I had a very pleasant but busy week.
On Monday, May 23rd, I presided at the funeral of Mrs. Raney at St. Patrick’s in Norbeck. Fr. Martino Choi concelebrated and (really) led me around the altar. There was a very nice seminarian, Michael Russo who also helped me around. Among the Arimethians was the father of two boys whom I knew at Good Counsel, Mr. Beiter. We went to Gate of Heaven cemetery and as I rode around I offered prayers for all my family and friends resting there for the Day of the Trumpet.
On Tuesday, the 24th, I had the 8am Mass and then met with the Tuesdays with Fr. Maury group. Our topic was the blessed Virgin. He talked about our family customs and our parish customs as we grew up. We ended by doing the Litany of Our Lady. So beautiful and full of great titles for her. We also joined in a CD by singing Marian Hymns. Bring Flowers of the Fairest was the big hit!
On Wednesday, I drove out early and said Mass at our Lady of the Visitation at 9:15am. My classmate had an appointment and asked me to cover. I was happy to do that and enjoyed the company of the daily Mass attendees. I got back in time to do the 11am Mass here. Then I took a nap. At 6pm, Marie picked me up and drove me to a restaurant nearby. We met Jim and Cleo and had a great time. All of them are friends of the lovely lady that I went to anoint a few months ago and whose funeral we held here later. In honor of Ruth, we got together to celebrate her and her bringing us together.
On Thursday, the 26th, I picked up Fr. Jim Beattie and we drove to St. Peter’s parish in Olney for the funeral Mass of Mr. Raymond Bocabella, the father of Fr. Jim, who is pastor of St. Francis Xavier and was the assistant here when I came. It was a beautiful Mass and Fr. Jim gave a great homily. He is one of 13 children and his brother, Paul wrote and read a moving letter to his Dad. I haven’t been to the church in many years and the present pastor, Fr. Tom Kalita did a great job and it is very beautiful and functionable.
Fr. Beattie and I drove out and met Frs. Duffy and Hill for lunch. I drove Fr. Duffy back to Little Sisters and then Fr. Beattie to Our Lady of Lourdes. The traffic was terrible (I guess lots of people were trying to get out of town before the holiday) and I couldn’t get back in time for Benediction at 5:15. I called and Fr. Ron took that and I was back in time for the 5:30 Mass. I went to bed early and tired!
On Friday, I had the 8am Mass and a doctor’s appointment at 1:40. I am as well as I can be for being as well as I am. I am using the oxygen most of the time. I went to bed early again.
On Saturday, I had two baptisms – one at Noon and one at 2pm. I did well at both because Jerry (our summer seminarian) helped me. He is from the Eastern shore and is going to be in the third year at Catholic U. I tease him that the fine print in his contract says, “take care of the old priest”. He is very good at it. I had the 5:30pm Mass and at it, I noticed Maggie was in the front pew. I went to talk with her after Mass and found out that she wanted to go to the casino on Sunday, so Mike and Sue drove her up to the vigil Mass. We all had a nice visit.
On Sunday, the 29th, I had the 7:30am Mass and Jerry helped me around. We took up a collection of bags that we had handed out last weekend for the pantries in Southeast. As always the parish was generous.
Then I drove up to St. Ignatius parish near Fredrick and did the 12Noon Mass. A little girl, Gabriella (whom I baptized 7 years ago) and two other girls, Fiana and Ayla were making their First Communions. It was delightful and that parish has a great pastor, Fr. Mike, and a vibrant community.
After Mass, a man named James who I knew as a child at St. Bernard’s came up to speak to me. He said, “as soon as I heard your voice, I knew it was you”. I just saw his Mom, Mary at Marie’s funeral. A small world. Then I went to Gabriella’s house for a party. She is the granddaughter of Fran Werden. I had married her Mom and Dad and baptized many of her cousins. It was a great time to “catch up”.
On the way home, I stopped at the nursing home and visited Loretta Favret. Her husband, Andy was also visiting and while there, one of the sons, Thomas came in. Again, it was so great to be in the company of old friends and talk and laugh. I was in bed by 9pm.
Memorial Day. I slept in and then made myself a big breakfast of ham and eggs. I took it to my room and just relaxed and watch TV. I always enjoy the Memorial presentation on the Mall and get emotional as I watch all the events around the country. It is a great country we live in and we must never forget those who paid the price for our freedom.
Today, Tuesday, the 31st. I had the 8am Mass and afterwards (I watched as) many of the parishioners carried the bags from the altar area out to the van Brian had parked near the side doors. The altar area was full of the goods that people had brought over the weekend and the van was filled. People are so good!
I have three appointments today and I have another doctor’s appointment tomorrow, so I think it’s early to bed again for me.