Am at Joe Stoutzenberger’s house in Philly. He is off to teach and I have spent the last two hours trying to get on line so I could write to you. I am not very computer literate and so at home things are set up so all I have to do is turn on the computer and go to my sites; it’s more involved when you have to go searching for the sites and then figure out how to get into them. But I’m here now. So let’s see why I am so far behind.
I wrote last on Thursday and Friday was relatively quiet. I did get some more work done on that stupid Tax thing. I hope it will be settled soon. I have good help.
I also, did get a phone call to come and anoint a 97 year old lady at Sunrise House. Joan drove me as it is hard to park there and in this bitter cold, I can’t walk very far without getting out of breath. Please keep Audrey and her family in your prayers.
I had the 11am and 5:30pm Masses and preached on the right to life march, which was going on in the city. I mentioned that Dr. Bernard Nathenson (I think that was the name) who began to perform abortions 40 years ago when the Supreme court made that legal. He says he performed 75,000 abortions and about 10 years ago, he began to study more carefully the material that was available on the fetus in the womb (we were able to take pictures and even see reactions to stimulus in the womb). He began to understand that these fetuses were human beings. He was an atheist but began to feel that abortion was wrong. He became a active pro-life spokesman. After a few years, he became a Catholic. He died almost 2 years ago. In my homily, I said that I thought that we have little chance of changing the ruling of the Supreme court but that our Marchs and our speaking up for life can change the minds and heart of people. If someone who had been so active in abortions could change, then we have to keep speaking out and helping people to come to appreciate and support LIFE.
I believe we can make a difference.
On Saturday, we had first confessions at 9am and again at 12:30pm. About 60 children at each session. Fr. Ron wasn’t able to be there because Pat Suite, who had been his principal at St. John’s in Hollywood, finally succumed to the cancer that she had been fighting for the last 10 years, and her funeral was that morning. So I preached and told the children my favorite story about Jacob, the shepherd and Abner, the “lively” sheep. I think it helps the children to feel better about coming to confessions. Of course, they were delightful and made my day. In between I had the 11am Mass and preached on Timothy and Titus, whose feast it was. I also prayed for all the Timothys in my life and all who have him as a patron saint.
In the afternoon, I met with a couple and their daughter, Elizabeth (who slept through the whole meeting) about arranging her baptism in March.
Then I got in the car and drove (although I got lost) to Laurel and an Italian resturant to meet with Father R, Joan and Tom Johnson, Vera and Jim Degenhardt, their sons, Bernie and Gary and Father T. We were celebrating Father R’s 91 birthday. We had good food but the best part was the stories, the teasing, and the laughter. I felt five years younger. Those St. B people were and are special.
On Sunday, I spent the morning at my desk with the Sunday talk shows on the TV. I find them fascinating. Then I had the 12:30pm Mass but I didn’t preach because Fr. Ron spoke at all the Masses about the Cardinal’s appeal. I am so glad not be doing that anymore. Joe Stoutz, his son Tim and his co-worker at CNN, Allison all came to Mass and afterwards we went to Clyde’s to use some more of thos gift cards. Again, we had a good meal and lots of good chatter. Both Tim and Allison worked on the campaigns and the inauguration. Allison got to go to the ball and had a great picture of Berack and Michelle entering the hall. Both are looking into being transferred to London for work. That’s why Joe wanted to come down and see Tim before and if the move goes through.
Then Joe and I drove up here to Philly and his house. It is so nice and so quiet. We talked and watch TV.
Also, in the mail, was waiting a new book that Joe, Fr. John Bohrer, and Frank, a friend had developes as a prayer book for the sick and housebound. A copy had come as it is ready for publication. It is going to be well received and used. It’s called “Placemat Prayers”.
After Joe went to bed, I read for while and then also went to bed. I slept great. I had brought some oxygen in case but I slept without it.
This morning, Joe headed off to the University because it snowing and he didn’t know how the roads would be. I came to try out this computer. Tonight, Joe, John, Terry and I will go out to supper and celebrate our birthdays (August, September, and October). We just couldn’t get together before this and its a tradition, so we were determined to get together. I’m sure it will be good food, good friends, and laughter. And what’s better than that!???
The snow in Philly DEFINITELY beats the ice in DC!
Who is publishing “Placemat Prayers”?
If you need a ride home Ed and I could take you on Fri. Let me know.