I was just looking over my last message on Aug 24th and realized I never said anything about my birthday on August 23rd. I passed over it because the wedding was what I wanted to write about.
I had the 8AM Mass on the 23rd, and offered it for my Mom and Dad, and for Maureen and Marie. At the end, Brian came to the pulpit and said, “Our closing song is not in the hymn book; but I think we all know it”. And they all sang, “Happy Birthday”. I was very touched. I got lots of cards and phone messages and emails. Also about 120 Facebook messages. I took the rest of the day off and stayed in my suite – where I opened every card and read them; where I looked at every Facebook and email and read them; and where I listened to every voice mail. It took most of the day but it was so good to be in touch with so many friends and family. I was tired when I went to bed!!
On the 24th, I drove out to St. John Neumann for Bill Cannon’s funeral Mass. I just sat on the side and concelebrated. He was a wonderful and talented man, who was brought to Mass here on Sundays by his daughters. He was a tall and striking gentleman who sat in the back pew but was insistent that I not bring Communion to him in the pew. He wanted to walk down that long aisle. He has been in a home lately and I did go to see him; but the dementia got worse and I think he just didn’t eat and slowly his body gave out. His family were so good with him and so I wanted to get to the funeral. The pastor gave a great homily and one of the daughters gave a very good eulogy. I also saw and talked with Mike and Cindy Gribbin because Bill was Terry Gribbin’s father-in-law. Also Mr. Gus Gribbin whom I haven’t seen in 30 years was there. It was just another sign of how wonderful St. Camillus continues to be grace for me. I had the 5:30PM Mass and went to bed early.
On Thursday, the 25th, I had the 8AM Mass and then Brian picked me up and we joined my cousin, Mike Caruso for a birthday luncheon at La Ferme, the restaurant nearby. We had a great time with lots of laughs.
Friday, the 26th, I had the 8AM Mass again and then returned to my suite to spend the day in the cool air.
On Saturday, the 27th, I drove down to Mary Ann’s house for a Mass for Divorced and Separated Catholics. It was nice to see so many old friends and it was actually cool enough to have the Mass outside. It was followed by a cover dish meal and good fellowship. I drove home and the heat had returned.
I slept in on Sunday and then made a nice breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. It was so good and then I stayed in my suite till I came over for the 5:30PM Mass
Monday, the 29th was my DAY OFF and I stayed in my suite all day and relaxed.
On Tuesday, I had the 8AM Mass and then met with some people. In the evening, I picked up Barbara Ostrye and we went to Mama Lucia’s for supper. They make very good Spaghetti Carbonara and we both had it. It was nice to talk and catch up.
On Wednesday, the 31st, I again had the 8AM Mass and stayed in my suite as the weather is bad again. I did talk with Anna Marie and this was the 53rd anniversary of her marriage. Gene died two years ago. they were parishioners of St. B’s but friend of long duration.
On Thursday, September 1st, I stayed in the suite and only came over for the exposition and 5:30PM Mass.
On Friday, the 2nd I had the 11AM Mass and worked in the office to try to clean up my desk.
On Saturday, the 3rd, I stayed in my suite till I came over for the 5:30PM Mass. I had a good homily and walked out to the front door after Mass. It was nice to see and visit the people. Weather was great and cool.
Today, I had the 9AM Mass and again went to the door afterwards. So nice to see people and get hugs.
Although I stayed inside most of the last two weeks because of the heat, I did talk on the phone to lots of people. I spoke with Tom DuBusky, Joe Stoutz, John Bohrer, Carmen, Pat Sinclair Langlois, Gail Douglas, and Pat Powell in Nevada. Pat’s husband, Dave was my deacon at St. Bernard’s and they have been friends for many years. He died last week and we had a great and lengthy talk. She is doing OK but keep her in your prayers. Also another good friend, called and asked for prayers for her niece, Samantha. Also I talked with Marie Mader, another good friend whose brother is dying. Pat Langlois and I have been talking because Diane Leach Flanagan has been ill in Florida. Please keep her in your prayers.
Also the father of a young priest died and two of our retired priests, Don and Carl died. I just wasn’t up to going to the funerals but I ask you to join me in prayer for them and their families.
Although I had two good Masses over the weekend, I’m not feeling very well today and so I cancelled out on a brunch today and I don’t think I’ll go to the priests’ cookout that is on Labor Day – and that I’ve attended yearly and always enjoy seeing the guys. I’ll decide tomorrow if I’ll go.
And this brings you up to date. I will write again before next weekend.