I had a great time in Latrobe and Greensburg and have been busy since I got back; I do apologize for not letting you know how things went.
I got to Greensburg around 3pm and used my points to stay at a hotel. The ride up was easy and the weather was sunny with no humidity. I took a nap and then went out to Forbes Road. Josephine Merenda prepared a wonderful Italian meal just like she use to do when we seminarian would visit. Her daughter, Denise, her son-in-law, Chris and their daughter, Miranda joined us. We laughed and talked for about 4 hours. I slept well with the oxygen.
On Monday, I rode in to see the renovations done to the cathedral in Greensburg. The sanctuary is lovely and I’m sure it is great for ordinations. The bishop’s chair is a little too big for my taste and dominates the sanctuary. I prayed before the crests of Bishops Connare and Bosco for all the wonderful people and priests of the diocese that I have known.
Then I went and prayed in the chapel at St. Vincent’s and then Tom Kredel and I went and met Tish Rossi at Eat’N’park, where we had a great time. The food, laughter, and the waitress were all wonderful. I went and checked into the hotel (closer to the abbey) and took a nap; but I learned later that Tish and Tom made an afternoon of it with visits to St. Emma’s, where the sisters who use to cook for us live, and then they visited the Steeler’s workout. St. Vincent’s is their training camp. I think they bought a lot of stuff!!
Sheila and Keith Morris came up and took me from the hotel to this wonderful Italian restaurant at the airport (Arnold Palmer Airport). We had a very easy meal together. They made me have two Margueritas (since I wasn’t driving!). I slept VERY well!
On Tuesday, Bob Norton picked me up at the hotel and we drove together to the basilica for the 11am Mass. I think there were about 80 concelebrants. The bishop of Erie presided and preached. I have to say that I took a little pleasure that when he lifted the Host at Communion time, he said, “…Happy are those who are called to the supper of the Lord”. The new translation say “…supper of the Lamb”. It is nice to know that I am not the only one who keeps getting confused!!
We had a great lunch. I sat with Tom, Bob, Rich Wesolowski, Bill Feeney, Jim Gaston (Greensburg), Joe Kleppner, who is waiting for a liver transplant but looks OK, and Brother Elliot, one of our Benedictine classmates. We sang the “Ultima” to close. Then we went to the monastery and played cards. I loved it – even though Bob and I lost! Then we went out to the barbeque. I didn’t eat much but Abbot Douglas, another classmate joined us as the crowd thinned out and we had a great visit with him.
On the way home, Bob insisted that we (Tom and I) join him at the bar at the airport and again I was forced to have two Margueritas! I really slept that night.
On Wednesday, I woke (refreshed!!) and headed home. I got back earlier than I expected so I joined the Farewell lunch at the rectory for Martino with the staff. Then I went and anointed my 97 year old (I practiced more of my prayers in Spanish while I was away) and brought her Communion. It went very well and I didn’t have to speak extemporaneously. Then I went to bed early.
Although Thursday is usually my day off; I took the 11am Mass and then just relaxed in my suite. I did join Fr. Ron, Martino, Fr. Percy, and two seminarians who had just arrived from Nebraska. They are John William and Andrew ? (don’t know). All the seminarians are at the retreat camp down in Southern Maryland for fellowship for a few days before school starts again.
Today, Friday, I went to the funeral of Mary Louise Humbert at Holy Redeemer in College Park. I just sat on the side as it’s humid today and I needed my oxygen. I met her 38 years ago when I officiated at her daughter, Shirley’s marriage to Dennis O’Donnell. They live in North Carolina and I’ve kept in touch with them, although I discovered that the dinner I had at their house must have been about 10 years ago. Their children, who were just going into high school, were there today. One is a married lawyer in Ohio and the other is a lay missionary in Colorado. Where does the time go. Mary Louise was a very special lady who lived a full and holy life. She was 89 and is the sister of Bob Scanlan and the cousin of Anna Marie Kinerney from St. B’s. I also saw children that I baptized – one of whom is 13. I really am old.
I came home and met with a nice couple who want to get married here in March. I took the information but explained that would need to find another priest to do the wedding. I really am not up to that – and certainly won’t be by next March.
I spent the rest of the day, emailing the guys from St. Nazianz’s about a reunion. We are planning it for September 9 – 11 in Wisconsin. I’ll keep you up to date on our progress.
Also Barb Ostrye has headed up to NJ. Her sister, Jane is not going to make it. Keep them all in your prayers.
I have the 5:30pm Mass; then I’ll drive over and pick up Fr. Beattie and he and I will do the prayers at Bob Morse’s wake tonight. I will go to the funeral on Saturday at St. John’s in White Oak. Again, I’ll just sit on the side. I will try to write again on Saturday night.
Glad you had a nice trip and visit with the “boys.” Thanks for the update!!