Ants, Suicide and Self-Reliance
Hi Everyone:
On this morning’s walk back and forth on the church parking lot, which is nearly the length of a football field (though not nearly as wide), I happened upon an unusual sight. A night crawler was minding its own business making its way along the macadam surface when an army of ants began gathering around and attacking it. A noble effort of trying to fend off the attackers ensued, though to no avail. I left the scene and upon my return the ants were already carrying away a severed section and the remainder soon to follow wherever the feast was to take place. I had a slight qualm of not picking up that worm early on and throwing it into the flower bed, thinking it might possibly have a chance at survival, but I didn’t. Mother Nature took its course.
This past Tuesday and Wednesday the Archdiocese sponsored a clergy study day at the Glenmore Pastoral Center. It was an opportunity to meet clergy, hear from the Cardinal and listen to informative topics. One of the topics was on “Suicide and Youth.” It was an eye opener as South Africa has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. The presenter was Fikile Mogubane who wrote a book on the subject. What prompted her was the suicide of her own son. Simply, she had no idea.
Some of the signs and symptoms are of isolation from what one likes or when one starts to give things away or bully’s people. Eating very little or not at all. When there is a feeling of non-acceptance or signs of helplessness or unworthiness. Incest at a young age is a contributing factor too. If a person says he is going to kill himself, take it seriously.
Drugs play a part as well as certain TV programs. And then, there are some diseases which can bring on that helpless feeling too. Girls attempt suicide but boys do it. Make a contract with the person, saying, I am going to help you and be with you. If a person remains in a slump for two weeks you must do something now. Most don’t want to die but want the pain taken away. Proper food, exercise, a new outlook on life, good music and nutrition are important. Suicide is preventable.
These are a few tidbits of information along other lines that may be of interest. The Cardinal mentioned that it takes R 1,000,000 or $166,000 to educate a seminarian to priesthood. When I went through seminary the cost was $1,000 a year, so the total cost of our education totaled $10,000. Of course that was a few years ago.
The Cardinal asked the priests to give him feedback on two issues regarding marriage. His own words: “shaking up and the length of remote prep time for those contemplating marriage.”
The Cardinal summed up the Bishop’s Conference for us in the following areas: The growing problem of trafficking women and children by promising them all kinds of opportunities, but they end up on the slave trade market or prostitution.
He told us of the long battle ahead regarding same sex marriages. The lawmakers are saying that they won’t force priests to perform these marriages. The priest is also a minister of the state.
Next was a voting issue. One of the unhealthy alternatives is apathy or violent street demonstrations. Vote here means vote African National Conference, Mandela’s old party which is for abortion, gay marriages and reverse discrimination.
Cardinal Napier spoke of his Ad Limina (every five years visit) with Benedict XVI. With the lack of priests comes the issue of Priestly Masses verses Lay Masses in that they are not to be similar as confusion arises in not recognizing the differences. Popular devotions verses Sunday Liturgy and which is to be preferred.
The laity is asked to address a plan for evangelization. Seminaries are in need of good formators. Quick action was requested on the appointment of bishops for five dioceses that have been vacant for quite sometime. A reply on Jan. 1 to continue as a holy day is still being considered.
Benedict XVI is at ease with English and listens attentively. The two disappointments of the conference were in regards to dealing with peace and justice issues and the family. The topic on health care was very helpful in expressing the need to help people dealing with HIV/AIDS. Ecumenism is at a standstill. A lack of leadership is not surfacing as there is much disarray, although spiritual ecumenism is alive. The mushrooming of Pentecostals is evident and they are not interested in dialogue.
Entrepreneurship comes at an early age. 60% of 12 year olds run shops. ¾ of the children under 18 are orphans and have experienced death of a loved one. A thought for the day: “Do our little patch and let the project grow. Self reliance is more than money.”
Fr. Al
February 25th, 2006 at 10:10 pm
Al,
A voice from the rather distant past. Bill Mahedy, seminary classmate. I get into the province website sometimes and noticed your blog from South Africa. It sounds like a great ministry. I was with Ed Hattrick in Japan, though never stationed in the same house with him. I only lasted there a year before I got culture shock, so he might not remember me. Please give him my best.
I keep in touch with Walt Vogel and, of course John Keller and Tom Whelan who were a year behind and ahead of us. We “Augustinian alumni” do keep in touch. I am now fully retired. Carol and I have two grown children and two grandchildren. So, despite a few health problems we are blessed.
I am excited about your work in South Africa. I always thought the missions were the way to go. I just couldn’t handle Japan. Later went into the army as a chaplain and served in Vietnam. After that I worked for the VA with combat veterans with post-traumatic stress. That was kind of a mission.
As I remember you had a good long career as pastor up in New England. So you have had a very fruitful ministry. I saw Bill Faix several years ago when I visited Washington. He seemed okay, but living in the difficult situations he has faced overseas has been hard. He is a terrific man.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Al.
May the Lord continue to bless you.
Bill
February 27th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
Remember you as a PG when I was a postulant at AA. Now a retired financial manager living with my wife on the eastern end of Long Island and sharing in the lives of our four children and two grandchildren. I understant that Wagner College, is tearing down the remaining ruins of the Augustinian Academy (actually today).
Be well,
Paul
Paul Epperlein
March 23rd, 2006 at 7:28 am
Bill Mahedy, my old classmate. How pleasant a surprise to receive your note. Please give my best to Walt when you see him. You have indeed had quite a career, one of selfless service for fellow human beings. You nay knonw that Bill Faix is back in Prague. True, I was 11 years at St. Aug. in Andover. Art Johnson is back at St. Mary’s in Lawrence now. I’ll tell Paul you had written. Congratulations on your book. The one reflection I read was well written and soul searching. Of course you one of our class nerds. Al
Paul Epperlein, you have escaped my memory bank, I’m sorry to say. So nice of you to write. I’ll be asking Paul Kamide if he remembers you. Al