Sunday, I had the 12:30 Mass and then drove over to Ascension rectory in Bowie. Fr. Kyle Ingle’s mom, Judy, who had been undergoing treatment for cancer and who recently got a “clean” report, was here from Colorado to visit. I saw her and Kyle and some other friends who were at the “open house”. On the way home, I stopped to see Joan and Ginny Beall.
I had a nice long phone talk with Dan and Stephanie Poje and Mimi (Steph’s mother). They were all together in Memphis (having a great time!!!) I also spoke with Frances Sampogna. She sent me a lovely text that she wrote as a Christmas reflection. I asked if I might use it in my Christmas homilies and she agreed. We did so many wonderful creative things together in the liturgy when I was the assistant at St. Camillus.
I spent the evening relaxing in my suite.
On Christmas eve, I had the 11am Mass and then we heard confessions – there was a steady stream. Then I took a nap. I had the 4pm Mass in the church. I was amazed by the number of people that were there. Every pew was filled; we had extra folding chairs along the walls and across the front; people were lined down the center aisle – 5 across and 15 pews from the back and the lobbies were jamed. In all my years, I never saw such a crowd. I invited the children to come up into the sanctuary and that helped a little. I had everyone stay seated until the Our Father. I sat in the priest chair till the offertory. I read Frances’ account of the birth of Jesus as a Gospel and a homily. (People loved it!!!). Afterwards I took a nap and then concelebrated the Midnight Mass. All of you, your families, and your needs were remembered at that Mass. Got to bed around 2:30am.
Today, I went to the hospital to visit a cousin but the doctor’s had let her go home for Christmas. I was happy to hear that and being up early got me going. I tried to be around for the morning Masses, so I could see some of the parishioners. I had the 10:30 Mass and again used Frances’ meditation as part of my homily. Again, it got good reviews.
The music here at Blessed Sacrament is always good but it was more than inspiring yesterday and today. It just made Christmas even more special. Then i came and took another nap. I seem to need and enjoy them!!
I received word that Pat O’Connell McMahon, my cousin in New Hampshire died peacefully this weekend. Please keep her, her husband Jim ( 60 some years of marriage), and her family in your prayers. May she rest in peace as she celebrated her first Christmas in heaven.
Dear Maury,
So sorry to hear that your family has, once again, had to deal with a death. I can imagine that your cousin’s death brings to mind your sister’s death once again. May they both be enjoying their first Christmas with Jesus in Heaven! And may you find comfort and peace in the One whose birth we celebrate, the One who took on our nature so that we may fully share in His nature! Christmas blessings to you.