Christmas was lovely!! Every Mass was filled. The Music was uplifting and I had a great time. The 4pm on Christmas Eve at which I presided was so full that people were standing 5 deep. Communion took almost 30 minutes. All the other Masses were also crowded. It was most impressive. I prayed for all of you at Midnight. I also presided at the 10:30am and helped with Communion at the 12:30. Then I took a nap.
I spent the rest of the day, watching TV and eating. I especially enjoyed watching “Going my Way”. I never noticed how much the story was like those wonderful seven years I got to live with Monsignor Dade, when I was pastor at St. B’s.
He was a very special priest.
I tried to go to sleep before 11pm as I knew I had the 6:30am Mass today. I got up easily. There were 8 people at Mass but it was good. I shared how it wasn’t till I was in the seminary that I noticed and thought it strange that the day after Christmas was the feast of the first martyr. Now I realize that the Church doesn’t want us to be so wrapped up in the infant in the manger that we forget that He came to teach us how to love – even at the cost of our lives. I prayed for all the Stephens in my life.
In a few moments, I will head out to Charlestown, West Virginia and visit with Bill and Kate Berry. Patrick came there yesterday from Chicago and I’ll spend the night with them and be home tomorrow in time for the 11:00am Mass. I hope we find some time to stop in the casino out there – You have to play to win!!!
I hope that your Christmas was enjoyable and love filled.
Guess most folks were sleeping off their Christmas merriment and couldn’t get up for Mass today. Since our office was closed today we didn’t schedule a Mass.