St. Francis of Assisi House

June 18, 2006-27 years in BSG

2006-06-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

June 18, 2006
Proper 6 in Pentecost Season

Parise Be Jesus Christ!

It has been over a year since I last wrote into my blog. I did celebrate my 25th Anniversary in BSG. Itis the best decision that I made in my life.From 2005 to June of 2006, it has been a rocky road spiritually and physically. I suffer from depression and anxiety. It is like a roller coast ride, up and down most of the time. The doctor tried all types of medications, and now I am on four different meds and it seeks to be working. I just started the fourth med three weeks ago. I am feeling good and upbeat again. Feeling more postive. Jesus Christ has always been there for me, but I have been a failureand refuse to accept myself or even love myself. Jesus loves me as I am and always accept whom I am. That is the greatest gift He could give me.

Will be 61 on July 7th, the time has flown by. I do not know where all the time went.
I am still a religious brother who struggles each day to do his best. I struggle with my eating habits. I had gastric-by-pass surgery done in March 2003 and have gained 39 lbs. The depression/anxiety have added to this problem, but now feeling good and positive I need to seek Jesus' help to get me started, just to take one day at a time. Goals for short-term or long-term is not good for me, it is the one day at a time. That is my goal, and to folow Christ morec closely.

Relationships are important,and I continue to search for my mate. To many perosnals on websites but no feelers,maybe one at this point. I can not wish for someone, God will work this for me, I need to work at my life, secular anb religious. ONE DAY ONLY!

"God grant me the Serenity to accpet the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I canm ad The WIsdom to know the difference."

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace.
Trusting that I will make all things right.
Taking as Jesus dd, the World as it is, not as I would have it.
Living out one day at a time, enjoying one moment art a time.

Dearest Jesus help me with this. help me to become healed and do things better in my life.

Soli Deo GOLoria! To God alone be the Glory!

Life In the World Continues

2005-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

August 5, 2005
Feria Day.

It is Friday already and I am still in a positive mode and very ubeat from the retreat and convocation with the community last week. There is not much I could do about my situation in life, work, finances or problems, I just need to trust in God and have faith that he would take care of me and my needs.
Yetsreday, I had problems with my car and it kept stalling at red lights, took it to the mechanic and it cost $301.05. Wow and now the "Servanthood Ministry " only two people showed up out of a possible 9 that were scheduled. I am not down about it, a bit discouraged, but letting my prayers ascend heavenward and letting God handle it, not me.

This is a big change of attitude in my life and it feels really good! Praise Be Jesus Christ!

July 25-31, 2005 Retreat & Convocation

2005-08-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

July 25-31, 2005 was the Annual Retreat and Convocation of the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory at Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center in Wappinger Falls, NY.

The drive to the retreat center was uneventful, lots of thunderstorms, but I arrived at 10:15 am after leaving at 5:30 am.

The week was hot and humid most days, the food was good, but the fellowship was great. We had one life profession and four first professions, and we admitted 4 new postulants, two from Texas, one from Wales and One from Australia.

Monday night, July 25th at 8:30 PM, the community gathered to celebrate The Funeral of Br. Patrick Ignatius, BSG. He will be greatly missed by all.

I also celebrated my 25th Anniversary of vows and receved an acclamation and cake and silver plate to mark the occassion on July 28th. It was a surprise and I felt very humbled.

The prayer life of the community is what binds us and we had ample time to get to know one another, since we do not see other for at least six months.

I am glad to be part of this community. Soli Deo Gloria!

My 26thYear with The Brothehood of Saint Gregory

2005-07-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

July 25-31, 2005 is the Annual Retreat/Convocation of the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory. This will be my 26th year in the community. It seems like ages since 1979 when I joined. I have seen many men come and go in this community and now we have six brothers and one sister who has departed this life. I am reminded of Jesus's call to come and serve. I am so glad that I have made that choice with this community and I am so happy to be in the Episcopal Church.

Today is a quiet day at work, getting loose ends completed and getting to leave on Monday bright and early. My brother has recovered from heart surgey in March of this year and is doing well and is back to work. I am getting better, my medication for depression/anxiety/stress seems to be working, but I still have some days.

God is truly working in my life and I can feel it ever much more so today. I have a new friend in heaven to assist me, Br. Patrick Ignatius.

Lots of prayer/reflection/study/fellowship in the next week. I need it very much.
I need prayers, please remember me

IN MEMORY OF A HOLY MAN!

2005-07-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Br. Patrick Ignatius Dickson,BSG
passed away this morning of July 20, 2005 at 4:36 AM at Fesseden House where he did his ministry (Yonkers, NY).
The funeral will be held at Mt. Alvernia Monastery (RC Franciscans) in Wappinger Falls, NY on July 25, 2005 at 8:30 PM. The Brotherhood of Saint Gregory will gather together to begin their long week (25th-31st) Annual Retreat and Convocation.

Almighty God, we remember before you today your faithful servant Br. Patrick Ignatius and we pray that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, you will receive him more and more into your joyful service, that, with all who have faithfully served you in the past, he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, but especially by this brother. May his soul and all the souls of gthe faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

60 YEARS ON JULY 7, 2005

2005-07-06T00:45:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
JULY 7, 1945-JULY 7, 2005
60 YEARS.

Where has all those years gone. When I turned 40, it was ok but when I turned 50, it was terrible. I was between 50 and death (laugh!) and now that I am 60 tomorrow, it doesn's bother me much, hahaha!

Life has been good. I had many downs then ups, but all and all, God was there guiding me when I least expected Him to. I dream of being younger and fit, but this is the way God made me and I am fit and beautiful in his eyes. God has blest with my good brother, John, my Brotherhood of Saint Gregory Family, My parish of Mt. Calvary and the church family I work for, Community United Methodist Church ans for my best friend, William. I am blest and I have much to be thankful for today and always.

THERE ARE SAINTS AMONG US TODAY!

2005-07-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Saints do exist today. we can see them in our times. I want to tell you of one such holy man. His name is Br. Patrick Ignatius Dickson, BSG. He is a member of my family and community. He made his first profession on July 23, 1999 and his life profession on July 24, 2004.

We have become close as friends and had many spiritual chats and conversations mostly about my life and what was going with me. Here is a man who really eptimozies following Christ, truly living the vows that he proclaimed. He lives them each day. he has a great sense of humor. He truly is a christ-follower.

This brother develop Cancer and for the past few years has endured much, on medications did chemotherapy, but yet he had strong faith in God to keep him going each day. His smile reached me and all, his attitude of life was amazing, his love for God and the religious life were outstanding. He walks with a cane, he did get tired but he did attend convocations with community and he relished his presence among us. We both always sat together for meals, we had many conversations on the spiritual life. His devotion to Jesus and Mary was something to see in his life.

Br. Patrick Ignatius now is on hospice care and he is getting weaker by the day.
My heart is overwhelmed with love for this man of God. He has touched me so deeply.
I know he has touched others in the community.

SOLI DEO GLORIA! The motto of the community . Br. Patrick Ignatius lives each day.

Saints do exist and this one especially for me. Thank You, Br. Patrick Ignatius!

THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST!

2005-06-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the Feasts of St. Peter and St. Paul.

Today's meditation from "THE UPPER ROOM" is taken from Romans 12:1-8.
This one of the passgages that comes to me when I least expect it to and it is a reminder of my life in Jesus Christ. It states: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be comformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect...."

It speaks bodly to me. It reminds me of my Baptismal Vows but more assuredly my religious vows. When I come across this reading, it is Christ telling me and reminding me of my commitment to him. Do these words speak to your heart at this moment?

I think of Peter denying Christ three times and then after affirming three times he Is the Messiah and Paul attacking and killing the christians and then having a conversion and doing a double take and proclaiming Christ to all. What two examplesthey are to us. we have of faith, trust, love and committment to follow Christ in this world. They were sinners but yet they were able to be transformed, I also each day struggle to get closer with Jesus. I know he loves me, I need to love me first and then accepting His love and everyone else's will come.

Be Bold Today, proclaim Christ!
Be Bold Today, live for Christ!
Be Bold Today, pray with Christ!
Seek and ye shall find!

THE PRAYER OF THE CHALICE

2005-06-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Father, to thee I raise my whole being-a vessel emptied of self. Accept, Lord, this my emptiness, and so fill me with thyself~Thy Light, Thy love, They Life~that these Thy precious Gifts may radiate through me and overflow the chalice of my heart into the hearts of all with whom I come in contact this day revealing unto them the beauty of Thy Joy and Wholeness and the serenity of Thy Peace which nothing can destroy. Amen.

Vocation, real? or not Real?

2005-06-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

I could remember all my life as far back to age 10 years old. I was fascinated with the church, its rituals and the priesthood and religious life. God called me at a very early age and He kepted up at me throughout my whole life. Why does God call one and not another? I am not sure. Why does he call me with all my baggage of sins, temptations and trials? I am not sure but God knows why. He knows the REAL me inside and He sees the goodness, love, compassion and the determination to be in His service. I am so grateful each day that he did call me and that with His Son, Jesus Christ, His mother, Mary have blest my life regardless of my problems and trials in life.

I sit here and type this message, and I can feel his presence right now.
It is that same feeling when I receive Holy Communion each Sunday. He comes to me in the form of bread and wine, but all I can see is the Real Jesus. My soul and His blend together and there is joy and peace present and most of all, His love is engulfying me inside and outside at that moment. That is transformation of two into one, love for each other. Do you expeience that each Sunday? I hope you do, it it a great feeling..

The Brotherhood of St. Gregory became the instrument that saved me. Jesus led me to them and for the last 25 years I have been blest with love and family.
Soli Deo Gloria

2005-06-27T05:32:00.000-07:00

God's Good Day To You!
SOLI DEO GLORIA!...TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY

Welcome to my website. My Name is Brother Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG
I am a member of the Brotherhood of St. Gregory, founded in 1969 by Br. Richard T. Biernacki, BSG
I will celeberate 25 years of religious profession on September 13, 2005.
I became a postulant on June 3, 1979-St. Matthew and the Redeemer Church, South Boston, Mass. I became a novice on September 13, 1979 at St. Bart's in White Plains, New York. I made my First Annual profession on September 13, 1980 at St. Bart's, White Plains, New York. I made my Life Profession on October 13, 1985 at St. Peter's-on the-Canal, Buzzards Bay, Mass (Cape Cod). I have held the following positions in the community: Director of Novices and Postulants, A member of Council and Director of Associates.

I am member of Mt. Calvary Episcopal Church, Camp Hill, PA 17011. the Rector is the Rev Canon Calvin Van Kirk Hoyt. Been a member since 1987. I did teach sunday school, but presently, I lead a Bible Study every Sunday from September to June. I am also a lay reader/chalice bearer and I assist with evening prayer on Tuesday Evenings, plus I have held quiet days and retreats for the parish.

I belong to The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. The Bishop is The Rt. Rev. Michael Creighton and the Cathedral is St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Harrisburg, Pa.

I am a church secretary for a United Methodist Church since June 15, 2004.
I was a church seccretary for different churches over the last few years.
I was a LPN from 1969-1980 and worked various hospitals and nursing homes.
I was a Nursing Assistant from 1966-1969.
I did work for John Hancock Insurance Company in Boston, Mass from, 1980-1987
and for Blue Shield (Highmark) in Camp Hill, PA from 1987-1997 as a claims examiner.
I was a Roman Catholic and was studing to be a Franciscan Priest from 1959-1966.
I left the the order and the Roman Catholic Church in 1970 and became an Episcopalian on March 1,1970 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Chelsea, Mass. Rev Richard T. Loring was pastor.The Bishop was Rt. Rev. Burgess of Mass.
From 1979-2005, I have served in the following churches:
St. Matthew and The Redeemer, South Boston, Mass
Trinity Church, Stoughton, Mass
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Harrisburg, PA
Mt. Calvary Episcopal Church, Camp Hill.

My Education:
St. Stanislaus School-graduated 1959
St. Hyacinth College and Seminary: 1964-1965
Boston College-some evening classes
Northeastern University: 1978-1980, part-time and fulltime, did not get degree.

Religious Life has been for me very important in my life. God was at my heels all the time telling me that he wanted me to be His and follow him. Life has been a struggle and I live each day as it comes. Two Bible Passages always come upon me unexpectantly during my daily office readings annd they are :
ROMANS 12:1-21 AND EPHESIANS 4: 1-16
I ask you to look up these two passages and see why they are very important to me and maybe after you read them, they will open your heart, mind and soul to hear God calling you to religious life and a closer walk with him.

I encourage you to seek Christ in all things!
He is the beginning, the now and the ever more in my life, Will He be yours aslo?

I am available for Quiet days and Retreats and Spiritual Direction and if your need prayers for you or anyone you know, please contact me at brluke_bsg@juno.com and I will respond back to you.

Yours in Christ, Our Lady, St. Grgeory, St. Francis and St. Jude,
Br. Luke Anthony Nowikci, BSG

Mt. Calvary Episcopal Church: www.mtcp.org
The Episcopal Church:www.episcopalchurch.org
Diocese of Central PA: www.diocesecpa.org
Brotherhood of Saint Gregory:www.gregorians.org
Community United Methodist Church:http:\\cumc.sytes.net

A POEM THAT I WROTE WHEN I LIVED IN PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND AND WAS A MEMBER OF ST. MARTINS ON NEWPORT AVE, PAWTUCKET, RI

"I AM JESUS, AM I THE ANSWER TO LIFE?"
By Robert s. Nowicki, now Br. Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG
September 4, 1973

One Looks at me and sees suffering,
One looks at me and sees ugliness,
One looks at me and sees fatigue,
One looks at me and sees sorrow,
One looks at me and sees hurt,
One looks at me and sees torture,
One looks at me and sees death,
One looks at me and says,
Who are you?
I AM JESUS, AM I THE ANSWER TO LIFE?

Does the suffering show you joy?
Does the ugliness show you beauty?
Does the fatigue show you strength?
Does the sorrow show you happiness?
Does the hurt show you love?
Does teh torture show you peace?
Does the death show you life?
CAN THERE EVER BE ANSWER?

They say you are the Christ!
They say you are the Chosen one!
They say you are the Messiah!
WHAT ARE YOU?

Are you a fake?
Are you a magician?
Are you a God?
Are you a soothsayer?
WHY DON'T YOU ANSWER?

I AM JESUS, AM I THE ANSWER TO LIFE?
I was born of poor and humble parents.
I wan born in a stable.
I was subject to my parents.
I was twelve amd taught in the temple.
I was at the wedding and changed water to wine.
I was in a village and forgave a prostitute.
I was along the countryside and healed the sick and raised the dead.
I was on the road of my ministry and I called you to be witnesses.
DOES THAT ANSWER TO WHO AM I?

How can that be answer--who do they say you are?

I AM JESUS, AM I THE ANSWER TO LIFE?

Why do you confuse me?
Why do you upset me?
Why do create turmoil?
Why do you raise doubt?
Why do you make me regret life?
Why do you bother with me?
ARE YOU REALLY THE ANSWER TO LIFE?

Have I not been received joyfully upon a seat of an ass?
Have I not celebrated a supper with all those I loved?
Have I not been betrayed at the garden?
Have I not been denied three times?
Have I not been crowned with thorns?
Have I not been spit and spat on?
Have I not been scourged at the pillar?
Hav I not been to carry a cross?
Have I not been to suffer degradation?
Have I not been crucified?
Have I not died?

THEN WHO ARE YOU?
Dying, don't make me laugh, that is the end and not the answer to life.

LOOK:
I AM JESUS, I WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD AFTER ALL OF THIS TO BRING YOU THE BEGINNING OF A NEW LIFE. ALL OF THIS HAD A PURPOSE, A REAL LOVE TO FORGIVE YOU OF THE PAST AND BRING YOU INTO THAT LOVE, JOY AND PEACE THAT THROUGH AND BY RESURRECTION YOU MAY KNOW THE FATHER AND BE AT PEACE WITHIN YOURSELF AWAY FROM THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF THE WORLD. I AM JESUS AND I AM THE ANSWER TO LIFE!