mom & Pop", for the Love you shared and the Family you led...........Everlasting Peace In The Eternal Easter,   Troy David

EASTER TUESDAY : THE THIRD DAY AFTER THE THIRD DAY...........

It is an article of the Catholic-Christian Faith, that on the third day after His Crucifixion and Death, Jesus Christ rose from the Dead, and repeatedly appeared to His Disciples, before Ascending into Heaven, to the right hand of the Heavenly Father.  The Easter Season as we commemorate it annually, is 50 Days of acknowledging and actualizing our Belief in the Glorious New and Risen Life, of the Redeemer of Humankind; and the promised inheritance we bear, to share with the Lord Jesus, the Eternal Father, and the Holy Spirit, along with the host of angels and communion of saints, the joy and peace of Everlasting Life in God's Kingdom.  So we enter the 3rd Day of Easter, and continue to reflect on the transforming affect the Paschal Mystery of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection, to save us from sin and break the bonds of death, that before its occurrence blocked the relationship between the Divine and Humankind.  The Sacred Scriptures on this Easter Tuesday, Isaiah 2:36-41; speaks of feeding our hungers and thirsts, by freely partaking of the generous portions of the banquet of life, shared with us by the Lord of Creation.  John 20:11-18; our Gospel Proclamation, shares the Easter Sunday morning story of Mary Magdalene when she arrived at the Empty Tomb, and how she rushed back to tell the Apostles what she had discovered - the Risen Jesus !!!  As you proceed with the unfolding of the presence and power of the Paschal Mystery in your life on this third of 50 Glorious Days, keep the sensational spirit and sacred truth of the primacy of the Resurrection, at the center of your life experiences.  Praise God for gifting us with Redemption, and the assurances of Faith, that we too, shall share in the Eternal Life; - The Risen Christ Has Gained For All Believers, Who Follow Him With Fidelity To Gospel Values...........Alleluia ! Alleluia !! Alleluia !!!  Fr.  Troy     

CATCHING UP WITH MY BODY AFTER HOLY WEEK / EASTER TRIDUUM AND A PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT...........

Easter Monday is a parish holiday, but that doesn't mean there isn't work to be done.  For the most part it is a day off resting after the excelerated schedule of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum.  But it is also one of readiness for tonight's Parish Finance Council meeting.  We will be reviewing parish finances to date for the current Fiscal Year; and make preliminary projections for the Parish Budget 2011-2012. which takes effect on July 1.  Having brought home some of the Easter Ham and side dish portions, from yesterday's dinner, that will be my dinner in the 5 pm hour, as Esperanza has the day off, before the Finance Council meeting starts at 6:30 pm.  Blogging of church temporalities, it was with regret that I read the front page story in the Sacramento Bee on Saturday, about the First English Lutheran Church in Oak Park, having to sell their church building.  I know that congregation and have worshipped with them.  Their Interim Pastor of several years now, the Reverend Lloyd Hanson, one of the leading lights in the Sacramento Ecumenical Movement for more than 40 years, and I became friends six years ago, when we met at the Church Unity Week celebrations.  Please God the necessity to sell the church edifice will not be the end of the congregation.  In 2005, I was honored to join them for a Sunday Service, and to preach at Reverend Hanson's invitation.  Effective Ecumenism in Action...........Fr.  Troy

EASTER MONDAY, 2ND DAY OF THE 50 GLORIOUS DAYS...........

For the unbelieving or non practicing citizens of the World, the high holydays Catholic-Christians have celebrated the past week, ended last night - done, over, finished, for another year.  But Easter is more than a day, or a week of celebration.  Easter is a liturgical, Season of Living Faith, that is 50 Glorious Days, of commemorating the New and Risen Life of Jesus Christ in our lives.  In many countries and cultures, Easter Monday is a holiday, allowing believers in the Resurrection to freely continue celebrating and save returning to work until at least tomorrow.  The spring break of most Catholic-Christian schools is an Easter holiday, as students are given days off from Holy Thursday through this week.  Whereas, others are resuming their normal duties and pretty much leaving the thought of Easter behind.  We as Disciples of the Risen Jesus, cannot and must not do that.  We must continue rejoicing and embracing the spirit of the Paschal Season, responding to reality of our Redemption, by our openness to the experiences of New Life, our Faith provides us.  So today, as Easter Monday unfolds, may you not be in a hurry to cast Easter off, but find personal and communal ways to outwardly,as well as interiorly,keep it alive and flowing through your lives.  Here at OLOL Parish, that means preparing for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist with our Religious Education, on the Second and Third Sundays of Easter.  Bishop Jaime Soto, will be here next Sunday at 10:30 am Mass to administer Confirmation; and I will preside over First Holy Communion Mass, the following Sunday - Mother's Day.  May the Blessings of Easter continue to teem through all you are and do, today and in the seven weeks ahead...........Paschal Peace + Prayers,   Fr.  Troy

EASTER SUNDAY DAY OF PRAYER AND FAITH IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE REDEEMER, JESUS THE CHRIST...........

On Easter Sunday as we celebrate the new life of Spring and the Risen Life of Christ, breaking the bondage of death and the selfishness of sin, attaining for all who Believe in and Follow Him, the assurance of Faith in Eternal Life through the Paschal Mystery of His own Resuurection.  That sacred truth was particularly the case today of an OLOL parish family, who lost their uncle this week, following a lengthy cancer struggle.  I visited him at home and anointed him at home some time ago, and his niece who was caregiving for him tells me her aunt and family think gave him the will to live as long as he did.  Today April 24, would have been the 65th Birthday of my oldest brother, Harry George Feusi, who died 25 years ago, in an accident on the Foresthill Road, above Auburn, when he was 40, and I was ministering at St. Joseph's Parish in Auburn, as a transitional deacon with Fr. Traynor.  They are just two of the souls we prayed for today and that are being remembered by families, friends, fellow believers, neighbors, colleagues, and classmaters, as we Celebrate and Commemorate, with Living Faith, Hope, and Love that is EASTER.  278 persons were present at Fr. Pius' concelebrated 10:30 am Mass; for a total of  648 Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass attendees; and 1,509 persons for the whole of Holy Week and Eater Triduum; from Palm Sunday through Eater Sunday inclusive.  Happy Easter Sunday to Everyone, as I taxi to my Holiday Family Dinner, and the "Ham of God", Ilove so well today !!!!!!!!!!!...........Paschal Blessings,   Fr.  Troy

EASTER SUNRISE AND MORNING MASSES 2011 - ALLELUIA ! CHRIST IS RISEN ! ALLELUIA ! HE IS TRULY RISEN !! ALLELUIA ! ALLELUIA !!...........

On this Easter Sunday morning, OLOL Parish in Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / in Sacramento is celebrating three Paschal Liturgies; beginning with a Sunrise Mass at 6:30 am.  This is a first for this congregation and I am hopeful a good number will turn out.  We are serving a free breakfast to those who do of eggs, sausages, toast, hot cross buns, and coffee.....After the 8:30 am & 10:30 am Masses hot cross buns and coffee will be served those wishing to share in Easter Sunday fellowship.  And our St. Vincent DePaul Ministry, as is their custom , will distribute goodies to our seniors and our youth.....May the power of Christ's New and Risen, Eternal Life, be a blessing for you today and throughout the 50 Glorious Days ahead...........Paschal Peace + Prayers,  Fr.  Troy

NIGHTWATCH OF THE RESURRECTION OF OUR REDEEMER : THE EASTER VIGIL SERVICE 2011...........

In just over an hour from now, I will preside over OLOL's Easter Vigil Service on this Holy Saturday night 2011 A.D.  The sun must set and darkness envelop, before our Nightwatch of Easter Fire, and the Blessing of the Paschal Candle; an extended Proclamation of the Word of God, forming a sweep of Salvation History, on this most central feast of our Catholic-Christian Faith; the Christian Initiation of the newest members of the Body of Christ, the Church, who celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, with us - as has been our Sacred Tradition from the inception of the Christian Community will occur. All of this in commemoration of the Paschal Mystery of Passion and Death, that was succeeded by the Resurrection of Jesus for the Redemption of Humankind.  And just as He foretold would occur, as God's Plan for our Salvation and Reconciliation with the Divine.
Alleluia ! Alleluia !! Alleluia !!! He Is Risen ! He Is Truly Risen !!  Alleluia !!! Alleluia !!! Alleluia !!!
Reverend Father Troy David Powers,  Pastor, Our Lady Of Lourdes Parish,  Sacramento, California
                                                                                                                                             USA

HOLY SATURDAY 2011 : FOLLOWING JESUS' DEATH AND BURIAL HIS DISCIPLES WATCH AND WAIT FOR HIS GLORIOUS RETURN...........

For Jesus' Disciples' the sadness of His Death on the Cross, and being Laid in a Tomb, were a sad ending to His ignominious day of Suffering.  They were bereft of losing Him, and unsure if they would see Jesus again.  The night and day that followed were a long, drawn out, anguish of sorrow for those who were in His circle of Disciples and Friends.  A large stone had been rolled over the entrance of the Tomb, making it all but impossible to open it.  Yet, in the throes of the second night after His Death, something astonishing occurred.  The truly dead Jesus, came back to life again.  He broke the scourges of death and sin, and Rose by the power of God He possessed, to New and Eternal Life.  Thus today, more than two thousand years later we commemorate Holy Saturday, as a day of preparation and pondering.  Catholic-Christians throughout the World today await the liturgical celebration of the Nightwatch of the Resurrection, during the night ahead.  Churches are subdued today, as ministers make the preparations for the Easter ceremonies we will celebrate tonight and tomorrow.  The customary Saturday evening Vigil Mass, is postponed to a later hour, as the Easter Vigil Service that is held tonight, begins only after sunset, and is a wondrous threefold, "Motther of All Liturgies", including rites of Light, Scripture, and Initiation.  So here at OLOL Parish, in Sacramento / Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla /; the Easter Vigil Service will begin at 8:15 pm. The parish ministry worker bees, led by Joan Risse, and the Canossian Sisters, will decorate and elevate our edifice into a beautiful and splendid sacred space of Easter Celebration !!!  A day of preparation also for priests, Fr. Pius, Fr. Traynor, and I, will be composing our Easter Vigil and Sunday Mass homilies; and in mid-afternoon will venture out for  Easter Lunch and shopping for the Hot Cross Buns for the Easter Sunday Mass, light breakfast - and other rectory foodstuffs for this three day Easter holiday.  May your day be one as Catholic-Christians of personal preparation and spiritual readiness for the Great Feast of the Risen Christ.  Keep it as a holiday weekend, but an extra ordinary weekend of renewed and committed Faith, Fidelity, and Fellowship, with and in, the Family of God...........!!!!!!!!!!!  Happy Holy Saturday,   Fr.  Troy   Easter Sunday Masses here at OLOL are :
                                                                                           6:30 am - 8:30 am - 10:30 am

A QUIET DAY AND NIGHT COMMEMORATING THE PASSION AND DEATH OF THE CHRIST OF OUR RECONCILIATION AND REDEMPTION...........

51 parishioners were present for our Good Friday Stations of the Cross, at 7 pm, at which I presided from the Altar of Sacrifice, opening and closing the Service,while Fr. Pius led the fourteen stations in the center aisle of the church.  Fr. Tony was also in attendance and made the Stations seated with the congregation.  It has been as is normal, a quiet afternoon and evening, as this solemn and sorrowful day in the history of salvation draws to an end.  Catholic-Christians locally and universally, commiserate in knowing that God So Loves Us, that the Divine Has Sent The Co-Eternal Son To Save And Redeem Us. From childhood, Good Fridays were a step up from the customary fishsticks and vegetable soup.  On Good Friday, fish and chips were our family fare, as my mother's way of kicking off making Easter weekend special.  And so for most years on Good Friday, as a college student, seminarian, deacon, and priest,  I have honored my family memory, by having either fish and chips, or when necessary, filet of fish and french fries.  But today, given my direct inability to go and get either of them, I settled for meatless leftovers and a can of beans, as my dinner.  They were good and nourishing, but leaves me with the desire for the former.  As I reflect on my current reality : when to ask someone versus providing for myself; when to try to arrange a ride, or to take a taxi; I decided today called for doing less, resting and reflecting more on the substance and significance, than prioritizing my desired central meal of this Good Friday.  With a prostheses and renewed ability next year, my Silver Jubilee Easter Triduum it will be as I choose, with constraint.  Besides on the Day God's Son suffered and died so ignominously; who am I to complain, when there are multi millions of literally starving on Good Friday and everyday of the year.  Fr. Pius and I will go out tomorrow for our Easter meal together, and to get a few groceries for Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.  We must also pick up the Hot Cross Buns ordered for Easter Sunrisers.  However you spend the next couple of days, do so with the Remembrance of the One, Who Suffered, Died, Was Buried, And Rose To Life, For Us Sinners...........A Blessed Easter Triduum,   Fr.  Troy 

HOW THE SADDEST DAY IN HUMAN HISTORY BECAME THE GOOD FRIDAY OF SALVATION HISTORY...........

137 parishioners attended our Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday, which was 70 minutes in length.  Fr. Pius presided, with Fr. Tony and yours truly joining him in the sanctuary.  The Proclamation of John's Passion in four voice parts;followed by Pius' homily and the extended General Intercessions; special collection for the Holy Land, taken up in all Catholic churches today; the Veneration of the Cross, which we conducted appropriately, with a single, substantially sized crucifix, not multiple crosses, for such a numbered congregation; followed by the Holy Communion Service.  Tonight we will conclude the public liturgy of Good Friday, with Stations of the Cross, at 7 pm.  Upon my return to the rectory and a light lunch of melted cheese sandwiches and juice, their was a voicemail message for me from the Manager in the Bakery department of SaveMart, in Town and Country Village informing me that they can fill our order for 13 dozen Hot Cross Buns, for the Easter Sunday Sunrise Mass light breakfast.  The unfair and intense suffering of the Son of Man, Who is truly the Son God, the Anointed One of All Creation, and His Passion, Death, and Burial, are the essential means by which this saddest of all days in human history, became the ever enveloping Good Friday of Salvation for humankind.
Without the willingness of the Co-Eternal Son of God to become the Lamb of Sacrifice for our sins, vis a vis the Paschal Mystery He embraced, the obstruction of our fallen nature would still steep us in the inability to be re-united and in a graced relationship with the Divine GodHead.  Our observance of this Sacred Triduum provides us the opportunity to affirm our belief in Jesus The Christ, as our Redeemer and Reconciler; and the need we have for His Passion, Death, and Resurrection to gain Salvation.  How are you acknowledging; commemorating; remembering; Jesus' selfless sacrifice for your sins and redemption ?...........Fr.  Troy

DAY TWO OF THE EASTER TRIDUUM - THE SOLEMN LITURGY AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS OF GOOD FRIDAY 2011...........

Catholic-Christian churches throughout the World today, April 22, 2011,* are somberly lit, as congregations of the Faithful gather at mid-day or in afternoon and evening, to commemorate the Passion and Death of the One sent by The Divine, to be the Suffering Servant of Perfect Sacrifice for Humankind, Jesus The Christ; God's Co-Eternal Son, Who Becomes our Redeemer and Reconciles the Father's Kingdom With Believers in His Paschal Mystery.  On this most sacred, sorrowful, poignant, and sacrificial, Day in the History of Salvation, Holy Mass is not celebrated, but is supplanted prayerfully, liturgically, and in worship, by a Solemn Liturgy in three parts.  A Proclamation of the Passion Narrative, from John's Gospel; The Veneration of the Cross, denoting the wood of Crucifixion upon which Christ's Body was Hung until Death; and The Rite of Holy Communion of the Eucharist, pre-sanctified last night, as the consecrated hosts of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, we celebrate as a Sacrament of the Church.  The already consecrated ciboria are carried from the Sacred Triduum Altar of Repose, to the Altar of Sacrifice, and after communal proclamation of The Lord's Prayer, the Holy Communion  is distributed.  Until the Easter Vigil Service after sunset Holy Saturday night tomorrow, the only other way Eucharist can be received is as Viaticum, meaning "bread for the journey", by the Sick and the Dying.  So in just a few hours, the People of God will gather; and Fr. Pius, Fr. Tony Traynor, and I, will come together with them to carry out this solemn and somber liturgical commemoration  of the Passion and Death of The Christ, for the Sins of the World.  This is the date in history when God's Beloved and Obedient Son, truly Became the Perfect Lamb of Sacrifice and Atonement.  At the Service's conclusion, the large, bare, wooden, Lenten Cross, in the church sanctuary, draped only in a red cloth, will be laid at the foot of the altar and the church will be open, for those who come to pray, mediate, and venerate, throughout the afternoon and early evening.  Then at 7 pm, I will conduct the Stations of the Cross, recalling the path of suffering Jesus followed to Crucifixion and Death, as His Paschal Mystery.  Please God, all you who are Catholic-Christians will take time on this Good Friday, to give thanks and remembrance for the Sacrifice offered by Jesus The Christ for the Forgiveness of Your Sins and the Salvation of Your Souls.........."Jesus Remember 'Us' When Yo Come Into Your Kingdom",**   Fr.  Troy

* the 90th day since my right foot amputation.

**Taize Prayer

FAREWELL TO THE WOMAN BEHIND TELEVISION'S FUNNIEST COMEDIENNE EVER.....AND THE MAN WHO CREATED TELEVISION'S MOST FAMOUS WITCH...........

News reports Thursday announced word of the deaths of Madelyn Pugh Davis, and Sol Saks.  Mrs. Pugh Davis was a prodigously creative news and television writer / producer, from the 1940's  - 1980's, on radio and television.  She was 90 years old.  Mr. Saks, a veteran writer of radio series' in the 1940's and 1950's, then became a television series creator, who only ever wrote one tv pilot, that became a phenomeonally successful eight year series.  He was 100.  Madelyn Pugh Davis, was the "girl", woman writer writer for five decades of the late, great, Lucille Ball.  Pugh-Davis wrote for Lucy's  radio series, "My Favorite Husband", which transmogrified into the, "I Love Lucy" television series from 1951-57; and continued as a comedy writer for Lucy Ball, on the "Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour", 1957-60; "The Lucy Show", 1962-68; "Here's Lucy", 1968-74; and, "Life With Lucy", 1986.  With her decades long Lucy co-writing partner, Bob Carroll, she also wrote Ball's 1968  theatrical movie, with co-star Henry Fonda, "His, Mine, Ours".  Pugh-Davis and Carroll, also created and wrote the 1967 tv series, "The Mothers-In-Laws, with Eve Arden and Kay Ballard; and produced and wrote the mid 1970's to mid 1980's tv series, "Alice", starring Linda Lavin.  Sol Saks, who claimed he was inspired by 1942 and 1958, theatrical films about romantic relationships between humans an witches, wrote the pilot episode for, and created the popular 1964-1972, ABC television series, "Bewitched", starring Elizabeth Montgomery / Dick York / Dick Sargent.  "Lucy Ricardo", and "Samantha Stephens", became two of television's favorite comedy characters, in large measure due to the writing and cast of characters, in both series.  Almost every program delivered episode after episode of outstanding and enjoyable entertainment, that has continued to delight audiences for more than 60 years, including presently on TVLand and Nick At Night, as well as television networks in countries around the world.  I salute and pay tribute to these two excellent wordsmiths and their lasting affect on my, yours, ours, and others lives, making us laugh, smile, and enjoy, for countless hours in perpetuity.  In Madelyn Pugh's case news reports of her passing are now stating she not only came up with the concepts and scripts for Lucy, but was also the guinea pig tester for all the zany stunts and antics, she and Bob Carroll created as slapstick for Lucille Ball !!!!!!!!!!!..........God Bless Them With A Heavenly Reunion With The Stars They Helped Make All The Funnier...........TV Troy

OPENING THE EASTER TRIDUUM WITH THE MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER AND THE MANDATUM OF MINISTRY...........

123 parishioners attended the Mass of the Lord's Supper tonight in OLOL Church in Sacramento / Del Paso Heights /  Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / in California, USA.  The Easter Triduum has begun as we celebrated the Institution of the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ Jesus gave His Disciples more than 2,000 years ago, transforming a Jewish Passover Seder into the First Communion Meal of the Christian Faith.  The Priesthood of Jesus Christ, is also in our focus on this night, as we recall from the Apostles of Jesus, to the presbyters ordained as Priests of the Church founded by Christ, now into the 3rd Millennium of Catholic-Christianity, those who are the servant-leaders of the People of God. The cumulative numbers of priestly service denoted by we three priests tonight, totals 98 years; Father Pius 21 years; Father Traynor, 53 years; and yours truly 24 years.  In just eleven days I officially begin my one year countdown to the Silver Jubilee of my Ordination to the Priesthood.....  The Mandatum, the Latin word for the Washing of the Feet, is a concrete call to all Catholic-Christians to serve others in the Ministry of being Church.  Tonight at OLOL, for only the third time in my twenty four years a priest, the parish I am ministering in  has washed the feet of twelve men only, with no women, or numerous others present, who share in the ministry of the Church, by virtue of their Catholic-Christian Baptism and Initiation into the Body of Christ.  In my first year of this pastorate I chose to do what as a new Pastor, it is recommended we do, and take a look during the first year at what the parish does, before changing or adapting it.  Upon inquiring, I was informed the Diocese has written for permission to allow the inclusion of women in the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday, and has not received a negative response to date.  Therefore, circumstances allowing for an inclusive feet washing a year from now, I intend to include men, women, child, adults, and representatives of every Parish Ministry.  As the mandatum of the Washing of Feet, is a mandate to Ministry and Discipleship on the part of every member of the Community of Believers.  After sharing a delicious dinner of Esperanza Perez's Chicken in Gravy, Pasta Noodles, and Broccoli, with Fathers Pius Amah, and Tony Traynor, they joined me in concelebrating Mass at 7 pm, which was followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, until 10 pm, another Tradition of Holy Thursday night.  Tomorrow, Good Friday, Fr. Pius will preside at the 12 noon Solemn Liturgy. joined by Father Traynor and myself, and I will lead the Stations of the Cross at 7 pm.  A very Happy and Holyb Easter Triduum to you and your families, in the Living Faith of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus The Christ...........Fr.  Troy   

EASTER 2011 AND THE MOST SACRED TRIDUUM IS UPON US...........

What I anticipated would be a low key, restful day, before the start of the Three Days of thorough Liturgy, has turned into an active marathon of work.  With the Parish Office open today unti,l 4 pm, then closed until Easter Tuesday at 11 am, kept calls and requests coming in throughout the day.  I had Sacramental Cerificates for Confrirmation and First Eucharist, to nsign and seal; Hot Cross Buns, for the light breakfast following the Easter Sunrise Mass on Sunday; and some personal bills to pay; before taking a short nap and then have Holy Thursday Dinner with Fr. Pius, and Fr. Traynor.  More Later...........Fr. Troy

HOLY THURSDAY : HOLY WEEK 2011.....THE EASTER TRIDUUM BEGINS TONIGHT...........

My last overnight of being required to have a caregiver in the rectory presernt with me, is completed, as volunteer Ted Jansen, has just left, and praise God, despite the challenge of finding adult males willing to spend a night or more with me, the OLOL parishioners, my personal friends, and a caring, conscientious, Eastern Rite Christian, were kind enough to fill 27 out of 33 nights with me since my arrival back into the rectory on March 19.  I am forever grateful for their compassionate and generous assistance.  To Be Continued in a subsequent blog column.....
Today Catholic-Christians transition from Lent to the Easter Triduum, as tonight we celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper.  Commemorating the Institution of the Sacraments of the Eucharist and the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.  The Last Supper Jesus shared with His Apostles on the night before His Passion and Seath, was a Jewish Passover Meal, that was transformed into the Christian Mass, as the Lord Jesus proclaimed the bread and wine He blessed at the Passover, to be His Body and Blood.  Christ also set a further selfless and generous example for His Disciples and all Believers, by Washing the Feet of the Twelve, and mandating those who Follow Him, to humbly serve others, for "He came to Served, ands not to be served".  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at a special Altar of Repose will occur after tonight's 7 pm Mass of the Lord's Supper until 10 pm.
Last night's final hour of scheduled Confessions before the Easter Triduum, had twenty eight penitents, thus Fr. Pius, Fr. Eduino, and I, heard 64 Easter Confessions from April 15-20.  Sister Felicity has the Church sanctuary fittingly liturgically decorated for the Triduum.  Parishioner Joan Risse, will complete the church Easter decor with the placement of Easter Lilies on Saturday morning.  The Parish Office is open today, but I am going to do my utmost to keep it a low key, less active day, to be fully energized for the next Three Days of extraordinary liturgical activity.  Peace Be With You.  Happy Easter Triduum...........Fr.  Troy 

MY FIRST AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING A VERY POSITIVE EXPERIENCE...........

I taxied to and from the Anchor Prosthetics Office, at the intersection of Auburn Boulevard and Watt Avenue this evening and had a delightful ninety minute plus experience of meeting other amputees and their caregivers, sharing stories and experiences, and enjoying very good food, including Manicotti, Garlic Bread, Salad, Fresh Fruit, and my contribiution to the meal, Sugar Free Angel Food Cake.  We had a well rounded discussed which Cruz, our Support Group Leaderand a left leg amputee of eight years from a motorcycle accident, facilitated a well flowing conversation.  He opened and closed with me, having me tell my story after introducing me, but not telling the others that I am a priest.  Cruz, I think had me begin with that, and had me tell the group I am a priest; and then talk about the past 88 - 99 days of my experience.  The discussion came to my explanation of where things stand with getting my temporary prostheses placed on my right foot and leg, after Cruz, Mike, John, Jim, Jeremy, the other amputees who were also present with spouses and caregivcers, showed; described; and demonstrated;, their prosthetic legs and feet with me.  Cruz concluded when I mentioned it could be another 6 weeks or so before my temporary prostheses goes on, due to the one remaining scab atop the amputation that needs to heal, and Dr. Cookson's visit to Israel for three weeks in ewarly May; that Anchor may have a prostheses that can be placed sooner, that will help the area to heal.  It is similar to the system he and Mike, themselves wear.  So I will contact Dr. Cookson, and put Cruz in touch with him to discuss proceeding with that possibility.  In sharing my story with the group tonight, I mentioned my plans to attend Father Tom Daly's Ordination as Bishop in San Jose on May 25, and hopefully traveling to Indianapolis, for Father Dan Donohoo's Silver Jubilee of Priesthood, the first weekend of June, but not alone.  The others questioned why I will only go of I take a caregiver with me, thinking I am capable at this point to attend on my own, along with my wheelchair.  Taking no chances on something untoward happening, nmy preference is to travel with someone else.   It was a great start to developing a support group structure, as I find those who were present to be a family of fellow amputees.  I look forward to the next Amputee Support Group gathering on Wednesday May 18............Fr.  Troy

WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK 2011 - WHY WAS THIS DAY TRADITIONALLY KNOWN, AS "SPY WEDNESDAY" ?...........

Wednesday of Holy Week, found me awake very early, so after praying, pondering, and catching up with the latest news on the radio, in the newspaper, and on television; before coming to my blog.  I will celebrate the 8 am OLOL Parish Mass, and am scheduled to attend my first Amputee Support Group Meeting at Anchor Prosthetics, on Auburn Boulevard at 5:30 pm. The remainder of my day will be preparatory and  restful, before the start of the intensive liturgies of the Easter Triduum tomorrow.  We will conclude scheduled Confessions for this week tonight from 7-8 pm; and if I am back in time from my support group meeting, I will take the second half hour of them, splitting the six hours since last Friday, exactly in half between me and Fr. Pius.  The SacredScriptures proclaimed at Mass on this Wednesday of Holy Week, are an extended version of Isaiah 50:1-9a;, the Suffering Servant Song, we heard Verses 1-4; of - as the First Reading of the Liturgy of the Word, on Palm Sunday.  This Suffering Servant Song has Isaiah reverbiating with the bravery and courage with which the one Who offers Himself sacrificially for others, perseveres despite the anguish and pain inflicted upon Him.  Having heard from John's Gospel on Monday and Tuesday, today, we hear  from Matthew 26:14-25; which presents us with the discourse between Jesus and His Disciples at the Passover Table about the One who would betray Him.  This passage includes an exchange between Jesus and Judas, in which Christ proclaims the woeful gravity of the act of betrayal and in which Judas, disclaims being the betrayer, although it is he who has conspired with the authorities to hand Jesus over to them.   Formerly this day was popularly  designated as, "Spy Wednesday",  referring to the betrayal of Jesus The Christ, by Judas Iscariot.  The conspiracy of sin Judas entered into is a sign to us of the need to be vigiliant in renouncing the selfishness of sin and to honor our relationship with Jesus Chrrist, as the One who possesses the power to forgive us and Who by His Paschal Mystery of Passion, Death, and Resurrection, redeems us to live in freedom, fidelity, fellowship, and faith.  Make time to pray and prepare to enter the Easter Triduum tomorrow with your participation in the Three Days, a priority for you and your families in Living Faith, as you remember and give life to the Paschal Mystery of Jesus The Christ...........Fr.  Troy

MY POST AMPUTATION CONVALESCENCE PENULTIMATE OVERNIGHT WITH A PARISHIONER CAREGIVER..........

The completion of my first month back in the OLOL parish rectory following my recent hospitalization, right foot, below the knee, amputation, and rehabilitation, has arrived; and at the conclusion of today, which marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of my Ordination as a Transitional Deacon of the Church, on April 19, 1986; OLOL parishioner, David Quinn is back with me overnight, on this second to last night I am required to have an adult male with me here in the rectory.  Dave, who is our Parish Finance Council Chairman, and is a Eucharistic Minister, is also one of vthe chief volunteers in OLOL Feeding The Hungry Ministry.  He not only helps set up the room for filling of the food bags that are distributed to the hungry who come to us each Tuesday morning, but runs what Father Traynor refers to as the parish, "Grocery Store".  He is an exemplary representative of the adult male parishioners who have answered my request for overnight caregivers the past four and a half weeks.  This afternoon was a brief, but productive period of addressing parish administrative needs.  Tonight, once Dave arrives, I will be doing my Standing Exercise Therapy, at bedside, with the Walker, and see if I can collectively exceed fifteen minutes total standing.  Physical Therapist Quinn McArthur's Assistant, and fellow Facebook friend, Caterina Pellegrino, telephoned me Monday afternoon regarding Dr. Cookson's referral of me, and scheduled my first appointment with Quinn, for next Monday morning April 25, at 11 am.  I am looking forward to resuming physical therapy with him, and anticipate equal success to the good work Quinn did with me for three months, seven years ago, when I broke my left arm at the shoulder.  Our challenge now will be to get my left foot and leg to move forward, which it has never had to do until now.  Fr. Pius heard the 3-4 pm Confessions this afternoon, and will do so tomorrow night from 7-8 pm.  I will preside at the 8 am Wednesday of Holy Week Mass and plan to attend my first Amputee Support Group Meeting at Anchor Prosthetics tomorrow night.  Holy Week, the year's most sacred week, is also undeniably the busiest week of the year for priests.  Remember to appreciate your parish priests for the schedule they keep this week...........Peace + Prayers In Jesus This Tuesday Of  Holy Week 2011 A.D.,   Fr.  Troy

INSIGHTS INTO LIFE AND FAITH BLOG HITS 12,000 PAGE VIEWS ON THIS ITS 2ND ANNIVERSARY...........

This is the 761st blog column I have shared since I started blogging 2 years ago today.  On this second anniversary of, "INSIGHTS INTO LIFE AND FAITH", by Father Troy David Powers, it has been read with 12,000 page views worldwide, including over 10,000 American page views.  I appreciate the great number of faithful readers of my blog, domestically and internationally; who have and continue to, follow my blog over the past two years.  As evidenced by the 1,500 - 1,900 page views made of my Transplant Journal, in the summer and autumn of 2009, and my Amputation Journal, this winter and spring of 2011, I  am edified; gratified; and surprised; at just how extensive and loyal a readership you are.  The Top Ten Countries following my blog to date are :  The United States,  10,131;  Ireland,  230;  The Netherlands,  156;  Russia, 150;  Germany, 128;  Malaysia,  123;  The United Kingdom,  120;  Canada,  95;  Lativia,  77;  China,  58;.  And there are many other countries with one or more page views numbering,  682; more,  for a TOTAL of  12,000 page views to date.  Thank You.  God Bless You.  Keep On Reading "Insights Into Life And Faith" Blog.  And Continue to Comment And Respond To The Reflections I Share...........Gratitude And Prayers In Glory And Praise To The God Of All Creation Who In Jesus The Christ Is The Lord Of Our Salvation,
 Reverend Father Troy David Powers

25 YEARS SINCE MY DIACONATE ORDINATION.....2 YEARS OF BLOGGING, "INSIGHTS INTO LIFE AND FAITH BY FATHER TROY DAVID POWERS"...........

The Communal Anointing of the Sick Mass @ OLOL Parish in Del Pao Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / in Sacramento completed, on this quarter of a century day since my Transitional Diaconate Diaconate Ordination; today is also the second anniversary of the inception of my Blog on Google.  Two years blogging, I have written 761 blog columns, in 731 days..........I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity this blog gives me to share my thoughts, reflections, analysis, commentary. et al about matters of Faith and Life from a personal, priestly, pastoral, social, spiritual, political, historical, and contemporary, perspective.  In addition to concelebrating and presiding at the Communal Anointing of the Sick Mass this morning, I also visited the Feeding The Hungry Ministry, in the Parish Hall and found almost all the bags of groceries were given away, as families in the 95838; 95626; and 95673; prepare to feed themselves in their need during this Holy Week and Easter Triduum.  Having had Esperanza's excellent eclectric, Asian-Mexican style Monday dinner become Tuesday lunch, it is time for my afternoon nap, before addressing some parish administration matters.  All in the Service and Ministry, that is, "Diakonia"...........Fr.  Troy

25 YEARS AGO TODAY @ THIS HOUR I WAS ORDAINED A TRANSITIONAL DEACON OF THE CHURCH.....2 YEARS AGO TODAY I BEGAN THIS BLOG, "INSIGHTS INTO LIFE AND FAITH",...........

...Saturday April 19, 1986 - 9:30 am : St. Pius X Catholic Church ; Redwood City, California  USA...

It was on this date, at this hour, two and a half decades ago, that my seminary class at St. Patrick's theologate in Menlo Park, California, were ordained transitional deacons at the hands of San Francisco Archbishop John Raphael Quinn.  As there were twenty of us, and two religious order candidates being ordained to the Diaconate that day, the seminary Chapel was insiufficent in size, so our first share ion the Sacrament of Holy Orders, took place in neighboring Redwood City, in the stately St. Pius X Church.  The church was filled to capacity with family members and friends from Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Stockton, Santa Rosa, Monterey, Salt Lake City, Honolulu, Indianapolis, and even internationally.  Given the 300 mile round trip drive it is from Sacramento to Redwood City, especially on a Saturday at mid-morning, I chose to bring some forty of my family members and friends to the Deacon Ordination on a chartered bus.  It was a solemn, joyful Easter Season Liturgy, and Archbishop John R. Quinn, presided, preached, and ordained us, with a wonderfully warm, fraternal, liturgical, spirit.  When I speak of us being, "transitional deacons", I am referring to the college of deacons we were ordained as 25 years ago, were preparing for Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.  And we were ordained priests, over the following fifty three weeks; the first in Santa Rosa, California, and Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 6, 1986; the last of our class, on June 13, 1987, in San Jose, California.  The Dalmatic, which is the formal vestment worn outwardly by a Deacon along with a sideways placed Deacon Stole, was an ornate gold and red vestment from my home parish, St. Rose's in South Sacramento; a Dalmatic that had belonged to the parish from its founding as St. Patrick's Home For Children in 1932, and as St. Rose's Parish, a decade later.  In the spirit of fraternal collegiality and friendship, I gave that same Dalmatic, to my Sacramento diocesan colleague, Reverend Father Eric Lofgren, now the Pastor of St. Joseph's Parish, in Lincoln; when he was ordained a transitional Deacon, on January 23, 1993.  On my Diaconate day, a Reception followed the Ordination, back at St. Patrick's Seminary, then I returned to South Sacramento, and St. Rose's, where I spent Sunday preaching at all the Masses and where I presided over a Baptism for the first time, at the very font where I had been baptized, thirty years earlier.  That weekend of April 19 / 20, 1986, was a high energy, compacted two days of spiritual, pastoral, liturgical, sacramental, events.  And it started the twelve month, two week, countdown that me and my Sacramento ordination classmates, Reverend Fathers Eduino Silveira, and Paul Schloeder experienced before our Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, on May 2, 1987.  So re-energized with the blessed spirit of that day 25 years ago, and starting the fifty four week countdown today leading to my / our Silver Jubilee of Priesthood, next year, I affirm the vows taken on my two Ordination days, and pray today, as always,  "May The Lord Who Began The Good Work In Me, May Bring It To  Fulfillment" !!!!!!!!!!!  Reverend Troy David Powers 

TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK 2011 : PONDERING A THIRD SUFFERING SERVANT SONG ISAIAH 49:1-6; AND ANOINTING THE SICK, ELDERLY, INFIRM, AND DISABLED; IN COMMUNAL CELEBRATION...........

As day three of Holy Week 2011, begins - the First Reading of the Liturgy of the Word, at Mass today is another of the Prophet Isaiah's Suffering Servant Songs, this one from Chapter 49 : Verses 1-6.  These brief verses speak of the prophetic potential, and sword like precision, with which Isaiah protrays the one who will come as the Suffering Servant of God, in the Atonement of Humankind's Sin.  We believe, as have Catholic-Christians that for over 2,000 years -,  Jesus, the Co-Eternal Son of God, is the Anointed One, "The Christ", sent to be the perfect Suffering Servant; whose Sacrifice for our personal and collective human sins, accomplished Forgiveness and Reconciliation - in the Paschal Mystery of the Passion, Death, Resurrection, He endured - for our Salvation.  In our liturgical Gospel Proclamation on this Tuesday of Holy Week, John 13:21-33;36-38; Jesus prophetically proclaims in the presence of His Apostles, that He would be betrayed by one of His own Apostle Judas, and presciently predicts that Simon Peter, despite his pledge of support and solidarity, will deny Him thrice, as Jesus stands condemned for crucifixion and His Passion and Death unfold.  This morning at 10:30 am OLOL parishes, who are sick, suffering, ill, infirm,. diseased, disabled, elderly, or enduring chronic health conditions, will be anointed by Fr. Pius and I, at a special Mass in the church.  So as we enter further into the sacred events and mysteries of this historically seminal week, in all of Christian Faith and Discipleshi;, may yoi wherever in the World you may be, join your sufferings and weaknesses to the sacrificial Suffering and Passion of God's Loving, Co-Eternal Son and Our Redeemer, Jesus The Christ.  Pray; Ponder; Discern; Discover; the Saving Love, Jesus Our Self Sacrificing Passover Lamb Of God Truly Is For Us And All Who Believe In, And Follow Him...........Holy Week PEACE !!!,   Fr.  Troy

New auxiliary bishop for San Jose, Calif.

New auxiliary bishop for San Jose, Calif.

THE FRAGRANT ANOINTING OF OUR REDEMPTION MANIFESTED IN THESE SACRED DAYS OF HOLY WEEK.....AND A CHRISTIAN PASSOVER SEDER...........

On this Monday of Holy Week, the first night of Jewish Passover, I have been surprised at 4:45 pm, with an invitation fron a few of the parish families, who are gathering in the Parish Hall, to celebrate a Seder Meal, in a Christian context.  Coincidentally, if my amputation and rehabilitation had not occurred, I would have scheduled a Seder tonight, as the conclusion of the Lenten Series, that wasn't.  The Seder Meal Jewish Tradition, I learned from the late Bishop Alfonse Gallegos, O.A.R., who came to Sacramento in 1979, having celebrated the Seder with his Watts, Los Angeles parishioners, for a number of years.  I have continued celebrating the Seder Meal in parishes as a priest for most of the past twenty four years.....  It is week five of, "Dancing With The Stars", Season 12, and tonight will be the first episode of this season, I will see.  It should be interesting coming into the competition, half way through the season.  As Mondays go, it has been a very busy twelve and a half hour work day.  Being Monday of Holy Week, it has been an extraordinarily full day.  So a couple hours of chillaxing entertainment, is welcome, allowing me to regroup.....  Tomorrow brings an OLOL Communal Anointing of the Sick, at a 10:30 am Mass, and Easter Confessions from 3-4 pm.  All, as this most significant and sacred commemorative week in the whole of Salvation History proceeds for the Year of the Lord, 2011...........A Global, Restful, Peaceful, Night To You Citizens Of The World And Diciples Of Jesus The Christ,   Fr.  Troy

MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK : 8 AM MASS; 11 AM CONFESSIONS; 2 PM FUNERAL SERVICE; ON MY PASTORAL SCHEDULE TODAY...........

On this Monday of Holy Week, having heard one of Isaiah's Suffering Servant Songs proclaimed at Mass yesterday, Is. 50:1-4; today's First Reading is another of the Suffering Servant Songs, Isaiah 42:1-7; which distinctively echoes in its summation, the Gospel Proclamation of the Chrism Mass, speaking of how the Lord Jesus, like the Suffering Servant, is anointed, to bring God's Justice and Compassion to all peoples.  Monday of Holy Week for me will be a three fold day of liturgical and sacramental events, in addition to administrative activity.  I will preside at the 8 am Mass; then after breakfast and desk work, hear Confessions from 11 am -12 noon;  then at 2 pm, officiate over a Funeral Memorial Service, at the North Sacramento Funeral Home.  I also hope to have a follow-up telephone conversation with my physical therapist, Quinn McArthur, about starting our twice weekly sessions, targeting next week as the resumption point.  Then this evening, beginning to prepare the Homilies for Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday, are on my docket.  As you embrace the second day of this most sacred week in the hisatory of humankind.  Take time to read and reflect on the Word of God, in Isaiah 42:17; and Isaiah 50:1-4.  What message do they hold for you, me, and all people in regards to the suffering we endure and the sins we have committed; and the self sacrifice of the most outstanding of Suffering Servants, Jesus The Christ, the Saving Son of God, Whose Paschal Mystery, we Remember and give Give Renewed Life To During This Holy Week...........Fr.  Troy

HOLY WEEK'S PASSION "PALM" SUNDAY @ OLOL PARISH, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA...........

464 persons attended the Palm Sunday Masses here at OLOL Parish, in the Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / area of Sacramento, last night and this morning; including more than six dozen persons who took part in the Solemn Blessing and Procession from outside the Convent over to the Church at the 10:30 am Mass.  Tonight, as has been the custom for some years now, the Religious Education Youth of OLOL will lead Live, Outdoor, Stations of the Cross, at 6 pm, on the church grounds.  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday of Holy Week, will include in addition to the 8 am Mass; scheduled Easter Confessions at different hours each day :  Monday, from 11 am - 12 noon;  Tuesday, from 3 -4 pm;  Wednesday, from 7 - 8 pm.  We will also celebrate a Communal Anointing of the Sick Mass, on Tuesday at 10:30 am, in the church.  Please God, similar numbers of Faithful Disciples will come to the church and take part in the ceremonies, sacraments, and liturgies. of the whole of Holy Week...........In Christ Jesus Who Bore The Cross And Suffered Death For Us And The Forgiveness Of Our Sins,   Fr.  Troy

THE MOST SACRED AND SIGNIFICANT DAYS IN SALVATION HISTORY RENEWED.....HOLY WEEK 2011 A.D. ......PALM SUNDAY...........

For forty days Catholic-Christians have observed concentrated penitential acts of Prayer, Fasting, and Charitable Works, in answer to the Call to Continuing Conversion and Repentance for our Sins, in preparation for the celebration of Easter 2011.  Today we open our annual commemoration of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum.  We join anew in the self sacrificing and universally transforming, Paschal Mystery of Jesus, our Heavenly Father's Co-Eternal Son; Who was born into the World to effect and complete His Mission of Redemption for Humankind, as the Christ.  From His triumphal welcome into the City of Jerusalem, on what is designated, "Palm", Sunday when Jesus arrived astride a donkey to the cheers of "Hosanna", from the crowds, who were waving palms of olive branches as they greeted Him; to the celebration of a Passover Meal, that became the Lord's Last Supper with His Apostles, at which He instituted the Eucharist and the Priesthood, on what is Christianity's Holy Thursday; to the Passion and Death on the Cross, Christ endured on Good Friday, and His laying in the Tomb, culminating in the Nightwatch of the Resurrection, on Holy Saturday and its Glorious Fulfillment in the Glorious New and Risen Life of Christ, on Easter Sunday, are fervently remembered by Catholic-Christian Disciples during this Holy Week.  Liturgically today we celebrate Palm Sunday with processions waving palm branches, re-enacting Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, and we preoclaim from Sacred Scripture, one of the Prophet Isaiah's 'Suffering Servant Songs', and Matthew's Gospel account of the Passion Narrative.  In many Christian congregations the Passion Narrative is proclaimed with multiple voices, including the entire worshipping assembly.  Matthew's account of the Passion, is anchored in the theme of Forgiveness.  The Forgiveness of Sins, that is at the crux of the ignominious Passion and Death,  Jesus Christ suffered for Fallen Humankind.  So as you take hold of palm branches, hear the Word of God proclaim, and partake of today's Passion Palm Sunday Eucharist, be prepared to celebrate the whole movement of liturgical and sacramental events that shape our faithful commemoration and renewal of, The Holiest Week Ever In The Salvation History Of The People Of God...........Fr.  Troy / Pastor, Our Lady Of Lourdes Parish / Sacramento, California USA
                                                                                                                                              

SACRAMENTO PREPARES TO SAY GOODBYE TO OUR BELOVED KINGS BASKET TEAM...........

Wednesday night April 13, may well have been the last game played by the Sacramento Kings pro basketball team here in our Capital City of California.  After 26 years as our, 'Hometown NBA Team", it now increasingly seems the current owners, the Maloofs, will move the team to Anaheim, California; widely known throughout the World, as the home of, Disneyland. Sacramento can be proud that for more than a quarter of a century we have been the home of a professional, NBA League team, that has had the faithful fan loyalty of tens of thousands Kings Baskletball Fans in the wider Sacramento Area.  How many nights in the past twenty six years have the fans packed the Arco Arena / now PowerBalance Pavillon, through the ups and downs of Kings teams and players, as well as change in ownership, as we cheered on our Kings.  It will be sad to see them leave for Anaheim or any other city.  It is unfortunate the owners, the citizens of Sacramento, and the NBA, could not arrive at a compromise agreement to fund and build a new Kings Arena.  As they prepare to depart Sacramento and move their team; I believe the Maloof Family, who atre honorable and decent people, should do the right and responsible act, and agree in writing, to repay the City of Sacramento, the $77 million loan that was granted to the Kings in good faith.  In our capitalist, free enterprise, American society, business persons, like all citizens, must be held to account for, and honor their debts.  The Kings franchise ownership  owes the payment of the loan to Sacramento, and must agree to pay it in full, in good faith, or be seen as taking advantage of Sacramentans' generosity.  Kudos to Mayor Kevin Johnson and the group of local citizens who have organized in support of keeping and advocating for the continuation of the Kings / and or another NBA franchise team in Sacramento.  We deserve to proceed with an NBA team regardless of the current outcome.   THANK YOU SACRAMENTO KINGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  For The Twenty Six Years Of Entertainment And Enjoyment, As Well As Civic Pride, You Have Brought To The Greater Sacramento Region...........Gratefully, Yet Sad To See You Go,   Fr.  Troy 

CONFIRMATION AND FIRST COMMUNION STUDENTS CONFESSIONS THIS MORNING.....WITH THE START OF HOLY WEEK TONIGHT...........

Reverend Father Eduino Silveira, generously assisted Fr. Pius and I last night at OLOL's Communal Penance Service and Confessions, which thirteen persons attended.  This morning Pius and I, will hear the Confessions of the Religious Education students who will be celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist, on May 1 and May 8.  Two more hours oF Easter Confessions will be held from 3 - 5 pm, this afternoon, before the Passion "Palm" Sunday Vigil Mass, which I will preside at at 5 pm.  Our Springtime of the Church, we call Lent, has led us in the coming week to the commemoration of the most significant and sacred days ever in the Salvation History of the World.  For the eight days between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, Catholic-Christians will gather to enter anew into the depths of liturgies that allow us to share most fully in the Paschal Mystery of God's Co-Eternal Son, Jesus the Christ, Whose Passion, Death, and Resurrection, are the hallmark in the Redemption of Humankind.  I urge all of you who bear the name Catholic-Christian, to participate fully in the liturgical events of this Holy Week.  Not just being present for your share of palm branches, or to kiss the cross, and joining the overflow crowds on next Sunday; but attending and taking part in the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, and making a worthy Confession in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As you plan your schedule for Holy Week and the Easter Triduum 2011, be certain to include time to be present and particating in remembering and giving life to the most seminal events in your salvation...........In Peace + Prayers For A Faithful And Fervent Holy Week,   Fr.  Troy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FATHER OLIVER...........

My seminary classmate and priestly colleague, Reverend Father Oliver Maher is celebrating his Birthday today, and on my way home from my appointment with Dr. Cookson, I had the chance to converse with him and wish him many Happy returns on his personal solemnity.  Having proven anew his unconditional friendship, traveling from Kilkenny, Ireland - for nine days; to be my primary, post amputation, caregiver, just as he has maintained a faithful and loyal friendship with me for almost twenty nine years, since we entered St. Kieran's Seminary, in 1982. I thank him, salute him, and offer prayers of gratitude and happiness for him, today and always.  All My Best OLIVER !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fratenally In Jesus The Christ,   Troy

TODAY BRINGS MY NEXT APPOINTMENT WITH DR. COOKSON.....AND OLOL LENTEN COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE AND CONFESSIONS...........

As I prepare to celebrate the 8 am Mass at OLOL, I look forward to my 11 am appointment with my Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. James Cookson, and hopefully the go ahead to having the temporary prostheses prepared for placement on my right foot and leg.  OLOL parishioner Dave Quinn will drive me to my appoinbtment this morning, showing again how supportive and cooperative this parish community continues to be as I proceed with my post amputation convalescence and therapy.  I had no overnight caregiver last night and no one scheduled, tonight, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  Despite my hopeful expectation that my alumni fraternity brothers would step up and fill those slots, it hasn't happened, to my disappointment, but it's time to get real : people will only do what they choose to do, and not necessarily answer a reasonable request.  I instead will dwell on the positive contributions more than a half dozen of my fellow  Lambda Chis have made during this period.  The  ramps my alumni Brother Merv Carson, built for me; the portable aluminum ramp Brother Scott Vogelsang, loaned me; the visits while in hospital and rehab, Scott, and Brothers Mark Peterson, and Rob Buckner, made to me; and the phone calls and Facebook messages, Brothers Jon Salinger, Bruce Mattos, Scott McKenna, and Rob Paoletti, among others, have shared with me over the past three months.   So I resolve to push forward, knowing it is not for lack of trying to meet the requirement placed upon me by my medical team, that I am unable to cover these last nights of my first month back in the rectory......Tonight we begin our parish Confessions schedule for Easter, with a Communal Penance Service, followed by Individual Confessions, at 7 pm.  Then on Saturday, Fr. Pius and I, will be in the Reconciliation Room, between 3-5 pm, and will also hear Confessions on Monday, from 11 am - 12 noon; Tuesday, from 3 - 4 pm; and Wednesday, from 7 -8 pm.  That is a six hour opportunity in five days before the celebration of the Easter Triduum, that parishioners of OLOL, can make a worthy confession of their sins, to be in the state of grace for Easter.  It's time to get ready for my appointment with Dr. Cookson...........Peace In Christ Who Endured His Passion And Death For Us,   Fr.  Troy

CHRISM MASS DAY 2011 : CONSECRETING THE HOLY OILS OF THE CHURCH AND RENEWING OUR VOWS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST WITH BISHOP SOTO...........

Each year in the days just before Easter Sunday, Priests of Jesus Christ in dioceses around the World, gather with their Bishops, to concelebrate what is commonly referred to as the, "Chrism Mass".  Sacred Chrism is lone of the three Holy Oils of the Church, consecreted by the Bishop each year for use in sacramental and liturgical anointings.  Along with the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick, these three holy oils are sacramentals - outward signs of the Initiation, Healing, and Ordination, in Catholic-Christianity.  Chrism, a combination of olive oil and balsam is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, as well as in the anointing of altars and walls, in the Dedication of Churches.  At the Mass of the Holy Oils tonight, the presbyterate of our Sacramento Diocese will bve asked to renew our commitment to our Ordination as Priests.  And the Religious, Deacons, and Laity, present will also affirm their commitment to their Ministry.  The day begins this morning to mid-afternoon, with a Priests' Conference at St. Anthony's Church in the Greenhaven area of southwest Sacramento.  Then we will proceed to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacramento for Dinner and the Concelebration of the Chrism Mass.  Fr. Pius and I will make our way shortly after the 8 am Mass.  I always look forward to this day, and especially anticipate it today, as it will my first full time since my amputation surgery in January, to see all my fellow diocesan priests, and fraternally interact with the presbyterate.  All of us who are Catholic-Christians can respond to the significance of Chrism Mass Day, by pondering and embracing anew the Call to Faith, Discipleship, and Ministry, denoted by our Baptism / Christian Initiation.  Who ever, Where ever, you are, choose to say YES, to Jesus Christ and His Church, by renewing your own commitment to being an authentic and active, Catholic-Christian.  What Ministry of the Church, do you - will you - Share now and in the year 2011-2012 ???????????...........Fr.  Troy David Powers    

LAST CALL PHI PI ZETA LAMBDA CHI ALPHA ALUMNI TO ASSIST WITH MY POST AMPUTATION CONVALESCENCE OVERNIGHT CAREGIVING..........

As I await the arrival of my Wednesday overnight caregiver, a man who is not a Catholic, or a parishioner, or even a personal friend; but an Eastern Orthodox Christian, who heard my announcerment for overnight caregivers, on a visit here to OLOL a few Sundays ago, I am at a crossroads of five nights yet unfilled as of tomorrow night Thursday April 14, through next Monday April 18, so five nights to complete the required first month back in the rectory overnight caregivers stipulated by my medical team.  Past and present parishioners, and personal friends, have stellarly volunteered and covered 21 of the 33 overnights in my post amputation convalescence I am currently completing.  But surprisingly, although more than a half dozen of my CSU-Sacramento Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers have made and maintained contact with me during the past twelve weeks of this harrowing experience, including Jon Salinger, Merv Carson, Scott Vogelsang, Bruce Mattos, Mark Peterson, Rob Buckner, Scott McKenna, and Rob Paoletti, and have been of great fraternal and personal support and encouragement; while others have not responded to my continuous requests in recent weeks for adult male volunteers to come and stay with me overnight in the OLOL rectory, should I have need for urgent assistance during the night through April 20.  I still have five nights to fill - from tomorriw night, Thursday - through next Monday night.  One last time, I am asking you my alumni brothers, to answer my need, so that those who have already served the situation, do not have  to step up inordinately to help me meet this requirement.  Thank you to the good brothers who have contributed their time and talents to me during my hospitalization, rehabilitation, and convalescence.  Will some of the others of you now give me a few hours of your time in the spirit of, "honest friendships", and "shared experiences", that define us as brothers of the bond, in Zeta Alpha Chi ?  Call me an eternal optimist, but I choose to believe, a few more of you Phi Pi Zeta Lambda Chi's can and will, respond affirmatively to assisting me with one of the remaining five nights yet to be scheduled the 14th-18th, as I progress toward my right foot and leg prostheses...........Brother Father Troy  Phi Pi 2.  

IT'S MY DAY OFF, BUT I HAVE A FUNERAL MEMORIAL MASS AND AM STILL WORKING ON THE EASTER SCHEDULE MAILING...........

None of the parishioners showed up to help with the stuffing of the Easter mailing on Tuesday, so what for Christmas in December was a less than two hour work project, is now seven hours in the making, with at least two more hours of labor remaining, labeling and stamping the envelopes before putting them in trhe mail, hopefully by the end of the day.  Paul Friedrich, a member of Presentation Parish, and a Permanent Deacon candidate for the Sacramento Diocese, was my caregiver overnight Tuesday and lended a hand in completing the stuffing of envelopes.  He observed my daily standing exercise therapy, which totalled fifteen minutes standing last night.  This morning I celebrated the 8 am Mass, and although Wednesdays are my day off, have a Funeral Memorial Mass, at 10 am, for a 44 year old epipletic / amputee, before returning to the rectory to try to chillax and refresh my body, on this overcast, cold, and drizzly day !!!!!!!!!!!...........Fr.  Troy

EASTER SUNDAY BULLETIN DEADLINE AND HOLY WEEK / EASTER SCHEDULE STUFFING DAY @ OLOL...........

My twenty year friend and former parishioner, Ray Riehle, who I met in my first assignment as Associate Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Citrus Heights, in the summer of 1987, was my overnight caregiver Monday.  He put me through my paces observing and responding to my standing exercises therapy, commenting on the strength I am developing in my ability to stand for several minutes, and suggesting ways I can discuss tweaking it for further progress with my doctors and therapists.  As we have a tendency to do, we also had a very animated conversation about current politics namely, the responses of Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other religions and faith traditions, and the America news media, to the contentious  conditions of the post 9-11 / Iraq / Afghanistan world.....
It will be a busy bee Tuesday here at OLOL, as the Easter Sunday Bulletin must be submitted to JS Paluch, by 1 pm, and then paqrishioner volunteers will come to the rectory Green Room, to help fold, stuff, and label, the parish Easter schedule mailing.  As I blog this morning, I am watching my pal Dan Elliott, and the second hour of News 10 Good Morning.  The date on the calendar reminds me today is the sixty-sixth anniveresary of the death of the longest ever occupant of The White House, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our 32nd President, who served a record 12 years, 1 month, and 8 days as POTUS.  FDR Commander in Chief during the depths of the Great Depression and the Second World War.  As a student of the American Presidency, I believe President Roosevelt was the greatest President of the 20th Century, and earned his place in the pantheon of paramount Presidents, Washington and Lincoln.  It looks like a bright and sunny day is before us, so EMJOY !!!!!!!!!!!..........Peace + Prayers In Christ,   Fr.  Troy