I was thinking this morning at the church os San Juan de Dios that this place is a sacred place for many Bolivians here in Cochabamba. It is a sanctuary in the city Center. The attraction of course is this Cruciufed Christ on the cross that comes from Santiago, Chile. This place was at one time a hospital that was under the Brothers and Priests of San Juan de Dios. or St. John of God. I have been going to morning Mass in this church recently at around 8 a.m. and also looking at the people who attend this Church with a lot of devotion. I really did not pay too much attention to this until now. As you probably know that there are four Priests in this church from the Diocese of Cochabamba who administer this chapel. They are not young men but one of them by the name of Roberto is the youngest of the group. The celebration of Mass is every half hour beginning at 7:30 a.m. until around Noon or 12:30 p.m. There is usually a brief homily but each Mass is completed every 30 minutes or so. There is a comment that too many Masses are being celebrated an d each priest has at least two or three Masses to celebrate. The Masses are for the intentions of various families and their deceased members. But despite this, I see a lot of devotion among the people. Which is a good example to give to others. I believe that it is the only church that has so many people coming to it on a daily basis. Many time at the time that I am at Churhc I see the same people come in to pray to Christ of the miracles. There is a lot of movement in the church. It is not empty or closed as is the case with some other churches here in the city which are just open for Mass only and also for confession in some cases. A good reflection for me this morning. It is good to see that a Church is open for devotions and to see so many humble people that come to pray at Mass and also to the crucifed Christ. I have no idea how long this church has been in existence but I do know tt was a chapel to the hospital. But it has been some years. Well I hope that your retreat is going along fine. A time to refresh yourselves as a community of men. And also looking at your ministry to others. As followers of St. Francis of Assisi and Clare. When we come into religilous life we are filled with a lot of ideas, inthusiasm in service to the People of God. Human nature being what it is, we also get tired or have other interests. At times it is difficult to continue to be positive in life and we might lean to the negative. Also we can go down another road as well. Because we don't keep focus on our vocation of being ministers of Christ to others.
These are my thoughts on this morning of July 13th.
Please take care of your self my brother,
Frank
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