The Navigator report of the 4th Degree

Junipero Serra Assembly News

The Navigator report of the 4th Degree

June 2008

Worthy Sirs,

The bells in the Old Mission tower tolled to announce to the city the passing of our beloved Fr.Virgil Cordano, O.F.M. He was 89 years old and nothing could slow his mind or spirit as he was out and among the people whom he served all his life long. Father Virgil devoted his life to his work and excelled in his ministry and service to St Barbara’s Parish at the Old Mission. His outreach into the broader religious, civic and educational circles of Santa Barbara is legendary. Fr Virgil’s life was a testimony in itself and a witness to the love of God for all people, no matter what faith or how much faith. He was a true Knight indeed.

I would like to thank Sir Knight Horace (Jim) Schooter for serving the Assembly eight consecutive years as Faithful Purser. It is time to take few more cruises and enjoy life with Lynne, your darling wife. Jim, your devotion was exemplary and I hope to see you attending all our increasingly popular social gathering.

The Assembly voted on a new slate of distinguished officers who will serve you for the coming Columbian year 2008-2009 to the best of their capabilities.

Faithful Navigator - Jack Turney

Faithful Captain - Jacques Benoit

Faithful Pilot - Francisco Cabrera

Faithful Admiral - Cherif Khoury

Faithful Comptroller - Paul Coyne

Faithful Scribe - Ed Barrier

Faithful Purser - Rafael Cardenas

Faithful Trustee III - Edmund Page

Faithful Trustee II - Brian Klinge

Faithful Trustee I - J. William McLafferty

Faithful Inner Sentinel - Chris Arnoult

Faithful Outer Sentinel - Stephen Schlesselmann

The installation, conducted by Master Manuel Lima, will take place Saturday July 26 at 10:00am in St Raphael Parish Hall. A light luncheon will follow. Please RSVP to Jack at 967-9473.

Sir Knight Reverend Richard Kayizzi will receive $400 for bicycles to be used for his Catechists Pastoral Ministry in Uganda.

At our May meeting we were blessed by the surprising visit of Father Tomas Elis pastor of Saint Mark Church and chaplain of Council 5300. He gave us a biography of himself and the status of his parish where we host the elections polling precincts. He promised to attend our meetings as he himself is a 4th degree. We are looking forward to have his membership transferred to ours.

We also had Dale Francisco, Santa Barbara City Councilman, as a guest. He answered all questions of interest concerning traffic and overgrowth in the city and colleges.

Sir Knight Jeremy Hass enlightened us with Saint Barbara history. Here are some extract of his speech:
Saint Barbara was of royal birth. Wealthy well educated intelligent Roman young noble lady, deeply serious about Christianity, Stubborn teenager, martyred early and dramatically enough to be remembered for almost two thousand years.
Legend Barbara (later St Barbara) lived in the 4th century and brought up as a heathen. A tyrannical father, Dioscorus, had kept her jealously secluded in a lonely tower which he had built for that purpose. Here, in her forced solitude, she gave herself to prayer and study, and contrived to receive instruction and Baptism in secret by a Christian priest.
Barbara resisted her father's wish that she marry. Then on one occasion, during her father's absence, Barbara had three windows inserted into a bathhouse her father was constructing. Her purpose was thereby to honor the Trinity.
Dioscorus was enraged by her action and by her conversion. So he himself denounced her before the civil tribunal. She was horribly tortured, and at last was beheaded. Her own father, merciless to the last, acted as her executioner. God, however, speedily punished her persecutors. While her soul was being borne by angels to Paradise, a flash of lightning struck Dioscorus, and he was hurried before the judgment seat of God.
In the 6th Century, the relics of the Saint were translated to Constantinople. In the 12th Century, Princess Barbara, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Alexis Comnenos (1081-1118) married the Russian Prince Michael Izyaslavitch, and brought the relics with her to Kiev. They rest in the Cathedral of St. Vladimir to this day. Cathedral after Communists is now rebuilt but Saint Barbara’s fate unknown.
Heliopolis, the ancient holy city where Saint Barbara lived, was its Greek name. Several other names were used in different texts: Egyptian theology called it PerRe ("City of Re", which is the name that was model for the Greek name which can be translated with "City of the Sun"), and in the Bible it is called On. Heliopolis was the center of sun worship in Egypt. At first it was the god Tem that was revered, but he was later considered as form of Re. The temple of Heliopolis was for centuries during the New Kingdom (1570-1085 BCE) among the most important cult centers of Egypt. The temple was second in size only to the Amon temple in Thebes. At its most, the temple employed 13,000 priests and slaves.
According to some Christian traditions, St. Mark brought Christianity to Egypt in A.D. 37, and the church in Alexandria was founded in A.D. 40 reaching Upper Egypt by the second century. Mary and Joseph stopped to rest under a big shade tree on the flight to Egypt. The Tree of the Virgin, a sycamore that is said to have been planted in 1672 from the shoot of the older tree, is still there. It remains a place of pilgrimage today.
The consummation of the age of persecution is considered by the Copts to be during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305). So severe was the mass execution and the savage torture of the Copts that they took the day of Diocletian's military election as Emperor to mark the beginning of the era of the Coptic martyrs. That very day marked the start of the Coptic Calendar known in the Western world as Anno Martyrum (A.M.) or the year of the Martyrs. May young Egyptian Saint Barbara aspire to inspire us before we expire.

For the second time this year you are asked to participate in showing your true patriotism and work in the polling places for this June 3 California State and Santa Barbara County wide elections. May true democracy reign and freedom's light shine upon us all.

The annual July 4th Picnic returns to Tom and Patricia Puerling’s Estate in Orcutt. The address is 4355 Beverly Court, Orcutt, 93455. The festivities will begin at 3:00 pm. Attendees with the last name beginning with “A” to “L” should bring a salad and those with last names beginning with “M” to “P” should bring appetizers/snacks and those whose last name begins with “R“ to “Z“ bring a dessert. The main course and drinks will be provided by the Assembly. If you are planning to attend, please advise Jack at 967-9473.

We have been invited to participate in the Old Spanish Days Fiesta Parade Friday August first at 12pm. We will commemorate the 1908 Great White Fleet and replicate a gondola that was featured in that parade. All Assemblies are invited to join us. Please sign the requested forms prior to July 1 if you intend to participate either by marching or being on the float.

Upcoming schedule of events:

Sunday June 1 at 5pm: Confirmation at Saint Mark Church in Isla Vista.
Monday June 2 at 7pm: Officers meeting at Saint Raphael Church.
Tuesday June 3 from 6am till 9pm: Election polling places.
Wednesday June 4 at 7pm: Bishop Diego H.S. Senior Mass at Saint Raphael Church
Saturday June 7 at 10am: B.D.H.S. graduation at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
Saturday June 14 at 11am: Flag Day at the Lobero Theatre.
Monday June16 at 7pm: Assembly dinner meeting at parish hall.
Wednesday July 2 Chapter meeting with dinner in Ventura, 7PM.
Friday July 4 Parade on State Street followed by BBQ diner at the Puerling in Orcutt.
Monday July 7 at 7pm: Officers meeting at Saint Raphael Church.
Monday July 21 at 7pm: Assembly dinner meeting at parish hall.
Saturday July 26 at 10 am: Installation of Officers Room A&B St Raphael School.
Friday August 1 at 12pm: Old Spanish Days Fiesta Parade.
Reception Following parade at Serra Hall.

Sir Knights, live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God. Happiness keeps you sweet. Trials keep you strong. Sorrows keep you human. Failures keep you humble. Success keeps you glowing. But only God keeps you going. The bells are tolling.

Vivat Jesus.

Cherif Khoury,

Faithful Navigator

Updated May 28, 2008

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	Worthy Sirs,
	The bells in the Old Mission tower tolled to announce to the city the passing of our beloved Fr.Virgil Cordano, O.F.M. He was 89 years old and nothing could slow his mind or spirit as he was out and among the people whom he served all his life long. Father Virgil devoted his life to his work and excelled in his ministry and service to St Barbara’s Parish at the Old Mission. His outreach into the broader religious, civic and educational circles of Santa Barbara is legendary. Fr Virgil’s life was a testimony in itself and a witness to the love of God for all people, no matter what faith or how much faith. He was a true Knight indeed.
	I would like to thank Sir Knight Horace (Jim) Schooter for serving the Assembly eight consecutive years as Faithful Purser. It is time to take few more cruises and enjoy life with Lynne, your darling wife. Jim, your devotion was exemplary and I hope to see you attending all our increasingly popular social gathering.
	The Assembly voted on a new slate of distinguished officers who will serve you for the coming Columbian year 2008-2009 to the best of their capabilities. Faithful Navigator - Jack Turney Faithful Captain - Jacques Benoit Faithful Pilot - Francisco Cabrera Faithful Admiral - Cherif Khoury Faithful Comptroller - Paul Coyne Faithful Scribe - Ed Barrier Faithful Purser - Rafael Cardenas Faithful Trustee III - Edmund Page Faithful Trustee II - Brian Klinge Faithful Trustee I - J. William McLafferty Faithful Inner Sentinel - Chris Arnoult Faithful Outer Sentinel - Stephen Schlesselmann
	The installation, conducted by Master Manuel Lima, will take place Saturday July 26 at 10:00am in St Raphael Parish Hall. A light luncheon will follow. Please RSVP to Jack at 967-9473.
	Sir Knight Reverend Richard Kayizzi will receive $400 for bicycles to be used for his Catechists Pastoral Ministry in Uganda.
	At our May meeting we were blessed by the surprising visit of Father Tomas Elis pastor of Saint Mark Church and chaplain of Council 5300. He gave us a biography of himself and the status of his parish where we host the elections polling precincts. He promised to attend our meetings as he himself is a 4th degree. We are looking forward to have his membership transferred to ours.
	We also had Dale Francisco, Santa Barbara City Councilman, as a guest. He answered all questions of interest concerning traffic and overgrowth in the city and colleges.
	Sir Knight Jeremy Hass enlightened us with Saint Barbara history. Here are some extract of his speech: Saint Barbara was of royal birth. Wealthy well educated intelligent Roman young noble lady, deeply serious about Christianity, Stubborn teenager, martyred early and dramatically enough to be remembered for almost two thousand years. Legend Barbara (later St Barbara) lived in the 4th century and brought up as a heathen. A tyrannical father, Dioscorus, had kept her jealously secluded in a lonely tower which he had built for that purpose. Here, in her forced solitude, she gave herself to prayer and study, and contrived to receive instruction and Baptism in secret by a Christian priest. Barbara resisted her father's wish that she marry. Then on one occasion, during her father's absence, Barbara had three windows inserted into a bathhouse her father was constructing. Her purpose was thereby to honor the Trinity. Dioscorus was enraged by her action and by her conversion. So he himself denounced her before the civil tribunal. She was horribly tortured, and at last was beheaded. Her own father, merciless to the last, acted as her executioner. God, however, speedily punished her persecutors. While her soul was being borne by angels to Paradise, a flash of lightning struck Dioscorus, and he was hurried before the judgment seat of God. In the 6th Century, the relics of the Saint were translated to Constantinople. In the 12th Century, Princess Barbara, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Alexis Comnenos (1081-1118) married the Russian Prince Michael Izyaslavitch, and brought the relics with her to Kiev. They rest in the Cathedral of St. Vladimir to this day. Cathedral after Communists is now rebuilt but Saint Barbara’s fate unknown. Heliopolis, the ancient holy city where Saint Barbara lived, was its Greek name. Several other names were used in different texts: Egyptian theology called it PerRe ("City of Re", which is the name that was model for the Greek name which can be translated with "City of the Sun"), and in the Bible it is called On. Heliopolis was the center of sun worship in Egypt. At first it was the god Tem that was revered, but he was later considered as form of Re. The temple of Heliopolis was for centuries during the New Kingdom (1570-1085 BCE) among the most important cult centers of Egypt. The temple was second in size only to the Amon temple in Thebes. At its most, the temple employed 13,000 priests and slaves. According to some Christian traditions, St. Mark brought Christianity to Egypt in A.D. 37, and the church in Alexandria was founded in A.D. 40 reaching Upper Egypt by the second century. Mary and Joseph stopped to rest under a big shade tree on the flight to Egypt. The Tree of the Virgin, a sycamore that is said to have been planted in 1672 from the shoot of the older tree, is still there. It remains a place of pilgrimage today. The consummation of the age of persecution is considered by the Copts to be during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305). So severe was the mass execution and the savage torture of the Copts that they took the day of Diocletian's military election as Emperor to mark the beginning of the era of the Coptic martyrs. That very day marked the start of the Coptic Calendar known in the Western world as Anno Martyrum (A.M.) or the year of the Martyrs. May young Egyptian Saint Barbara aspire to inspire us before we expire.
	For the second time this year you are asked to participate in showing your true patriotism and work in the polling places for this June 3 California State and Santa Barbara County wide elections. May true democracy reign and freedom's light shine upon us all.
	The annual July 4th Picnic returns to Tom and Patricia Puerling’s Estate in Orcutt. The address is 4355 Beverly Court, Orcutt, 93455. The festivities will begin at 3:00 pm. Attendees with the last name beginning with “A” to “L” should bring a salad and those with last names beginning with “M” to “P” should bring appetizers/snacks and those whose last name begins with “R“ to “Z“ bring a dessert. The main course and drinks will be provided by the Assembly. If you are planning to attend, please advise Jack at 967-9473.
	We have been invited to participate in the Old Spanish Days Fiesta Parade Friday August first at 12pm. We will commemorate the 1908 Great White Fleet and replicate a gondola that was featured in that parade. All Assemblies are invited to join us. Please sign the requested forms prior to July 1 if you intend to participate either by marching or being on the float.
	Upcoming schedule of events: Sunday June 1 at 5pm: Confirmation at Saint Mark Church in Isla Vista. Monday June 2 at 7pm: Officers meeting at Saint Raphael Church. Tuesday June 3 from 6am till 9pm: Election polling places. Wednesday June 4 at 7pm: Bishop Diego H.S. Senior Mass at Saint Raphael Church Saturday June 7 at 10am: B.D.H.S. graduation at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Saturday June 14 at 11am: Flag Day at the Lobero Theatre. Monday June16 at 7pm: Assembly dinner meeting at parish hall. Wednesday July 2 Chapter meeting with dinner in Ventura, 7PM. Friday July 4 Parade on State Street followed by BBQ diner at the Puerling in Orcutt. Monday July 7 at 7pm: Officers meeting at Saint Raphael Church. Monday July 21 at 7pm: Assembly dinner meeting at parish hall. Saturday July 26 at 10 am: Installation of Officers Room A&B St Raphael School. Friday August 1 at 12pm: Old Spanish Days Fiesta Parade. Reception Following parade at Serra Hall.
	Sir Knights, live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God. Happiness keeps you sweet. Trials keep you strong. Sorrows keep you human. Failures keep you humble. Success keeps you glowing. But only God keeps you going. The bells are tolling.
	Vivat Jesus.
	Cherif Khoury,
	Faithful Navigator