Sorry that I’ve not written lately but I have had a busy week. When last I wrote, it was the feast of St. Bernard’s and it was a day filled with wonderful memories of that great community I grew up in.
Wednesday was the feast of St. Pius X. I did some reading on him and he was very pastoral and that’s why he encouraged frequent Communion and permitted children to receive at a younger age. He also asked in 1910 that there be a church in every diocese dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. Our parish was opened in 1911 and named “The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament”. The church was dedicated in 1912. I preached about that at the 11:00am Mass. As I was still feeling a little “queezy”, I spent the rest of the day in my suite – reading.
On Thursday, I drove down to Maggie’s. She, Kerri, Marie, and I went to BINGO to celebrate my birthday. I got in free! I didn’t win but I did have a good time. JoAnn joined us and I think Kerri did win something.
On Friday, which actually was my birthday, we just relaxed. We had a Mass at 6pm at Jesus the Good Shepherd chapel. I offered it for my Mom and Dad, which is a custom of mine for birthdays. Three of Maggie’s kids and grandkids and two of Marie’s children also were there as was Aunt Joan Clark. Afterwards we all went to Abner’s for crabs. They were very good and we had a great time.
On Saturday, I drove to Pittsburgh. I concelebrated the 5pm Mass at St. Bede’s and afterwards, the pastor, Fr. Brice and I had the pleasure of baptizing James Keith, the new son of my godchild, Kathleen Morris Haven and her husband, Dave. I officiated at their wedding two years ago. It was great to see all the family and to relax with them.
On Sunday, we continued the “relax” theme most of the day and then went to Kerri and Ed’s for a pasta dinner. It was so nice out that we sat in their yard from after supper till almost 10pm. Very pleasant.
On Monday, I stopped by to visit Betty and Norm DeLuca, dear friends from my diaconate days at St. Anselm’s. I caught up on their 5 boys and their families. Betty filled me up with cookies to take back to DC. I know, I didn’t need them but she makes great cookies! The ride home was beautiful and there was no humidity on the trip. I got home around 5pm and took a nap.
On Tuesday, I slept in because I didn’t have anything till exposition at 3pm and the 5:30pm Mass. I preached on St. Monica. I have (since the seminary) loved St. Ambrose’s words of consolation to her. She prayed and cried for Augustine, her son and he said, “A child of so many tears, could never be lost to God”. I think that is encouraging for parents and grandparents.
I’ve been having very interesting talks at meals with Fr. Justin, our new associate. Mostly I have just been relaxing.
Today, I had the 11am Mass and preached on Augustine, who like many of us came slowly to Christ. “Too late have I loved you” he wrote. Fortunately, as long as we come to Him, late doesn’t matter.
Lastly, I wanted to write something about “social networking”. I still don’t get it or find it easy to do BUT I really enjoyed all the birthday greetings I got on Face book, by mail and email, and by phone calls. It was so great to hear from friends and family, near and far. I read each comment and the words of the cards (e cards and by mail). I just let myself bathe in the love and it was so much fun. Thanks for taking the time to let me hear from you. God has been very good to me and surrounded me with great friends and family.