It is a sunny morning here in Pennsylvania. A Saturday. The last few weeks I have been thinking, praying and meditating on my life as religious. The Vows were taken....and I was find it is good to review them especially the ceremony of reciting the Vows to God and to the Community. I have a read an article titled "Total Consecration" by Ralph Tilley from the magazine "Life in the Spirit" Parts 1 (September/October 2009) and Part 2. (November/December 2009). In Part 1, page 4, He states "Consecration is used to describe the follower of Jesus Christ as giving himself complelely to his Master and Lord, without reservation, for the purpose of living a life wholly devoted to the Lord Jesus to the Glory of God. It is a call to follow Jesus with wholehearted devotion. It includes totality of the person--body, soul and spirit. Such an offering in total consecration to the Lord Jesus Christ has been beautifully expressed in the classic prayer of Frances Havergal. The first verse reads:
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow un ceaseless praise."
(Frances Havergal, Take My Life and Let It Be. In the public domain"

He goes on to day on page 5 " Intrinsic to total consecration to God is death-a deep death to one's sinful interest and every inordinate human attachment."

He writes about" discipleship, self denail (It is letting The Lord rule one's life)"
On page 7, he writes" amd this really hit hard to me..."Until death take place, one lives with a divided heart and mindl he is torn between his love for Christ and his love for lesser things."

In my whole life especially after leaving the Roman Catholic Church, I always felt the struggle in my life as Br. Luke and Mr. Luke was present. I know in my heart that God called me to religious life since I was a young man. It is strong knowing in me. God also saw in my life as gay man. God loves me as I am....He made me in His image and anything He makes is good. When I or anyone enters religious life, they always begin at the beginning as novice (in the Roman Catholic Franciscan Order) or as postulant in BSG. For me, His call led me to RC, to the Episcopal Church. I remember applying to BSG. Br. Richard interviewed at the place where he worked "The Pretty Posey", a flower shop. For the first time in my life, it felt good to find a place in the Church to be single, gay and a christian.

The Vows that I took in 1980.....started me on me on the road to "TotalConsecration" The Vows gives a way to life as a religious and with the "Rule' binds my commitment to God, to the Church and to my Community.
1985 was the year, that commitment was for life..with wearing a "gold band" on my right hand. It reminds me of that commitment. The Cross of our community say to others who I am , how I live my life and what I satnd for.

I am not a perfect human being, way from it. My life on that road to Christ which was paved with love, peace and joy sometimes I took a wrong turn on the road of despair, self interest, self gratification with others and got deeper into the dark forest of that road. The Daily Office.....and that ring I wear awakens me on that dark road and I can the Light of Christ in the far distance and I hurry to get to that fork in the road and hurry to the light of warmth and love Jesus wants to share with me.

I believe that the medications I am taking form my mental problems is working. Recently in the last few weeks, the presence of Christ bids me to come closer to him then I have ever been. It is like opening a window tand letting fresh air come in and making things feel and look better. That is what Christ is doing to me: opening the heart of my soul, letting in the fresh air, filling me up with love, His love. This is something that takes over a long time, yes my lifetime. It is somthing that I need to cultivate each day for the rest of my days that Gods has give me.

Articles like "Total Consecration" gives me time to meditate and reflect on my life. I am going to end this message with something from the book "Celebrating tha Seasons, Daily Spiritual Readings for the Christian Year" It is published by Morehouse Publishing.

This reading is found from Ambrose of Milan Treatise "On Flight from the World" for "Friday of Easter Week, pge 234": "We have died in Christ. We carry about in our bodies the sign of his death, so that the living Christ may also be revealed in us. The life we live is now not our ordinary life but the life of Christ: a life of sinlessness, of chastity, of simplicity and every other virtue. We have risen with Christ. Let us live in Christ, let us ascend in Christ, so that the serpent may not have teh power here below to wound us in the heel."

So I give praise to God.....I continue to struugle with life, with Br. Luke and Mr. Luke, but in Christ there is hope and healing.....I truly believe that.

April 23, 2010

Christ The Lord is Risen, Alleluia! Alleluia! He Is Risen Indeed, Alleluia! Alleluia!

Religious Life in the secular world. I have started to write a book about my life called. "Christ Called and I Answered! A gay religious mans perspective!

I have been writing this book for years, and I am not sure if I ever will be able to publish it or even finish it. I also wanted to take all my sermons/retreat talks and write them into a manual for others to read about who or what is Br. Luke Anthony, BSG

I have experienced the monastic life within the walls of a convent and now I am experiencing life a religious living in the world. Is there a difference, oh for sure. Spirituality is easier to live in a cloister. Ones life is based on a schedule from early morning to night. It entails daily office/meditation/classes/work/meals and recreation....no other worries, the community takes care of everything... but in contemporary community there are the same things, but ones schedule is busy with things secular and religious.

will be continued!......have a blessed day!

Today Is April 25, 2010

It has been awhile since I last posted some information. Lots of things have transpired in my life.
I celebrated my 25th Anniversary of Vows at BSG Convocation 2005. It was God's blessings that I made it in religious life. This year I will turn 65 years old. I had gained weight to 340lbs. My health was not the best. I had a gastric-by-pass revision on September 29, 2009. I have lost 67 lbs thus far, from 340 to 273. It feels great, but the damage to my knees has not gotten any better except less weight on them. I Have to get a cortisone short every six months. It works great. My diabetes, blood pressure and Cholesterols are under control, but I suffer from depression..and it is like being on a roller coaster. My physican has changed my meds and I am feeling better, but my anxiety and panic attacks keep me from being more social and leaving my house. Am working on this. I continue to work for a methodist church as a church secretary, part time. This helps me supplememt my income. I want for nothing just living from week to week and struggle sometimes, but God is alwaus there to assist. My brother, John, still shares our home. He is ok, works fulltime and is a blessing because he does most of things that I should be doing also. Working on this too. Well there you have it. a brief but concise update, I ask you for your prayers.....Soli Deo Gloria!

St. Francis of Assisi House
The Patron Saint of the Franciscan Order. He eptimozies what Jesus Christ wanted his followers to be like him in all spects of their lives. He has showm me through the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory that I could and can live in the world, work a job, be disciplined to lead a religious life.

About Me
Name: Br. Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG Location: Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, United States
I am a deeply religious person, have been all my life. I have a great devotion to Our Lady and St. Francis and St. Jude.

View my complete profile


June 18, 2006-27 years in BSG
Life In the World Continues
July 25-31, 2005 Retreat & Convocation
My 26thYear with The Brothehood of Saint Gregory
IN MEMORY OF A HOLY MAN!
60 YEARS ON JULY 7, 2005
THERE ARE SAINTS AMONG US TODAY!
THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST!
THE PRAYER OF THE CHALICE
Vocation, real? or not Real?

06/27/05
06/28/05
06/29/05
07/05/05
07/06/05
07/20/05
07/22/05
08/02/05
08/05/05
06/18/06

Sunday, June 18, 2006
June 18, 2006-27 years in BSG


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!





posted by Br. Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG | 5:28 PM | 0 comments

Friday, August 05, 2005
Life In the World Continues
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!


posted by Br. Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG | 8:27 AM | 7 comments

Tuesday, August 02, 2005
July 25-31, 2005 Retreat & Convocation

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!

posted by Br. Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG | 11:00 AM | 1 comments

Friday, July 22, 2005
My 26thYear with The Brothehood of Saint Gregory
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

posted by Br. Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG | 8:40 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, July 20, 2005
IN MEMORY OF A HOLY MAN!

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.

posted by Br. Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG | 12:25 PM | 0 comments

Wednesday, July 06, 2005
60 YEARS ON JULY 7, 2005
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.

posted by Br. Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG | 12:45 AM | 0 comments

Tuesday, July 05, 2005
THERE ARE SAINTS AMONG US TODAY!

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!

posted by Br. Luke Anthony Nowicki, BSG | 8:46 AM | 0 comments