To bring you up to date:
I didn’t do much on Monday, June 3rd. I had the 11am Mass and I mentioned it was the 50th anniversary of the death of Blessed Pope John XXIII. I did go by and have Danny look at my car battery and soon I’ll need a new one. Maybe next week.
Tuesday, I had my “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” group. The topic was the new Pope and I shared a number of very human stories that I’ve heard about him. People like him and our discussion was very lively. A nice surprise was Joe and Sherry Towsend being there. They are close friends of the brother of the lady who runs the Manning center and got talking about me at a gathering. I officiated at their wedding 39 years ago at St. Camillus. They brought pictures. Did I really have a page boy haircut???? It was great to see them and talk.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and spoke about Tobit and his life of struggles. Then after supper with Ron and Lucas, I went to the play reading group. I really enjoy that but have had a miss the last few. We read “the importance of being Ernest” and had a nice discussion afterwards.
Today I had the 8am Mass ( a big surprise to that congregation as I don’t get to them often). I preached on St. Boniface, whom I have always found interesting since I discovered him in the seminary. After that I called Fr. Beattie to see how he is doing. He is coming along well and walking around upstairs a lot. He has used the chairlift but he says he is content for now to stay upstairs until he feels he doesn’t need the walker.
Then I went to the John Vianney House (former convent at Holy Redeemer in Kensington) where we have our “retired priests” gathering on the first Wednesday of the month. The last meeting before the summer break is always a meeting with the Cardinal and the retirement board of the Archdiocese. I’ve never gone before but it was very interesting and I learned alot about the retirement policies of the diocese. I think we’re getting a raise. There are 80 retired priests, which surprised me.
Tomorrow is my day off and Ray Fecteau called and asked if I could come out to his parish and say the 9:15am Mass. Since I’m going out that way, I’m going to stop in and see the Favret’s in Frederick and then I’m going to see Fr. Mike Roach in Manchester, Md. He and I and his summer seminarian are having lunch. I’ll probably come home and nap the rest of the day.
Sister Kass had her other knee replaced on Tuesday. I talked with her on Monday but haven’t heard how it went. Keep her in your prayers, she will be at a rehab center for the next month. I’ll keep you informed.
I’ll try to write before the weekend.
Hello from Spa Creek! Surgery went well and after 2 nights they sent me on to this rehab facility. I’m not on the same hall as last time (all beds were filled) but see a lot of familiar faces and get lots of hugs. Today was my first therapy (2 sessions) and the staff is thrilled with my progress. If all goes well, I may be discharged after 2 weeks. Prayers appreciated!!!