I had the 8:00am Mass today and spoke about the “Luminous” mysteries of the Rosary. I told the people that I was actually annoyed by Pope John Paul’s decision to add these new mysteries. I received a number of questions about what people should do with their old rosaries – should they buy new ones with the new mysteries? – did they need to add more beads to their rosary? etc!! I kept thinking that with all that was going on in the Church, how could we put time into changing something that has worked for centuries!
Then I went to visit a 90 year old sister in the infirmary at the motherhouse in Hartford and she says to me, the rosary in her hand,”Isn’t it wonderful about the new mysteries? We have had the joyfull events in His life up to His being found in the temple; then we have the sorrowful mysteries of His passion; and then the glorious mysteries. Now with these new mysteries, – of His ministry – we have the complete picture.”
I told the people how dumb and not very spiritual I felt. Sister was, of course, absolutely correct and I try to remember that as I say the Rosary daily.
After Mass, I finally finished up going through my tapes and packed them up for the library sale next week. I did find a lot of vhs and cassets that I kept and will see about getting them made into DVDs. They are tapes of St. Bernard’s and my family’s old super 8 films. I can’t lose them.
I met Ann for lunch and laughed a lot. Then I took a nap.
At 7pm – in just a few moments – we are hosting a cocktail party at the rectory for special former staff and parishioners. Then the sit down dinner in the gym and auditorium for 700 and then dancing. I am hoping to just make an appearance and get to bed early. I’ll let you know how successful I was tomorrow.