Gulf Pine Catholic

6 Gulf Pine Catholic • April 12, 2024 Sitting down at dinner one evening, my niece asked me: “How did you know you wanted to be a priest?” How do you answer such a question? One can get a bit philosophical, a bit theological, and a bit reflective. Or, in typical Irish fash- ion, you can answer one question, by asking another, like asking her, “How will you know Mr. Right for you when you meet him?” I suppose the short an- swer, but not the complete one, is: “You know.” Behind the “know” is a multitude of journeys, experiences, encounters, directing, faith enhancing moments that become the ingredients of “you know.” Can one name one moment, one encounter, one disap- pointment, one blessing in disguise that would answer her question? Then again, if you can name such, does it not elimi- nate its mystery? Is not naming something a shorthand to something greater? Yet, at the same time, does it not speak of some kind of relationship? When God created Adam, He asked him to give names to all the cattle, all the animals and Adam obliged. God gave him a certain privilege, power and authority by allowing him to name names. Yet, when the people in the Old Testament asked God to share with them His name; reluctantly, He volunteered -- “I Am Who Am.” Still the mystery continued. Maybe, we are reluctant to name things because, not only are we probing its mystery but are also giving it a certain power that demands an ownership, a relationship and a com- mitment to its deeper mystery. Someone once said that you live life forward but under- stand it backwards. It is only by careful reflection on the past bits and pieces, the past beginnings and endings, the past en- counters and missed opportunities that one begins to discov- er the tapestry that the Mystery One is continuing to weave through the fibers of our lives. We continue to stumble along knowing that the Master Weaver continues to open the door as He choose the design, stitch and pattern that continues to evolve into the finished product. I remember reading, author, Joseph Campbell’s, Reflec- tions on the Art of Living . “Where you stumble, there lies your treasure. The very cave you are afraid to enter turns out to be the source of what you are looking for.” I thought about his idea of stumbling upon the cave where one finds the treasure. I thought about the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 in a cave and how it revolutionized biblical studies. But Campbell’s cave has a two-pronged implication. A cave is both a shelter and a shadow. It is both a shelter where one can pause and discover the treasure while, at the same time, realizing that the treasure has its shadow side with a still- to-be-explored mystery. Maybe that is why, down through the centuries, monasteries became centres of hospitality where pilgrims found shelter on their journeys, while, at the same time, were given an opportunity to discover more of their own shadow side. I am not sure what prompted my niece to ask the ques- tion but I do know that we have journeyed together to many places, including to Mississippi. Driving along, we have chat- ted about many things. I introduced her to some of my friends along the way. We talked about the many twists and turns along the way I encountered. We talked about interesting peo- ple I met along the way as well as challenging situations I had no choice but to embrace. We talked about how plans I made along the way became derailed and how the hand of someone greater had better judgment and wisdom. As I think about her question, I realize that it has many names that make up the chapters of my life. After all, we are the stories we tell about ourselves but we are much more than the stories. To live well is to tell stories. After all, that is what Jesus did. As we continue to tell stories about ourselves, the stories keep multiplying as the story changes and, if the story doesn’t change, the teller does. A simple “you know” may be an escape from providing a satisfactory answer to her question. But, then again, “you know” is just an ever changing capsule full of mystery. Like Joseph Campbell, we enter the cave both to shelter and discover the shadow -- all part of our ongoing story that we will only discover in eternity -- the full implications of our “you know” with all its mystery. Father Michael Tracey is retired and lives in Ireland. He can be contacted by email at mtracey1@bellsouth.net . His website is www.michaeltracey.net Stumbling along Across the Pond Father Tracey On April 16, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes. The 1943 film The Song of Bernadette dra- matizes the amazing events in her life relating to the Mar- ian apparitions that occurred in Lourdes, France, in 1858. Many Catholics have enjoyed this beautiful film, and it’s a great one to share with those who haven’t seen it, espe- cially younger generations. The Song of Bernadette features Jennifer Jones in the title role, and she delivered a breakout performance that came early in her career, garnering her both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actress. The acco- lades Jones received were well deserved because she viv- idly brings to life Bernadette’s profound encounters with our Blessed Mother. One of the great measures of Bernadette’s faithfulness was her respect for her parents, for the Church, and those in authority, even while they doubted her claim to experi- encing apparitions of the Virgin Mary. In one scene early in the film, Bernadette’s mother instructs her not to return to the grotto where her visions were taking place, and she obeys until her mother finally relents due to the influence of a trusted relative. This is the model the saints provide us down through the centuries as they strive to balance their fervent faith with the demands of those God has placed in their lives and calls them to respect. It requires much self-sacrifice out of love for God and for others, and it is the path of humble obedience we are all called to follow. The Song of Bernadette masterfully presents the series of events that led to widespread acceptance of the Mar- ian apparitions at Lourdes. It is Ber- nadette’s innocence and faith that first wins over the common people, who recognize her humility and have hope in the intercession of our Blessed Mother. Eventually, healings are at- tributed to the spring that bursts forth from the grotto; but later the grotto is closed, and the Bishop of Tarbes declares he will not investigate the matter further unless the Emperor himself orders the grotto open. When the Emperor’s infant son is healed of an illness from water brought from Lourdes, the Empress demands the grotto be reopened, prompting the Bishop to finally investigate the validity of Bernadette’s claims. We see in this sequence of events how God acted to bring about faith in the Marian apparitions at Lourdes and to protect and aid Bernadette in the difficult task she was given to share our Blessed Mother’s message of healing for the entire world. Over the years, many have made pil- grimages to Lourdes, seeking both physical and spiritual healings. Stories abound about the profound encounters that have taken place there. The Song of Bernadette was produced at a time in Hollywood when many great films championed the faith of the U.S.’s growing Catholic popu- lation. Father James Keller, M.M., founded The Christo- phers during this period and advocated for more films like this to be made. He was able to exert an important impact on the industry. The Song of Bernadette helps us to recall that vision of faith in film during a time when it was more prevalent. Though much has changed since that time, films that cel- ebrate Christ and bring hope to people’s lives still exist. Whether these great films are made today or were pro- duced decades ago, let’s be sure to share them with those we love; and may Saint Bernadette of Lourdes intercede for that next generation of filmmakers to bring stories of faith to the screen. Fr. Ed Dougherty, M.M., serves on The Christo- phers’Board of Directors. For a free copy of the Chris- topher News Note, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, write: The Christophers, 5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004; or e-mail: mail@christophers.org . The Song of Bernadette Light One Candle Fr. Dougherty