What a wonderful Heavenly Father we have- to send his best and one and only Son Jesus Christ to the earth. I was so blessed to have an earthly father with such profound depth of faith and love in Christ Jesus- this propelled us (our family) onto a great foundation which we carry until today. Whether it is a natural or spiritual father God gives you (or both, such as our family had) it is vital to recognize and honor those whom God gives. And if you had none, honor Your Heavenly Father who gave His very best for you- He gave you His Son out of sincere love and goodness towards you.
My father grew up in Philadelphia during the Great Depression. Born in 1924 to Ukrainian parents, the Depression became so severe he was sent to an orphange along with his brothers and sisters. In 1940 he joined the US Marines during WWII. In 1951 he became a Catholic priest and missionary, serving throughout the world – he was a chaplain at the Olympics in 1964 in Melbourne Australia. We honor our father and mother for the rich heritage of Christian faith, moral backbone and legacy that they handed down to all their children.
My father John A. ministered throughout the Middle East, Indian, Asia, Japan, and Australia. I often joked with him, “Dad you never made it to Africa- therefore I am picking up where you left off- thanks for your life and legacy of faith.” He met my mother in the early 70’s after he had a difficult surgery on his colon, which nearly rendered him unable to do anthing at all, much less the devotional life of a monk. We are glad that he chose to get married.
Picture from Birmingham England with other priests-John A. back row, 2nd from right, 1954
Catholic priesthood ordination card 1951
John saying Mass at Mt. of Transfiguration (Church of the Beatitudes) http://wordbytes.org/holyland/pilgrim060.htm- for current photos of this building
nearby Sea of Galilee,Tiberius Israel 1966
1943- busboy, coffee boy Philadelphia 1955- Prior to serving in Australia
Anne (my mom) at 4 years old- St. Paul Minnesota
My mother spent much of her early career in the Twin Cities as a secretary for West Publishing, a prominent publishing group in Minnesota. Our parents have been married for 35 years- we are proud of them, love them and pray they have many more years of love, joy and revelation of Jesus Christ.
Grandma and Neema
Mom, Dad – John with Neema
1 response so far ↓
James // June 19, 2009 at 9:31 pm |
Great insight on “the first commandment with a promise” (Eph 6:2). We are blessed because we honor the parents God gives us- that doesnt mean we endorse them on every issue but means we appreciate and recognize their God inspired wisdom and help toward us-God used it to forge our character in these days when tolerance is exalted above reasonable moral boundaries (a total societal disaster!) May God continually lead and bless all of you,amen.