Dear Friends,

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RETREAT HOUSE MUSIC MINISTRY:  Last Tuesday evening I had a beautiful experience in our Retreat House Chapel. I attended a 2 hour musical performance put on by the Retreat Center Music Ministry directed by Joe Schubert with Nick Capone, organist. I attended primarily to show my support for Fr. Curtis Kiddy as he has assumed Retreat House leadership. Honestly, I went as duty but two hours later was hoping it wouldn’t end! Never did I expect to enjoy it as I did. Superb! The singers and musicians were magnificent. The time flew by and was I happy to have experienced this prayerful singing and raising of the mind and heart to God. Isn’t that what we learned as children to be the definition of prayer?
THANKS TO OUR PASSIONIST ASSOCIATES:  Our C.P. Associates treat us as family. Do you know why? Because we are family. They are lay people who have studied our Passionist spirit and charism. They have associated themselves with us in ministry. They love St. Paul of the Cross and all that Paul is for the church. This Sunday after the last Mass, they are going to decorate our refectory (dining room) and then have a special dinner with the Passionist Community to celebrate the Christmas season. We are so grateful to them for all they do and all the help they give us in trying to maintain our Passionist charism and ideals. Paul Ruhl is the new chairman of the Associates and he is doing great. We will have a nice celebration and it’s all rooted in the charism of St.Paul of the Cross to which we have all committed ourselves.
2ND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND:  It will go to purchasing substantial gift certificates for the 40 families that come each Friday for assistance. I thank you for your generosity at Thanksgiving. I thank also your understanding of these changes as we are trying to maintain our primary works within an atmosphere of prayer and quiet.
CONFESSION MINISTRY CONTINUES:  This is especially important for our front door ministry which includes us being available Monday through Saturday for the sacrament of Penance. Holy things happen each day at our front door. It is not a parish office or a place to catch up on what’s going on. St. Paul of the Cross asked that our houses offer confession freely and be a “Refuge for Sinners.” As an old man, they would carry him down from his sick room in a specially made chair to the sacristy to hear confessions!  Our front door is a holy place!
OUR MUSIC MINISTRY:  Andrea Terlesky is the church Music Minister and does a wonderful job at the organ and piano. Especially are we graced with wonderful cantors and instrumentalists. I publicly want to thank her for the beauty of our liturgies and for the special beauty we have at the Holy Hours for Vocations. Come see and hear for yourself!
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS  -   THIS  TUESDAY  7:00pm  -  COME JOIN US !
With my deepest gratitude for all your kindness and support                    

Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector 

Dear Friends,

A BEAUTIFUL THANKSGIVING: We had a beautiful Thanksgiving Mass. The music and singing was superb. Andrea Terleski, our Music Minister, has a way of finding these wonderful instrumentalists and cantors who join us. It was beautiful. I thank our regular faithful cantors and all the extras and instrumentalists who join us for these special celebrations. Thanksgiving

was beautiful. 

AN UNPOPULAR DECISION: I want to thank you for understanding why we are not able to continue doing the “Giving Tree” project. Last weekend, I announced that we would not have the Giving Tree this Christmas. We will give the 40 to 45 families who come weekly for assistance gift cards to Giant Eagle for Christmas Dinner. Peg Donley, who heads our Food for the Poor Line, said food is so expensive. We cannot give out Gift Cards like we did other years. I suggested we take up collections in church. Then the monastery will make up the difference. A collection was taken on Thanksgiving. Another will be taken up in Advent. This will replace the

Giving Tree Project. I made that decision to help the poor and to protect our Passionist life. We are not a parish and don’t want to be. Our front door is open for Mass cards and people coming for help mostly sacramental, the Sacrament of Confession. Six days of the week, we are available. The Giving Tree interferes with that Apostolate, a primary ministry in Pittsburgh. We only have 5 religious. We cannot have people dropping off presents all the days before Christmas. Tying up the front door with noisy chatter as if we were a parish office. Also, there is the difficulty in finding adequate and reachable space to store things while maintaining our privacy and quiet. Rusty is called on to do much of the work. He is now maintenance man, not

only for the monastery, but also for the retreat house. Bro. Matt who delivered and organized things died. We are a small aging community. I have made this decision, as Rector, that this is not compatible with our life here or the atmosphere we want at the front door. I do this for the good of the Passionist Community.

DECEMBER HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS: One of the nicest hours of the month is the Holy Hour of Adoration for Passionist Vocations. This month - December 12 th , Tuesday, at 7p.m. We pray quietly and have the rosary and benediction. I invite everyone to come December 12 th at 7pm. We invite a Passionist Saint or Blessed to accompany us. This month it will be Bl.

Bernard who celebrated mass in the church!

PASSIONIST CALENDAR WORKSHOP: Following Mass, the 8am Mass next Saturday, December 2, I will have a brief explanation of the Passionist Calendar and the liturgical year. We have been selling them at the office. The calendar has all the Passionist feasts listed, the American feasts and those of the universal church and the readings for each day of the year. All

are welcome – 8:30am next Saturday.

DECEMBER PASSIONIST FEASTS: There is one feast day of a Passionist in December on the 9 th , the feast day of Bl. Bernard Silvestrelli. He served as Superior General of the Passionist for 25 years and had a reputation for holiness. Born into a wealthy Roman family, their palatial home was at Piazza Minerva not far from the Passionist Generalate. Born in 1831, ordained a priest in 1855, he became a Passionist in 1857. Made his novitiate with Francesco Possenti, St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows! When Superior general, he used his inheritance to further the growth of the Passionist Congregation all over the world and here in the United States. He visited Pittsburgh encouraging the community here. During his leadership, the congregation experienced great growth in numbers, houses and activities. As Fr. General, he arrived in New York in the spring of 1896. There is a picture of him sitting at the front of this monastery with all the community around him. I’m inviting him back for our Holy Hour!

With much gratitude and appreciation, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector

Dear Friends:
MONASTERY ALTAR GUILD:  When the renovation of the church was completed, I assembled an Altar Guild to keep the church and sacristy spotless and to care for the vestments and altar linens. Jane Conner heads a group of about 8 women who have for these past few years kept the church fresh with flowers ordered, linens washed and ironed, statues dusted, sacristy in order and spotless. John O’Neill has for over a quarter of a century done all the heavy cleaning of floors and pews during the summer and through the winter ice and snow. These ladies have formed a wonderfully working group. On certain Saturdays, they have had a communion breakfast in our refectory after the morning Mass. I have given them a talk which is more a teaching on some aspect of the faith.  One time it was the theology of the Eucharistic Prayers, another a workshop on Scripture. This Saturday, I will explain the Church Calendar. I am so grateful to John and Rusty Wilcox and our Altar Guild for our beautiful clean church.
BLESSED PIO CAMPIDELLI: We celebrated Mass in his honor on his feast day Nov. 3rd. He is one of our young Passionist Blesseds. From central Italy, Pio is greatly honored in that area. He was a copy of St. Gabriel and died Nov. 2, 1889 before his ordination to the priesthood. A miraculous healing of a child was attributed to his intercession and St. John Paul declared him Blessed in 1985. One of our priests in Rome told me that there are other claims of miraculous healings attributed to him. We might see his canonization before long. Pope John Paul once said to us: “I have given you, Passionists, so many saints and blesseds. You should all become holy!”
ST. MARIA GORETTI SHRINE: This is the one area in our beautifully renovated church that has not been completed. I contacted the architect, Jim O’Brien. He has designed an area on the rear wall to display prayers for purity, healing and forgiveness behind the beautiful statue of Maria. She has her hand raised fending off her attacker. I have asked our artists, Bob and Dave, who beautified St. Gabriel’s shrine, to help me complete this area. I’d like their help to design the prayer cards with that symbol of Maria’s hand reaching out and God’s hand reaching back. A first-class relic of St. Maria Goretti has been placed there. Expect to see a kneeler etc. before long.
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS:  November 14 at 7pm:  A married man wrote me just the other day about the monthly Holy Hour: “I plan to attend. I love those services…Every Catholic Church everywhere prays for vocations, but the prayer service at St. Paul of the Cross is so much more. The piano, the cello, the hymns, the incense creates the opportunity for prayer and solitude, the distinguishing marks of the Passionist Congregation, at a time when the world can seem like it’s coming apart…” I thanked him for his beautiful words. Please join us. All are welcome, Tuesday the 14th.
CALENDARS:  We have sold nearly 200 of the Passionist Calendars. We have about 40 or so remaining. They are nicely done with the universal feasts of the Church listed along with feasts particular to the USA. Also, all the Passionist feasts are listed and high-lighted. The daily Mass readings for each day are indicated where to be found. Enjoy!
Gratefully in Christ, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector

Dear Friends,

 PASSIONIST CALENDAR AVAILABLE:  Fr. Victor Hoagland is one of my favorite Passionists. He taught my class theology. I loved his classes on Liturgy and the Fathers of the Church. In 1971, I was assigned before ordination to accompany him on retreats and preaching assignments and learn from him.  I loved it. We have remained good friends through the years. In 2018, we were delegates to the General Chapter in Rome. It was wonderful to be with him again and still learn from his wisdom!  I called him up a little over a week ago and told him I heard he put out a 2024 Passionist Calendar.  I asked him to explain this calendar. He said that it was three calendars in one. It has all the Passionist feast days, the feast days particular to the American Church, and the feasts for the entire Roman Catholic Church. He said it is meant to be a help to prayer and a help to all our Passionists Associates so that we can be ‘praying with the Passionists.’ There’s also a guide to the daily Scripture readings. I said to Fr. Victor: “Send me 100.” They just arrived and will be available in the Monastery Office this Monday. I am asking $5.00 for each calendar. This is solely for your spirituality and to help you ‘Pray with the Passionists.’
BLESSED BRO. ISIDORE DeLOOR:  He is one of our greats and close to canonization. His feast day is Oct. 6th. He was a Passionist Brother, not a priest. He worked hard and he prayed hard. Born in 1881 in Belgium, he died of cancer in 1916. He was extraordinary in his love for Jesus and his care for the people around him. He became a saint in concrete ways – cooking meals, answering the door, plowing the fields, caring for the sick and the poor and always faithful to prayer. Diagnosed with cancer at the age of 30, he died at 35 totally surrendering to God. The war in Europe had broken out. The only one at his burial was the grave digger. His holiness, love and charity were never forgotten. In 1984, St. John Paul II declared him Blessed. Miracles have been given through his intercession. My mother, Mary, had great devotion to him. There was a time when she was dying in the hospital in Jersey City. She told me Bro.Isidore had come to her.
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TUESDAY:  We continue to pray that God will bless the Church with vocations in the Lord’s service and our community with dedicated men and women, Passionists. The Holy Hour is beautiful and a time of quiet when the Lord comes to us. It is one of my favorite times of the month. Please come and join us this Tuesday at 7pm. We praise and encounter the Lord in the beauty of the quiet and in the song, prayer and Sacrament. Bl. Grimoaldo Santamaria will be the Passionist whom we ask to accompany us that evening. St. John Paul also declared him a Blessed. I knew his niece, Ida. She died not too long ago in Rochester, NY.
DAY OF RECOLLECTION WEDNESDAY:  Frs. Curtis Kiddy and Michael Greene have opened the new retreat season for this fall. They are offering a Day of Recollection this Wednesday, Oct. 11th. This is a day program with lunch included and with prayer and reflection.
THANKS AGAIN: Many wonderful things are happening at our monastery and retreat house. The church ceiling is repaired. The grounds are beautified. Things we could not have afforded. Jack Mascaro Co. came through again. The scaffolding company and Lisanti Painters helped us also.  A loyal retreatant oversaw the beautification of the gardens and the extensive asphalt and concrete repairs. We have no salaries or set income, whatever. Everything is free will offerings. It all gets done. God takes care of us. Thank you, God and thank YOU.
          With much appreciation and gratitude, 

Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector

Dear Friends:
NEW RETREAT SEASON BEGINS:  The new retreat season begins this weekend. Frs. Curtis Kiddy and Michael Greene are heading up the program. This is a major apostolate of our house. Pray  we have a successful year. Pray for those who come here that they experience the tremendous healing love of Jesus Crucified.
CHURCH CEILING BEING REPAIRED: For some reason the ceiling paint in the rear of the church is peeling. It’s the only place. The companies are repairing it and have been most gracious. Only the last panel is peeling. That panel was not part of the original church. There was a coal mine entrance near the front in the 1800’s which was filled in and that last section added later. Our regular Sunday Masses will be in church. Hard hats will not be provided! Some week days, daily Masses will be moved to the private chapel of the monastery and retreat house if repairs are going on in the church.
GARDEN BEING RENEWED & BEAUTIFIED:  Be sure to walk through our gardens, when retreats are not going on. They have been landscaped and beautified. New plants and trees have been added and flowering bushes. We are grateful to the benefactor who funded much of this. Likewise, our thanks to the Laudato Si Team that continues to beautify the gardens and the front entrance. They are making us more aware of caring for the beauty God’s gifts and more grateful for His beauty which surrounds us.
FR. THEODORE FOLEY IS HELPING US:  Fr. Massimo Parisi returned to Rome this past week. He had spent time here and at our Monastery in Jamaica, NY. He is the Passionist ultimately responsible for the cause of Fr. Theodore Foley. His title is: “Postulator General.” He handles the causes of all Passionists proposed for sainthood. He told me that he is pleased with the work that has been done to advance the cause of Fr. Theodore. He went from Pittsburgh to New York where he interviewed some last living witnesses to Fr. Theodore Foley. I think there will be some movement on Fr. Theodore’s cause.
MONTHLY HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS CONTINUES:  I thank those who come out each month for the Holy Hour for Passionist vocations. I thank, Andrea, our Music Minister, for the beautiful music provided. There is something very special and holy about that hour. I look forward to it, the quiet, reverence and prayerfulness. We are also having young men apply to be Passionists.
SEPT. 29TH ST. MICHAEL, OUR PROTECTOR:  This coming Friday is the feast of St. Michael, the Archangel.
Since the earliest days of our community, St. Paul of the Cross named him the Protector of the Passionists. The first Passionists, Fr. Paul and his brother, Fr. John Baptist, visited the great shrine of St. Michael on Monte Gargano. They spent the entire night in prayer. Paul asked St. Michael to be our special protector. Our 2nd Monastery founded in Vetralla was named ‘San Angelo’ in his honor. Numerous times Paul wrote how he knew St. Michael had protected the Passionists from things and persons that would harm us. There is a beautiful altar to him in our first church at Monte Argentario.  I pray to him to send us good candidates for our Passionist life. I will be offering the 7:30am Mass in our church this Friday, his feastday, Sept. 29th.
MONASTERY HAS FOUND A COOK:  Finally, it appears we have an excellent monastery cook, Ann. The priests are all smiling and going back for seconds! Deo Gratias.

In Christ with love and gratitude,

 Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector

Dear Friends:  I will be on vacation and away for the next two weeks. There have been many changes here and things are falling into place. We are a smaller community.  We will continue to serve you faithfully with the sacraments especially being available daily for confessions. Fr. Curtis is taking charge of the retreat house nicely. Fr. Michael Greene and he hit it off very well. We still hope to get additional community members. This past week we had the Holy Hour for Vocations. It is very beautiful – the peace, the silence, the music, the prayerfulness. We had 30 some people. Last month, when we honored Fr. Theodore, we had around 140 people! It’s one of my favorite hours of the month – looking at Jesus and Jesus looking at us. We have much for which to be grateful. God is so good to us. And thank you for being good to us.
As Passionists, the Bishop gives us permission to be in this Diocese and to have a church where people can come and pray even though we are not a parish. Bishop allows us to have public Masses on Sunday. Not all dioceses do that. We are grateful that here in Pittsburgh the Bishops have always been extra good and generous to us. When I arrived and met Bishop, he told me how much he loved having the Passionists and that he had received his vocation while making a retreat here. He thanked me for all we do. He asked me not to have baptisms, weddings or funerals in our church except for rare exceptions which he specified. He wants people to relate to their parishes and his parish priests to be near their people especially at those important times. I promised him I would be obedient.
Gratefully in Christ, Fr. Justin Kerber, CP, Rector

Dear Friends:
PASSIONIST ASSOCIATES INFORMATIONAL MEETING: Following the 10am Mass this Sunday, there will be an informational meeting on joining the Passionist Associates here at St. Paul’s. They are a dedicated group of lay people who share in our spirit and mission. There is a period of formation after which they strive to live our Passionist charism. 

RETREAT HOUSE PROGRAMS: Our retreat house has a variety of programs. During the summer various groups use our facility. Some parishes come with high school students for a Mission Trip. When I was pastor in North Carolina, we tried to bring our young people here. Joe Farris and leaders brought 40 to 50 high schoolers every year. It was a great spiritual experience. This past week there were around 45 students from St. Peter’s in Greenville, NC. They had many projects. I helped with confessions on Thursday night. It was beautiful. A number said: “Father, you baptized me.” or “Father you were the priest who married my parents.” I want to thank the parents in N.C. for handing on the faith well.
WE PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED: I was reading the minutes of the First Missionary Congress of our Passionist Community in the United States. It inspired me. It was attended by 32 Passionist missionaries, among the best preachers in our country. The meeting was held at our first monastery across the Atlantic, St. Paul of the Cross Monastery, Pittsburgh, PA, right here! The meeting opened on Thursday morning, January 25th, 1894 and closed on January 27th. Many of the participants were Pittsburghers. Of our first vocations in the new world, so many were from Pittsburgh.  Fr. Fidelis Kent-Stone was present. He was considered the Fulton Sheen of his day. Known throughout the United States as an excellent preacher, he had been a leading minister in the Episcopal Church. After the death of his wife and after his three daughters were taken care of, he became a Passionist priest and was known throughout the country as a most gifted preacher. He served as Superior in the USA, Assistant to Fr. General in Rome, Founder of the Passionists in Argentina and Chile etc. I was reading his address to the missionaries. He powerfully said to his fellow Passionists: “We are professionally promoters of devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ. If in all else we succeed, but fail in this, our life’s work must be a failure……by a vow we freely bound ourselves to promote the devout remembrance of the Crucified.” He is considered one of the greatest Passionists in the history of the USA. At the end of his life, he asked permission to see his daughters again. (He had not been allowed to visit them as a Passionist!) He died while visiting them in California and is buried at our monastery in Missouri.
PASSIONIST VOCATIONS: Thank you for coming out this past week for the Vocations Holy Hour.  Three young men have been approved to begin their formation for Passionist life and priesthood. I feel the Holy Hour is a powerful time of prayer. Next Holy Hour will be in August!
LAUDATO SI TEAM MEETING AND WORKING: This little group is accomplishing so much. I can’t tell you how pleased I am with the beauty of nature they are providing us. I want to open our gardens more for prayer and reflection. The gardens are shaping up and we have a benefactor doing major repairs on the paths and walk ways. We have acres of property. Paul of the Cross would tap a flower and say: “ Hush! You speak too loudly of the beauty of God.” and then be lost in prayer!
PASSIONIST POSTULATOR GENERAL VISITING: The main “Saint-maker” for the Passionists, Fr. Massimo Parisi, was not allowed to be present when we had our visitors from Rome. He is not allowed to influence the proceedings when someone is up for canonization. He does the foot work but remains silent when there are interviews etc. He told me his judgement was everything went very well for Fr. Theodore. Now, he wants to see the shrine and will be here for a few days. He’s never been to the USA before. He’ll be in Pittsburgh Sept. 13 – 16.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP – Gratefully, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P.

Dear Passionists and Friends,

Our Provincial, Fr. Jim O’Shea, has asked me to report to my fellow Passionists about the recent developments in the cause for canonization of the Servant of God, Fr. Theodore Foley, C.P. He is buried in our church.  Here’s the letter I wrote. Fr. Theodore served as Superior General of our community from 1964 till his death in 1974. Before going to Rome, he had served in Pittsburgh as Rector from 1956 to 58. Because of his evident holiness,  after his death the Passionist Provincial Chapter voted overwhelmingly to propose Theodore for sainthood. For the past decades, that process has been underway. His body, originally buried in his hometown of Springfield, MA, was transferred to our church in Pittsburgh in 2009. His tomb had become a place of prayer and veneration. Every day, people are petitioning through his intercession for favors and healings. We have kept records of the hundreds of people who come to that tomb and write petitions and requests for favors and healings. There also is a place to give thanks for favors and healings received.
Fr. Massimo Parisi, C.P., who is in charge of the causes for sainthood for the Passionist Congregation, informed me that there was some movement on Fr. Theodore’s cause. His works and writings have all been examined.  No problem there. People are attesting to his holiness and others writing of favors received and prayers answered. There are even claims of healings and miraculous cures.
The diocese where a person dies sponsors the person for canonization.  Fr. Theodore died in Rome. So this past June 15th, the head of the Tribunal for the Archdiocese of Rome and a lawyer, Msgr. Giuseppe D’Alonso and Mr. Marcello Terrimani, arrived in Pittsburgh on June 18th. I met them at the airport with Fr. David Monaco, C.P., who served the entire next 8 days as interpreter.  They examined many of the papers we had and the pages of favors granted. They interviewed a number of witnesses who knew Fr. Theodore. Fr. Jerome McKenna, who had lived with Fr. Theodore six years in both the USA and Italy seems to have been a star witness. They couldn’t get over his memory and detail. He was interviewed for hours on hours.  Mrs. Dorothy Hilley, who typed for him as a young woman and helped with the bulletin in the 1950’s testified. Bro. Leo Difiore testified about the spiritual direction he gave him about becoming a Passionist Brother. Mrs. Mary Ann White and Mrs. Nancy Burke testified to favors and healings received. Fr. Vincent Boney was unable to travel. They asked me to please come up with another witness who had known him and spoken with him. I told them I had met him two or three times. That sufficed and I was able to give testimony as to his holiness and the esteem with which he is held by our brethren.  They traveled up to the Passionist Nuns. Low and behold – a 2nd star witness emerged. Sr. Mary Ann remembered him coming and speaking to them on the renewal and called them to move with the church as the new Rule came out. She rivaled Jerome McKenna for keenness of memory.  We had our monthly Holy Hour for Vocations which we dedicate to a different holy Passionist each month. We prayed this June to Theodore for vocations. The Visitors came. More people showed up than at Sunday Mass! The Music Director was magnificent.  They took pictures and heard from the people of our love and esteem for Fr. Theodore.  They seemed very pleased with everything and the wonderful reception they received. They returned to Rome. Subsequently, I am hearing of people wanting to attest to some major healings and favors received. I think Fr. Theodore’s cause will advance.
Keep it in your prayers. I can attest he answers prayers.                       
With deep gratitude and esteem,  Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Pittsburgh, PA    

Dear Friends:
JUNE AND THE MARTYRS: Following the great feast of Pentecost (we celebrated last Sunday), the month of June is filled with the feasts of Saints who were martyrs. We wore red vestments last Sunday for the pouring forth of the fire of the spirit. Now, during daily Masses in June, we wear red again because we celebrate many martyrs who shed their blood for Christ. We see RED for the fire of the Spirit and RED for the blood of martyrs. June 1st was St. Justin the Martyr, a brilliant philosopher and theologian, who shed his blood in 165. We have the actual court transcript wherein Justin affirms his loyalty to Christ which led to his martyr’s death. Then the 2nd, 3rd and 5th of June – all feasts of martyrs. Sts. Marcellinus, a priest, & Peter, an exorcist, martyred in 303. June 3rd we celebrate the 22 Ugandan Martyrs, Charles Lwanga and his companions. They remained faithful to the Church as the King tried to stamp out Christianity. They were court pages martyred in 1886 faithful to Christ and not to the king’s sexual demands. June 5th is the feast of St. Boniface, Apostle to Germany. Martyred there in 754. We honor on June 22nd, St. Thomas More, a lawyer, and St. John Fisher a bishop, the two hero martyrs for standing up to Henry VIII. Their heads were placed on London Bridge to scare those loyal to the Pope. Their example inspired more. June 28th is the feast of St. Irenaeus, Bishop Martyr of Lyons, put to death in 200 for his fidelity. The  Pillars of the Church, Peter and Paul, are celebrated on June 29, both of whom shed their blood for Christ in Rome around the year 67. Peter was crucified but upside down, feeling unworthy to die as Jesus did. Lastly, June 30th is the celebration of the first martyrs of the Church of Rome. The Emperor Nero hated the Christians and blamed a fire in Rome on them in the year 64. He rounded up 979 Christian and put them to death. Many were burt alive or thrown to the wild beasts. Christians were used as human torches. We honor those who had the honor to shed their blood for Christ.
PRESENTATION ON ST. PAUL OF THE CROSS:  There is a wonderful group of lay people here – the Passionist Associates. They help us in many ways and dedicate themselves to our Passionist spirit and charism. There is a new group of people preparing to join these Associates. One aspect of their training is studying the life and spirit of St. Paul of the Cross. I have been asked to give a presentation for them on the life of Paul of the Cross. I will show a video of his life and ministry. If you would be interested in knowing more about our founder, St. Paul, you are welcome to attend this presentation. It’s Thursday, June 8th.  Come to the front door of the Monastery office by 6:15pm. The presentation will be shown in the old monastery library. All are welcome.
VISITORS FROM ROME: During the week of June 18th, we are expecting a visit from some officials from the Archdiocese of Rome. The President of the Roman Tribunal and one of the Vicar Generals are expected. They are coming to look into the progress of the  cause of canonization for Fr. Theodore Foley who is buried in our church.  Fr. David Monaco, C.P. will serve as the interpreter. He speaks English/Italian. Those giving testimony are: Fr. Jerome McKenna, C.P. who lived 6 years with Fr. Theodore in both the U.S.A. and Italy, Mrs. Dorothy Hilley, who as a young girl served at this monastery as a secretary to Fr. Theodore, Bro. Leo DiFiore who knew Father while Leo was a high school student discerning a Passionist Vocation. I may have the monthly Holy Hour for Vocations that Tuesday evening and have Fr. Theodore as the Passionist whose help we are seeking. I’ll keep you posted. If we have a service in the evening, I will alert everyone. Theodore died in Rome. The Diocese where you died is the usual diocese supporting the canonization.
FR. CURTIS BACK FROM VACATION: Fr. Curtis took his vacation early. We have missed him. He will be back by the end of the week and ready to go. Fr. Gerald hands over the reins of the retreat house officially on June 15th. He has led our retreat house for 16 years. That’s longer than anyone in its 105-year history. Congratulations to both!
LOOKING FOR MONASTERY COOK:   We are looking to hire a cook to prepare and serve the evening meal for 6 - Monday through Thursday. We need someone reliable and capable and if you are interested, please call me at 252-375-5201.
Gratefully in Christ, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector

Dear Friends:
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATION THIS TUESDAY:  At 7pm on May 9th, we will have the monthly Holy Hour for vocations. We pray especially for our community that God will send us dedicated young people to follow the vision of St. Paul of the Cross. The Passionist Nuns in Carrick are always faithfully remembered. It is a beautiful Eucharistic Holy Hour. I look forward to it each month. I understand there are several young men hoping to make application soon. One of them I have been speaking regularly with over the past year and a half. This month I am asking St. Paul of the Cross to assist us specially. He called the Blessed Mother the real founder of our community. Passionists stand with Mary at the foot of the Cross. I expect her to renew our community and send new members to stand with her at the Cross of Jesus. Come pray with us for that intention.
LAUDATO SI TEAM:  It has taken a good part of a year for us to find our way. It seems to me we are heading in the right direction: not to waste but to conserve and treasure and find God in the beauty of creation. Rose Ann Lord, who leads us, has a beautiful understanding of the encyclical and the goodness of creation. We are moving ahead to do concrete things here on our property to respect God’s gifts, to foster prayer and awe in the presence of God. There’s a beautiful story in the life of St. Paul of the Cross. He was an old man and still General of the Congregation. He was doing a final visitation of the communities and was visiting one Passionist house south of Rome. He had bouts of sciatica and arthritis and walked in the garden with a cane. In the garden, a beautiful wild flower caught his attention. He was seen tapping it with his cane and saying: “Hush! Hush! You speak too loudly of the beauty of God.” After an hour, the priest in charge of the seminarians told one of them to go and bring the old man in. He was lost in prayer at God’s beauty in that simple flower!
OUR ALTAR GUILD: These women have done a great job in keeping the church and sacristy supplied and clean and all in order for the liturgical seasons and feast days. I have also given them some reflections after Communion breakfasts. We talked about scripture and the theology of the Eucharist and the Mass. Their dynamic leader, Jane Conner, is recuperating after an auto accident. I have brought her communion. We await her full recovery. That group has become so very helpful for the smooth running of our services. Thank you so much.
FR. THEODORE FOLEY:  Visitors from Rome are scheduled to be here some time after July 4th. They are going to interview some of the last living witnesses to the holiness of Fr. Theodore. Fr. Massimo Parisi, C.P. and one of the Vicars from the Archdiocese of Rome plan arriving a few days after the 4th. They will be talking about the next steps in Fr. Theodore’s canonization. There are tons of papers of favors granted. There are, however, all sorts of conditions necessary for an authentic cure. The cause is moving ahead!
VOCATION NEWS: I don’t have much information on this. I just know the young fellow with whom I speak is hoping to apply for this fall. He very much appreciated the Vocation program recently at our New York Community and was impressed with some others interested in the Passionists
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:  I led several 12 day pilgrimages to Italy “In the Footsteps of St. Paul of the Cross.” I made a video of the highlights – Ovada, Monte Argentario, Vetralla, Rome. I am planning on preparing a presentation for the Altar Guild and would be glad to share it with others. Let me know.
With much gratitude for all your goodness to us, 

Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector

Dear Friends:
This coming week has important feast days. Monday is St. Joseph the Worker. We also celebrate the feast of two of the twelve Apostles, Philip and James. There is another very important saint whose feast is this Tuesday, St. Athanasius of Alexandria.  Even in his own time, he was seen as a great defender of the Church. It is with good reason that his statue was placed by Bernini along with those of Ambrose, Augustine and John Chrysostom, the four holy Doctors of the Church, that surround the chair of St. Peter in the magnificent apse of the St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Athanasius was ‘the champion of the Incarnation’, Jesus truly God and man. This at a time when the Arian Heresy was ripping the church apart, saying that Jesus was not truly God and man. Athanasius defended the 4th Gospel teaching: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Having been made Bishop of Alexandria in Egypt in 328 at the death of Bishop Alexander, it was left to Athanasius to defend the Faith against the heretics. It was not easy. He became Bishop at the age of 31 and for the next 45 years was fighting the Arians. He was sent into exile for a total of 18 years. I remember when we were studying Patristics – the Fathers of the Church, Fr. Victor Hoagland told us that the theology of the 2nd Eucharistic Prayer is so much in line with the thought and theology of St. Athanasius on the Incarnation.  Athanasius is the impassioned theologian of the 4th Gospel “The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us.” I remember that to this day. When I celebrate Mass and use the 2nd Eucharistic Prayer. I try to remember exactly what is happening. “Let your Spirit come upon these gifts to make them holy so that they may become for us the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.”  The same Spirit that came upon Mary to make the Lord present! Wow! The Word is becoming flesh under the appearance of bread and stretching out his arms on the Cross to save the world. That’s what Athanasius defended and was willing to undergo persecution and exile to defend. A mystery of faith that we proclaim at each Mass! May St. Athanasius help you and I to appreciate as he did the tremendous gift of Jesus in the flesh and under the appearance of bread and wine.   

With much gratitude, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P.  

Dear Friends:
HAPPY EASTER WITH GRATITUDE: To all of you I send our sincere wishes for a happy and very holy Easter. Special thanks go to those who have contributed to the beautiful services we had this week. The Music Ministry, the Altar Guild, our employees and staff, Associates, lectors, servers, ministers and each of you. Thank you for helping us celebrate God’s love during this Holy Week. Thursday was a celebration of the gift of priesthood and the Eucharist. Pope Francis spoke to priests that day. He told us to be “peacemakers and ministers of God’s mercy. Don’t live double lives and always be ministers of God’s mercy. Don’t be bureaucrats looking for perks and privileges. Don’t be yearning for the Church of the past or become discontented old bachelors. Rather always be welcoming and loving. Fix your gaze on Jesus. He will give you graces for the good of the faithful. Thank God for everything. Avoid worldliness, worrying about numbers and the efficiency of programs.”   Wow! Such good advice! Friday, we walked from Gethsemane to Calvary with Him. Prayed with Him and loved Him. St. Paul of the Cross always said “Listen to His Love” and especially as you gaze on the Cross. We have done that. We are over- whelmed that God loves us so much. Let us return that love. Alleluia! He conquered death and came back to life and awaits us in heaven.
GOOD NEWS FROM ROME: This past week I had a series of messages from our Postulator General in Rome regarding the cause for canonization of Fr. Theodore Foley. Fr. Massimo Parisi is that Passionist priest. He oversees causes for canonization of deceased Passionists. He will be coming to St. Paul’s with officials from the Holy See to check on the progress of the cause of Fr. Theodore. They should be here around June. They will be speaking to some of the remaining witnesses who knew Father. They will question them about his holiness and what they witnessed as people who knew him. We have recorded many favors granted and petitions asked. I think all of Fr. Theordore’s writings have been gone over at this point. It would seem that the Holy See would like to put forth examples of great holiness in the priesthood. Fr. Theodore certainly fits the bill. I remember one time sitting next to him when I was a professed student and felt so honored even then to be near a man who was regarded as a man of such great holiness. I hope one day St. Paul of the Cross Church will also be known as the Shrine of St. Theodore, Passionist!  Pray for this and spread devotion to him. Thank you and Happy Easter!
Gratefully in Christ, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P.  

Dear Friends:

LAUDATO  SI GROUP:  The Laudato si group met this past week on Tuesday. It is coming together. Rose Ann Lord is a wonderful leader. We are still trying to clearly define our role and what best to do. Rose has a lot of experience with respecting the gifts of the earth, building gardens and has been studying the documents. The group is beginning to focus on our gardens and how we can best use them and treasure them showing respect for God’s creation. We are hoping to make our property more available for prayerfulness and being in the presence of God.
Fr. THEODORE FOLEY: It is pretty much set that in the next couple months the Postulator General for the Passionists, Fr. Massimo Parisi, will come to Pittsburgh with diocesan officials from Rome. They will speak to some of the last living witnesses who knew Fr. Theodore. All Father’s writings and letters have been examined. Things are lining up nicely. Above all, we need a miracle, that can be verified as such, with no other explanation than divine intervention. Fr. Theodore is now called “Servant of God.” Next step is “Venerable.”  I was asked to line up four witnesses who knew him to be interviewed. Two are here in Pittsburgh. I am telling you these things because there seems to be movement on his cause for canonization. Please continue writing in the books back by his tomb - favors requested and favors granted.
KEEP HOLY WEEK HOLY:  Waving palm branches and then listening to the reading of the Passion, we begin Holy Week today, the most beautiful week of the year. On Palm Sunday, we wave branches for our King and then kneel during the Gospel as he dies a horrible painful death nailed to a Cross. You can bring Palm Branches home to display in your house and remind you of this important week. We will have Tenebrae (morning prayer) at 9a.m. in the church - Wed., Thurs., Fri.  Thursday is the day of the Last Supper. Mass that day, only in the evening, commemorates the gift of the Eucharist. During it will be the Foot Washing as Jesus did on that night. He shows us love for him must prove itself in service to one another even to stooping to wash feet. We recall how that night he gave us the Eucharist and the priesthood. With Christ just received into our hearts, we process through the church singing and thanking Him.  Adoration lasts till midnight. I love that time. I have always tried to stay there with Christ till midnight. Quiet time so beautiful thanking Jesus for this gift and for dying on the Cross. We stay with Him in Gethsemane as he undergoes his agony. Good Friday we make the Way of the Cross at noon both in our garden or in church. Growing up, we kept those hours holy. No radio or T.V. or food was allowed. We tried to keep silence. My mother encouraged us to fast. I like to walk the stations here outside. At the fourth Station, we remember His Mother. He met her on the way to Calvary. I wonder how she got there. She had to push through the crowds to see Him.  That once handsome face of her son was hard to recognize covered with dust and dirt, spit and blood. Their eyes met and she could still read in them. Those eyes reflected how much he loves us. Mary stood by the Cross as Jesus offers Himself to the Father for us. Friday is a day of gratitude and sorrow. Then all is quiet until Jesus comes back to life. He raises Himself from the dead. He conquers death and opens heaven to all of us. Easter Sunday! It is the greatest feast of the year. Everything He said is true. Everything He taught is believable. He proved it when He rose from the dead and now awaits us in heaven. One day, we will be with Him forever. Amen. Alleluia! What a gift is our faith! How wonderful our Church! Alleluia!
CONFESSIONS: One of the most beautiful apostolates of this monastery is having a priest available everyday except Sunday to minister to those wanting to go to confession. We are honored that so many avail themselves to receive this sacrament here. During Holy Week, however, no confessions are scheduled from Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday. We do this so that the Passionists may have time to prayerfully enter into the celebration of the mysteries of the Passion and Death of the Lord to which they have especially dedicated their lives. Have a beautiful Easter.
With much gratitude, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector 

Dear Friends:

THE MOVIE: “THE LETTER”: The Laudato si committee this past week had a showing of the film “The Letter” at our retreat house. It was well received. The film was exceptionally well done. It presented the goodness and beauty of God’s earth and the care that must be given this gift. It was all based on Pope Francis’ Encyclical letter, ‘Laudato si’. We didn’t know how many or if any would come. About 26 people came. The committee that organized the presentation was pleased. We will meet on March 28th. At that time, we will make decisions of how to gather together and how to implement some of the Holy Father’s thinking.     

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: I thank those who are coming out at 7pm Fridays in Lent. We recall the Way Jesus walked to Calvary. It is a beautiful custom and I invite you to join us.

FR. THEODORE FOLEY:  This past week we reprinted Fr. Theodore Foley leaflets. People are praying to him. We have in the back of the church near his tomb two stands with books on them. In the one book, is recorded favors requested through his intercession. In the other, is recorded favors granted through prayers to him. In the files, there are two cures written up that people felt were miraculous. However, the scrutiny given a “cure” is terribly strict. It has to be miraculous without any doubt. No other explanation can be possible. We are going to relook at one of the cures. The priest in charge of Passionist canonizations lives in Rome, Fr. Masimo Parisi. He is coming over in several weeks for a visit and to interview some living people who knew Fr. Theodore. I think all of Theodore’s writings and papers have been examined. I could see him being declared Venerable before lone. Beatification and canonization require a proven miracle. There is certainly a cult of praying to him here. I know he answers prayers! 

VOCATION PROGRAM: The Passionists are offering a program for men interested in priesthood and religious life. It’s for those who are discerning that God is calling them. That means you have already spent time looking at a religious vocation and are considering it.  If this would interest you, call Fr. Curtis or myself. We can give further information about that week-end retreat.

ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM: This St. Cyril was the Bishop of Jerusalem. He is one of the 37 Doctors of the Church. He is the Doctor of Catechesis. Right after ordination, he was put in charge of instructing adults preparing for Baptism. He received many people into the Church and was a brilliant theologian. He then became Bishop of Jerusalem at a time when a heresy, Arianism, was dividing the church. It denied the divinity of Christ. Cyril was a gentle teacher but got caught up in the heretical controversy that put him at odds with even the emperor. Most of his time as Bishop he was fighting heresy. In the end, the Arians lost and the Council of the Church defined the true faith using Cyril’s words and definitions. He was exiled three times and excluded from his diocese for over 16 years. In the end, the Council of Constantinople backed Cyril and his wording of the Creed was accepted by all as the true faith. “I believe in one God…and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father.” People died for those words. The Holy Spirit speaking through the gentle St. Cyril kept us faithful to the truth. Here is a beautiful quote from him: “We proclaim the Crucified and devils quake. So don’t be ashamed of the Cross of Christ. Openly seal it on your forehead that the devils may behold the royal sign and flee trembling far away.”

Gratefully in Christ, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P. 

Dear Friends:

‘LAUDATO SI’ FILM MARCH 8 TH : We have arranged to have a free showing of the film “The Letter” on the message of the Pope’s encyclical on the care of God’s creation at 7:30pm in our retreat house lounge on Wednesday, March 8 th . We have set up a committee headed by Roseann Lord to help understand and implement the Pope’s message on caring for the gift of the earth. We feel this is a way to gather people with practical concerns for the beauty of our earth and how the beautiful acres of our property can be used to bring people closer to God. I am reminded of a beautiful poem of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “The earth’s crammed with heaven and every bush afire with God. But only he who has eyes takes off his shoes….” Lord, give us eyes to see your presence in the beauty of creation. Please come Wednesday, March 8th . Call in and let us know. We were planning some light refreshments for afterwards and need to know. LENT HAS BEGUN: I had a beautiful experience the first day of Lent. I preached on it at the evening Mass. Trying to figure what to give up for Lent, I was fasting most of Ash Wednesday day for blood work I had in the afternoon. Hungry, I stopped at a McDonald’s on the way home. I ordered a fish sandwich which came with French fires. I wanted to use catsup and thought maybe I should give up things that make food taste better. Anyway, as I was thinking , I saw an older woman employee come over and help a teenager who dropped her fries all over the floor, then help a woman who got angry at a machine that didn’t take her order correctly, then the woman got ketchup for those of us who needed some. She inspired me and I decided I would try to be nicer to people. I thought of Jesus: “It is love I desire and not sacrifice.” Perhaps try to be more kind to people who cross our path and I used the ketchup.

ST. POLYCARP: His feast day was Thursday, the 2 nd day of Lent. He was a martyr and an Apostolic Father – one of the early bishops of our church appointed by one of the Apostles . He led the church in Smyrna. He knew John the Apostle. He spoke on things John had preached and how John preached. He was 86 when a persecution broke out. Polycarp was arrested and sentenced to be martyred for his loyalty to Christ. Asked to deny the Lord, he said; ‘Eighty six years I have served him and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?” They tried to burn him to death but the flames would not touch him. He was stabbed by the executioner. The story of his martyrdom was written and read as one of the Mass reading in the early church.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Every Friday in Lent, we will have the stations of the Cross at 7pm in the church. I will do my best to lead them. Please come out for this simple journey on the Fridays of Lent. It is a beautiful way to remember how much God Loves us. In grammar school in the 7th & 8th grades, I would go to Sacred Heart Church in Jersey City and make the Stations of the Cross. A Passionist priest told me it was a good way to prepare to be a Passionist. Many years after that, as a Passionist priest , I had to clean out a deceased uncle’s apartment. I found a box with old letters. One was from the Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in 1913 to my great grandmother, Filipina Thorne Kerber. It was thanking her for donating three of the Stations of the Cross in memory of the deceased of the Kerber family. It made me think.

VOCATION PROGRAM: Our Province is planning a weekend retreat for those interested in being a Passionist priest or brother. It will be hosted at our retreat house in New York. If you think you might be interested, let Fr. Curtis or myself know and we can talk with you about it and give you further information.

HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS: For March, our Holy Hour will be Tuesday, March 7th. This is one of the events I appreciate most each month. A beautiful quiet hour of prayer, song and silence. In the presence of Jesus, who always hears our prayers.  MONASTERY GARDENS: Both the retreat house and monastery are working to beautify our gardens. They are a beautiful place for God’s presence. Any help will be appreciated.

Gratefully in Christ, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P.

Dear Friends:

A Holy, Blessed and Merry Christmas! This is how much God loves us that He sends His Son as an infant who will 33 years later die on a Cross to prove that love. Jesus is proof of a God that would spare nothing to prove His love. There is nothing we could ever do that would make God love us less! The hands of the little Babe that reach out to us from the manger will become the hands stretched out to us and nailed to the wood of a Cross. They tell us of His love. Some years back as Pastor, I gave as a Christmas present to each of the staff a flat Cross on which was resting the Infant Jesus. I had read in a letter of St. Paul of the Cross written on December 18, 1761 to a person he was directing: “Many years ago I had a picture of the Infant Jesus painted on German paper that had Him sleeping quietly on a cross. Oh! How much that symbol pleased me. …On Christmas you will have the Infant in your heart and be transformed into Him with love. Rest with Him on the crib of the Cross being in union with his heart. Then listen to Mary’s lullaby: “May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” The second verse is “To work, to suffer and to be silent.” The third verse is: “Do not excuse yourself, do not complain, do not harbor resentment.” What a beautiful Christmas message 2022 from our father and founder, Paul of the Cross. May we strive to follow it and become saints.  

With love and prayers, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector

Dear Friends:

HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TUES. DEC. 6TH:  This coming Tuesday night is our monthly Holy Hour for Vocations. It is one of my favorite nights of the month. It’s a night to adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and to ask him to send young people to continue the charism and work of St. Paul of the Cross in the Church. This Tuesday 7pm to 8pm. We simply expose the Blessed Sacrament. We say the rosary. Pray in silence for vocations, especially Passionists. I carry the monstrance through the church and pray over each one. We have a cantor and organist who provide beautiful music. We call upon a particular Passionist saint or Blessed to accompany us and to beg God to send us Passionists who will proclaim the love of Christ Crucified – priests, brothers, nuns, sisters. We end with benediction. I always leave assured that God hears us. When I was a Pastor in the North Carolina, we received a new Bishop. He announced that every parish was to have a monthly Holy Hour for vocations. The diocese always had 2 or 3 seminarians studying for priesthood. After the Holy Hours started, after a year or two, we were praying for our 20 or so seminarians. I know God will hear our prayers. The Passionist Nuns are having inquiries and we pray for them, too. Please come out this Tuesday. I have invited Blessed Bernard Silvestrelli, CP to accompany us. He was a classmate of St. Gabriel, Superior General of our community for many years, the first General to visit the Passionists in the USA and a visitor to this Monastery. He is only a step away from canonization. I am sure he will assist us. Come out and let us send our prayers and Jesus will not disappoint! All are welcome.

FR. VINCENT SEGOTTA, C.P.   We received word from our Community in Jamaica, NY that Fr. Vincent had died during the night on Dec. 2nd. He was 81. Many of you often ask for him as he had been assigned to the Pittsburgh community for many years. He left here not long before I arrived. Often people ask: “How is Fr. Vincent doing?” Lately, we had to tell them that he was quite sick with cancer. I had not lived with him as a Passionist. But I knew him when I was a young boy. We were both from Jersey City and the same parish, Sacred Heart. In fact, he lived right around the corner from us. I remember his mother, Rose, and his father drove a big truck. Vinnie had three sisters that called him “Brother.” They would often be looking for him and would ask; “Did you see, Brother?” The answer inevitably was: “Yes. He was walking up the block to church and had a prayer book!” He was in the choir and loved singing, a short man with a exceptionally strong voice. He was also an altar boy and taught me to be one. Our paths didn’t cross much as Passionists. I hope they will in the future because I’m sure he’s with God singing his heart out about God’s goodness.

WEB SITE IS FINALLY BEING REVAMPED:  We will have a special part of the site for our enrollments and remembrance cards and purgatorials. This bulletin message will also be posted. It is being revamped as you read this. Pass words and pay pal and all sorts of things will be worked out. Rome wasn’t built in a day but it didn’t take as long as our website!

With much gratitude and appreciation, Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P., Rector