Today is my Mom’s patron saint day. If you don’t know about her look her up on the internet. She is a wonderful model. The only Mass I have celebrated in Latin was one that I offered over the body of the saint in 1977. I went to her tomb in the basilica in the Forum in Rome and the only book they had was Italian and Latin. It was said facing the wall and I think I read everything on the pages (including the rubrics). It was a thrill but I was exhausted.
Let’s bring you up to date.
When last I wrote (on Sunday, February 26th) I told you that I was having lunch with the gang. We had a great time, although the service wasn’t very good. But the chance to be with family and friends was great. Mike and Maggie dropped off Patrick at his hotel and then drove me home. I went to bed quickly and didn’t watch the Oscars – although I woke up just before the confusion about the Best Picture. Then right back to sleep.
On Monday, the 27th, Patrick decided to take the Metro out and we met for lunch at Clyde’s. I really enjoyed his visit and the people we got together with. That night, I met my four priests friends and we had a good meal and lots of laughs. I didn’t use Uber because I messed it up and Fr. Jim came and drove me.
On Tuesday, the 28th, Dwight called to tell me that Roger, our classmate and friend had died in Wisconsin. I will try to speak with his family later. John Bohrer called to tell me that his Mom, Rose died in Colorado. She is the last parent of our group to died. She was so much fun to be with. Please keep John and his siblings and Roger and his family in your prayers. Barry and Barbara picked me up and we went out to supper to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Today was Ash Wednesday. I had the 8am Mass and gave out ashes. Every Mass was full. I hope I have a good Lent.
I had the 8am Mass on Thursday and spent the day working on the newsletter.
Friday, the 3rd, I had the 11am Mass and was scheduled for the evening Mass also but I called Cardinal McCarrick, our retired bishop and he came and preached at the 5:30pm Mass. It is called “The Hunger Mass” and we use it to help support the Foundation and the pantries. He stayed for supper and we enjoyed being with him.
On Saturday, the 4th (Marie’s 76th birthday!), I had the 11am Mass and then went to bed. I’ve not been feeling good this week. It may be the weather. The pollen is high.
On Sunday, I concelebrated the 10:30am Mass from the choir stalls and then a couple whom I will officiate at their wedding in September and I returned to bed. Fr. Percy was kind enough to take my 5:30pm Mass and I stayed in bed.
On Monday, the 6th, a young man came to see me at the rectory and we had a nice long talk and then (except for meals) I stayed in my suite. I ache all over – but it’s not the flue!
On Tuesday, we began our Tuesdays with Maury again with a great discussion about Lent and what we might do during it. I saw someone for confession and I had the evening Mass. After supper, went to bed early.
On Wednesday, the 8th, I had 11am Mass and during it, I broke the arm of the presider’s chair and my oxygen ran out of battery and beeped all though the Canon. Afterward, I met with someone to talk about a problem in their apartment building. Then I asked Joan to take me to the barber. I looked like the Wild Man of Borneo (as my Mom use to say). I feel much better with my hair cut and my beard trimmed.
Father Hilary, a Trinitarian that I’ve known for years and Msgr. Richard Hughes, a golf buddy of Msgr. Eckert’s, both died this week. I won’t be able to get to their funeral but please keep them in your prayers. Also, we learned yesterday that one of our priest, Roy Campbell has been named as our auxiliary bishop. Good guy and good pastor; please keep him in your prayers.
Today the 9th, I have Masses but also am giving a tour of the church to the children from the Jewish day school a few blocks from here. Their ladies’ group and ours meet for discussion and prayer and they asked me to show the kids (I think 3rd and 4th graders). Pray for us too.
Tonight I will take my first Uber ride and join Cathy and Matt Minahan and Fr. Bill English for supper in Kensington. I’ll report later on my experience.