What Paddy Shot At

I have not felt very well this week and so I kept close to home.
On Monday, I met someone for confession and then had the 11am Mass. The rest of the time, I stayed in my room going through stuff.

On Tuesday, the daughter of an elderly man whom I brought into the church last year, picked me up and drove me to Georgetown Hospital. I went to anoint his wife, who has since died. It was a lovely death with her children singing “Silent Night” in German to her. I think her funeral will be next Wednesday. Please keep Luise and Bill and their family in your prayers.
I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and after a light dinner, I went to bed.

On Wednesday, I had the 8am Mass, which surprised a lot of people and then I drove over and had lunch with a dear friend and we caught up on things. I went to Kmart and bought two pillows. I have come to like the pillows in hotels and so I have been meaning to get some since my trip to Wisconsin. I tried them out that night and am very pleased.

On Thursday, which is my DAY OFF, I went shopping, which I really don’t lilke. A group of us from St. Camillus Teen Club are getting together on Saturday and I went to buy my part of the refreshments. I forgot that this is a terrible time of year to go into stores – there were piles of candy for Holloween (and on sale!) so I got some.
I think that was too much sugar and I went to bed early.

Today, I stayed in my suite all day and got together lots of photos to take to Maggie’s this weekend and let them look through them. It took all day because there were pictures of the Thank You party and Brother Mort and Regina Mancuso and cousin Catherine Jensen. I’d see a picture and go off and day dream. Such wonderful memories. I also put together some stuff for the ladies’ fair in November.
I just came upstairs from a delightful dinner with Bishop Holley, his nephew, Vincent, and five seminarians as well as the priests in the house. Some of the seminarians are part of a basketball team that comes to parishes with schools and plays against them. They also give some testimony about their vocations. It is a very popular program. It was good to be with them all. They have now headed over to the game but I’m ready to do some more cleaning and tomorrow I still have a few more things to pick up before the gahering.
Tomorrow night, I’ll go to Maggie’s and spend the night. On Sunday, I will concelebrate at the 10am Mass at St. Michael’s. It is the 95th anniversary of the school. I’ll spend the night at Maggie’s and come back on Monday.
I also got my car cleaned out and found the cover for my Ipad, which I thought I had left in Wisconsin. I also found behind my chair, the photo album, which I was looking for before the trip. It has lots of seminary photos. If I learn how to put photos “on line”, I’ll do some of them.
So now you know what I’ve been up to. I’m feelling better. Good night

I gave St. Maurice top billing because he doesn’t get much press.

Yesterday, I met with a couple at whose wedding I will officate on October 12th. So nice and so young.
Then I attempted to go to a 3rd birthday party of Charles Allen at a nearby community center. I baptized him and have been at each of his birhtdays but the parking lot was full (Some kind of fair day at the library) and I couldn’t park; so I missed it. I had hoped to see him at church (I had the 10:30am Mass) but I missed him. Oh, well!
I then drove out to near Colombia for the 25th anniversary of Larry and Renee Kunze. The Kunze family were great friends at St. Camilllus and always helped me get a huge tree for the church for Christmas. Larry was one of the best altar server and we’ve all stayed in touch. I got there early and watch a great photo slideshow, which brought back lots of memories. Renee knew nothing about this party and was surprised by 140 people (in tents and in her home). It rained but we had a good time. They repeated their vows and we had Mass (and Music). I left early but I’m sure that some of them are still there. It was so nice to see the kids and meet their children. Ah, St. Camillus was very special.

Today, I had the 10:30am Mass and just met with a couple who are taking their son, Fernando back to El Salvador for his baptism and needed a mini- course to get a letter for their parish. We all had a good time but do keep Fernando Oturo and his family in your prayers.
Now, a lttle lunch and a nap and then I am going out to St. Mary of the Mill in Laurel to have the 5pm Youth Mass. Then home to see the Emmys! Life is good on your feast day.

I had a great day yesterday. I went to see the movie, “The Butler” and I really enjoyed it. It does make you a little uncomfortable to see and hear the racism but the acting is very good and you care about these people.
Afterwards, Gail Douglas came and met me for dinner. We had a great time and “caught up” on her family and her. She has retired from Maryland University Lutheran chaplain’s office but keeps busy. We’re gling to go to a casino soon.

On Friday, today, I spent the whole day on the phone or emails. I got a lot of “loose ends” tied up and had a great long talk with Marilyn Cavallaro and “caught up” on that part of the clan.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and then Fr. Justin was kind enough to drive me to a gathering of parents from the second grade at one of the homes nearby. Since we will be dealing with these children for Holy Communion and Confessions, so we thought it would be good to meet some of the parents. We had a good time and he brought me home before 9pm.

Now some TV and early to bed.

Today is Thursday and my DAY OFF but I realized I haven’t written since Sunday; so before I run off to play, I thought I’d bring you up to date.

On Monday, I was sitting at my desk trying to “catch up” on things, and my sister, Marie called to see if I was watching TV. I wasn’t and she told me about the shootings at the Navy Yard. Her daughter, Mary Ann works there and was able to call her mom and say she was OK but “locked down”. I turned on the TV and like most of the city was glued to it all day. In the evening, Marie called to say that Mary was home and safe. It has been such a tragedy. We can only pray for the dead and their families and co-workers.

I did go to my doctor as my right foot was swollen and had a sore. She had me have a doppler to make sure that the blood was flowing and that there was not a blood clot. There wasn’t.
I had driven about 2000 miles on the trip but I got out every 2 hours and gave my legs a chance to relax. I guess it was all that good German food and sauces! I was put on directics and am doing OK.
I also got a phone call from my cousin, Rick Jensen that the mother of Sheila Reilly had died up in Syracuse. Please keep Marie, her husband, and the family in your prayers.

On Tuesday, I had the 11am Mass and then our first session of “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. Our topic was “My summer vacation” and we all had interesting stories to share. I showed pictures from my Ipad of people I was with in Wisconsin and Ohio. They all thought that Sister Natalie and Father Aquinas looked too young to have taught me 50 years ago!!
Tuesday night was the first session of our Play reading group and it was good to get back and set the schedule for the year. I do enjoy those readings and discussions.

On Wednesday, I spent the day working at my desk and “caught up” on mail and little jobs. Also seemed to be on the phone a lot, which I enjoy. I had supper alone and then just relaxed. In the evening, I got a call that Mary White, the sister of Sheila Morris (They went to the Holy Land cruise)had had a stroke in Atlanta. Please keep all the family in your prayers.

Today, I am golng to see the movie, “The Butler” and do a little shopping. And that’s it!!

I got up very early and drove to Laurel. My friend, Msgr. Mike Mellone, is on vacation and I told him I’d be happy to come out and do a few Masses. Today, I had the 7:30 and 9:00am Masses. It was a little taxing as today is Catechetical Sunday and at each Mass, I blessed teachers. Also Communion took a long time. I say that because I did perspire a lot and was out of breath by the end. HOWEVER, I saw lots of people at the doorways from parishes I’ve been in. Phyllis Cooper, Tom Traber, and Frank Duff were there from St. B’s. Bridget, the daughter of Steve Ash also spoke with me. I had been there a few months ago to concelebrate her Mom’s funeral. Martin and Susan Shoch and Patty Delozier were there from St. Camillus. And the daughter of parishioners at St. Michael’s came up to speak to me. It was so nice to see them and to have the Masses.

I did come right home and eat breakfast and then went to bed.

I had a great nap and just finished the 5:30pm Mass here. I preached at all the Masses on the merciful God that was in each of the readings and the prayers as well. I ended by encouraging us (myself included) to try to manifest the mercy of God by forgiving someone who has hurt us. I think it was well recieved.
In the afternoon, I had read Pope Francis’ talk at the Angelus in Rome today. He ended by asking everyone to be silence and in the silence to grant mercy and forgiveness to someone they have been with holding such feeling from. I did not footnote that at my 5:30 Mass since I used it earlier than he did.

Now some supper and again to bed. I have the 11am tomorrow.

It is Saturday afternoon and I have been sitting here at my desk waiting to say the 5:30pm Mass. I wrote something last night but it seems to have dis-appeared. (the Friday the 13th curse??). I was going to “update” it but now I think I’ll just start an update and when it is time for me to go up for Mass; I’ll just stop and save a draft and then pick up after Mass over in the rectory.

Let’s see
I last wrote on Friday night from Cincinatti. I had driven down on Thursday to Lexington. I had hoped to see Jeff and Beth Healander and their three darling daughters but I discovered I had no phone numbers for them and so I just headed to Cincinatti and went to bed early. I had driven 400 miles.
On Saturday, I went to Mt Notre Dame for the 11am Mass. It is a beautiful complex of schools and nursing and retirement living for the Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. My kindergarten and first grade teacher, Sister Natalie (formerly Sister Ann Christine) moved there about a month ago from Villa Julie near Baltimore. She has lived there for the last few years but after a fall, it was decided she needed the care of this facility.
She didn’t come to Mass and Sister Betty told me that she had stayed upstairs “off her feet”. We went up to a community room and I was a big surprise to Sister. She said, “What are you doing here?” then she introduced me as her best kindergarten and first grade student. I don’t think she knew my name but as we sat there, she kept encouraging me to tell stories – “Like the time you kissed Dottie McBride on the playground” etc. Once I started, she would join in and correct me. The other sisters loved it. There were four others who were Notre Dame and three who were Ursalines. I have pictures but I still don’t know how to put them into this but I will learn. I also went and visited Sister Marguerite in his room. She was provincial and was always nice to me when I saw her. I brought her greetings from many old friends.
Then I left and drove to Chicago. I stayed at Pat Berry’s beautiful condo on the 35th floor in downtown. What a great view! We went out to supper at a restaurant where Al Capone use to have dinner. It was a Victorian house and the food was very good. I was ready for bed as it was a long ride (I think about 290 miles)

On Sunday, Pat and I drove to Indiana and participated – no, we sat through a beautiful service at St. Simon Serbian Orthodox church. It is the church of “Z” who is the manager of the condo and whom I’ve met a number of times. She invited us and so we went. The choir was excellent and we had books with Serbian on one side and English on the other to help us know what was happening. The altar area is closed off by a beautiful wall of Icons. The women were on the left and men on the right. Most stand for the service but old Monsignors and their friend can sit in the choir stalls (which we did). The service ran over two hours and again the music just made you feel “holy and prayful”. I’m glad we went.
Later in the day, Pat and I saw the musical “The Book of Mormon”. It is kind of irreverent because the authors are from the TV show South Park; but it was real Broadway, with lots of singing and dancing (good tap numbers) and we enjoyed it.

On Monday, we met a friend, Jose for breakfast and then Pat and I drove up to Milwaukee. It was only about 60 miles and we checked into the Intercontinental Hotel downtown. It’s a very nice hotel and within walking distance to a lot. (The guys walked a lot, I took cabs)
Pat and I, Dave and Kathy Haas, and Dwight Birket and John Bohrer all stayed at the hotel and so we got together in the lobby a lot. That first evening we went to Mader’s, a very famous German restaurant and had a great meal (and beer!). We laughed and talked all through the meal.
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After I wrote about Wednesday, I realized that I hadn’t said why we were here in Wisconsin. Sorry!! In September 1963, 40 of us young men from all over the country, arrived at St. Nazianz’s seminary. We were between 17 and 30 years of age and all came to study Latin because we had not had it in high school. We lived in a seperate building from the seminary and were called “Specials”. We went to class 6 days a week (with Wednesday and Saturday afternoons “off”) The rest of the time, was regulated and monitored. But we loved it and after a year, many of us went down to Waukesha and while still studying Latin, we also did the first two years of college. After that, some of us went off to other seminaries to study Philosophy and then Theology. Some stayed at Mount St. Paul in Waukesha and got their degrees there.
A few months ago, someone suggested we have a reunion of those who started off together in September 1963 and that’s why we are here celebrating 50 years of friendship. Now maybe some of what I write will make more sense!!
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On Tuesday, we got up early and drove to the Alexian Village. It is in northern Milwaukee and is a community with about 400 residents. There are many types of living situations for adult 55 of years and older. The Salvatorians have about 17 of their men there. Some live in apartments, others in assisted living, and some in nursing care. We had Mass at 11am and then went to the dining room. There was a table set for about 15. Fr. Aquinas Novak was our host and asked that we go around and tell about ourselves. It took awhile but it was enjoyable to hear about some of the men who have spent years in Africa, and those who have worked in various ministries of education and social work. The provincial of the order, Fr. Joe joined us and welcomed us as alumni. One of the Salvatorians started with us at St. Nazianz 50 years ago but many of us had not seen him in over 40 years. It was so good to see him. We had a great time.
Then we drove to the Mount in Waukesha. It is now part of the social service and criminal justice system of Waukesha. A very nice lady took us through the buildings but there is nothing left of what we had in 64 – except for the “Room with a Heart”. It was a door to the dorm room at the top of the stairs. It had a heart shaped pattern in the center – and some very kind people who lived there.
The grounds are still beautiful but it isn’t our home anymore.

We drove back to Milwaukee and I took a nap (I think the others went walking). We went to the 2nd most famous German restaurant in Milwaukee (Karl Ralzsch’s) for a great dinner. Mike and Lisa Witte, who live nearby, came and joined us. We had a great time.

On Thursday, we got up very early and drove the 75 miles to St. Nazianz’s. Jim and Audrey Alt, who live up in Green Bay joined us that day. It is no longer a seminary but a very welcoming Christian group has taken it over and is trying to restore it (It was damaged by a tournado and time).
It was amazing to go into the church, where we gathered three or four times a day and where we went to pray when the tolling bell told us that President Kennedy had died. It is a place of many memories.
We walked through the cemetery and “visited” so many special men like Romauld, Claude, Barry, Eric, and Chanel, who had helped us grow up. Then we had Mass, which Dwight presided at and preached a great “dialogue” homily. It was the perfect setting and it was still home.

We drove back and for our “ultima cena” decided to go to a Brazilian restaurant. All kinds of meats are brought around to the table and you can sit for hours and eat and eat. We did that but we also laughed and just enjoyed being together.

On Thursday, John flew back to New Jersey; Dave and Kathy took the ferry back across Lake Michigan, Dwight starting driving back to Kansas, and Pat and I headed to Chicago where I dropped him off and headed off to Toledo, Ohio. I spent the night there. The weather was great to us and even was cool at night.

On Friday, I headed home. I only had to drive 400 miles and I was home by supper time. It rained a little in Ohio but then the sky was clear and blue the rest of the way home. Both John and Dwight called me to let me know they were home and safe – and to say what a good time they had. I went to bed early.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this long missive, it’s Saturday. I got up early and went and got my haircut and my beard trimmed. I had wanted to do that before the trip but didn’t have time.
So looking cleaned up, I had a baptism at 1pm. Please keep Eric Xavier and his family in your prayers. I had baptized his older brother, Luke, two years ago and officiated at his parent’s wedding two years before that. I had taught the dad, Dominque at Good Counsel. My life is really blessed and it began in a special way in September 1949 when I started kindergarten at met Sister Ann Christine, SND and again on September 8, 1963, where I met some very special men in a place far, far away.
Ah, how Good is the Good God.

Hello, I am still in Milwaukee and will be heading home later today. I will stop at a hotel tonight and will bring you up to date then.

It is 8pm and I just got into a hotel near Toledo. i’m too tired to write so I am going to bed and may wait till i get back to DC to write. Good night.

I didn’t write on Wednesday because I spent the whole day looking for photos ( could’t find them). Also had to clean my office
Went to Maggie’s and had a nice dinner with her and Kerri and Tim. Didn’t find the photos. Spent the night

I’m in a hotel in Cincinnati. I am going to visit Sister Natalie in the morning and hope to be at Patrick Berry’s on Saturday night.
Last night, I stayed in Huntington, ky. I left Washington around 10am and got to Kentucky around 7pm. I drove about 400 miles. I got out of the car every 2 hours and walked around.
I can’t use my keyboard for now, so it means I have “to pick and peck” and it takes too long, so I don’t think I’ll write for a couple of days. The weather is great and I don’t use the oxygen except at night.
Just wanted to say “Hi”

I last wrote on Wednesday, Aug 28th after I had the 11am Mass but I wanted you to know that I spent most of the rest of the day watching TV as it was the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the 50th anniversary of the day my Dad’s body was brought by train back to DC from Mississippi. I was at Union Station and saw the crowds over by capital hill and the Mall. It wasn’t until that evening that I learned about Dr. King’s speech. One of those strange juxtaposition of historical events.

Thursday, August 29th was the 27th anniversary of the death of my dear Godfather, Ed O’Connell. He was 15 when I was baptized and Nellie O’Brien, my Godmother was 47. I was blessed to have them be a part of many important events in my life.
It was my DAY OFF and I didn’t have Mass. I went to Bread and Chocolate, a nice bakery/deli on Connecticut Ave. I met with two Religious Educators to make plans for a retreat at Priestfield, WV in November. I love doing things like that.
Afterwards, I picked up Joan B and we went to see “Elizabeth’s Delight”. It was a farm house that was used by Fr. Jim Grace as a rectory and daily chapel till they built the parish complex off of Avenel. After the parish was established in the Oakview section, the house went through a number of uses and eventually became the home of the Davenport family. There were 10 children living there but now only one and the mother are still there. I’ve known the family since my days at St. Camillus and officiated at the marriage of two of them; so I was glad we were invited to tour the house and grounds with Mrs. Barbara Davenport. It was so neat to see where the chapel was. The confessional had become a laundry closet; also the doors that were the entrance to the chapel looked “churchy” . It is now surrounded by homes built in the late 50’s. The house will probably have to be torn down but there is lots of property. It was a great tour and then Joan took us to Boston Chicken for sandwiches and more talk. It was fun. Then I came home and took a nap.

On Friday, I had the 11am Mass and spent most of the day trying to map out my trip to Wisconsin. I plan to leave on Wednesday or Thursday, September 4th or 5th. I am driving out and will get to Pat Berry’s on Saturday. I am trying to figure out if I have time to stop and see Sister Natalie on the way out or back. It actually is a lot of work to plan a trip but I’m looking forward to seeing some of the guys I started in the seminary with in September, 1963.

On Saturday, I drove over to near Baltimore to celebrate with Gene and Anna Marie Kinerney. It was their 50th wedding anniversary. I was so glad to be able to join them and their children and grandchildren. Also present were some of the Scanlan family and other friends of theirs that I know. The weather was cool and not too humid and the hall, which is part of the complex where they live, was lovely and the food – Italian – was great. I did go to bed early and tired.

Sunday, I had the 12:30pm Mass, so I was able to watch the Sunday Talk shows at my desk and got a lot of cleaning done. After Mass, Rick and Peg Jensen came and we all went to Sheila Reilly’s home for crabs. She lives at the Madeira School where she is a counselor. Kate and Christopher joined us and we sat out on the deck, overlooking the Potomac and had a very enjoyable evening.

Monday was Labor Day and we were closed. I went to St. Angela’s Hall, the senior residence for the Sisters of the Holy Cross, in Kensington and said the 11am Mass. It was so nice to see the sisters, many of whom I know or know of. I hope that my being there is a reminder to them of the affection of so many of their former students, who think of them often. I also got some clarity about my genealogy as one of the sisters, Sharon Mihm is a cousin of mine and we had a nice talk. It was very humid so I decided to stay in my room the rest of the day and watch a Perry Mason marathon. I think I had seen them all before but I also worked on the photos and a review for the Catholic Historical Society. I had soup and it was very good. There was a priests cookout at Little Flower but I just couldn’t go since I would have had to park too far away and walk in that heat. Maybe next year!

Today is Tuesday, the 4th and I came over here early to get some work done. I cleaned up my emails and my phone messages and sent off the review, which Joe Stoutz had kindly (and professionally) edited for me. I worked again on my route to Wisconsin and am getting Paddy up to date as well. I have the 11am Mass and then I am going out to hear a lady’s confession. I may drive down to Maggie’s to see if my photo album is there. I had it for my 40th anniversary. It has lots of pictures from the seminary that I would like to take with me. We’ll see.

I’ll write again tomorrow as I will have time before the 11am Mass.