What Paddy Shot At

On Friday, May 17th, I had the 11am Mass and then just relaxed in my suite. I was very grateful that I didn’t have to drive over to Virginia for the wedding rehearsal due to the thoughtfulness of my cousin and her husband to be.

On Saturday, I slept late and got over to the chapel for a baptism at 11am. Please remember in your prayers Capri Conchetta. She was a cutie!!

Then I drove over to St. Mary’s in Alexandria. I went early and was there around 1pm. The wedding was at 2:30. The pastor, Fr. Kleiman, could not have been nicer and was near me on the altar for the Mass and ceremony. I was very grateful as I was totally “out of steam” by the end. I did get a chance to speak to some relatives (especially Helen Nolan – the grandmother) but I didn’t go to the reception.

I stopped in to see Rick and Peg Jensen (more cousins) and I intended to go right home but after I sat for awhile, my breathing was normal. Peg made spagetti carbonara (my favorite!) and their daughter, Kate came by as did Rick’s brother, Russ, who was up because his mother in law, Pat is in the hospital. Please keep her in your prayers. We had a great visit and I drove home feeling much better.

I had the 7:30am Mass on Pentecost and had a very good homily. Afterwards, I drove over to Stone Ridge school to have the 10:30am Mass to welcome new families to next years’ student body. I drove over early and rested before and after. I was tired but didn’t want to go back and take a nap as I had been invited to a 3pm birthday party for Carlo Mancuso. It was down in Herdon; so I decide just to drive down and I got there around 1pm. I said, “I know I’m early,I’ll just sit here and do all the work I’m sure you have”. But Donny made Carlo and I just sit and talk and we really “caught up”. Later a couple of others arrived (among them Doug and Kathleen Hanratty) and we all had a great meal and good conversation. Around 5pm, I headed home and was in bed by 7pm. It had been a very nice day.

Today, I had the 11am Mass and except for lunch and supper downstairs, I spent most of the day up here in my suite, just relaxing and reading.

Tomorrow, I have the 11am again and then “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. Our topic is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Then I plan to drive down to Maggie’s for crabs with Rick and Shirley and the gang.

I was mistaken about Eileen’s surgery, it was today and I haven’t gotten any news; keep her and Jay in your prayers.

As I went to bed last Sunday night, I opened my frig and seeing it clear of the pile of ice that had been on it; I felt like I had accomplished something.

On Monday, I had the 11am Mass and took the rest of the day off. I worked on my taxes and cleared up my bedroom. I even went to supper downstairs.

On Tuesday, I again had the 11am Mass and then I took a nap because I knew I would be tired and wouldn’t feel like going to the pastoral center and I wanted to.

After the nap, I did drive over to the center and I was glad I did. I vested for Mass but sat in the back row for the whole Mass. It was the annual jubilee Mass for priests celebrating 25, 40, 50 and 60 years since ordination. I knew a number of the guys and so I wanted to be present. After the Mass, there are cocktails (which I didn’t go to) and a very nice dinner. I sat with Fr. Trancone and Fr. Ingle, Fr. Kevin O’Reilly, Msgr. Jack McFarland, Fr. John Hurley, and Fr. Joe Perkins. We had a great time but I was tired and so I went home immediately afterwards.

On Wednesday, I had the 11am Mass and then drove over to Columbia and met Eileen (Lee) and Jay Baughan for lunch. It has been too long since I last saw them and we had a great time. Keep them in your prayers as Eileen will have surgery on the 22nd because of cancer. We are all very hopeful!

On the way home, I stopped to see Msgr. Beattie who had returned to Our Lady of Lourdes rectory earlier that day. He did very well at the rehab and can walk (with a walker). He is glad to be home and will go up and down the corridor to continue improving his legs. He can not do the stairs yet but they are planning to put in a chair lift like I have that will help him with the 9 steps. I’m just so glad he’s back and walking. Keep him in your prayers.

Today is my day off and so I had arranged with Msgr. Tom Kane to meet him in Annapolis and go over and take Marie Smith out to lunch. She is living now on the Eastern shore. The bridge traffic was terrible and it took a long time to get over but we had a great time and laughed and “remembered when” about the days at St. Bernard’s. Fr. Tom and I had a chance to talk about the church going over and back and that was fun.

I had planned to go to Maggie’s. Rick (my brother-in-law), and a friend, Shirley (whom I met at Easter) were coming up for a reunion and we were planning to get together for crabs. That didn’t work out and so I came home and tried to clean up my desk again.

I just finished with “Jeopardy” and now I’m heading to bed. Very tired.

Monday was Mrs. McManus’s funeral. She was 97 and a great lady. Even though she outlived many of her friends from her youth, her funeral was full because she kept making new contacts and friends up till her death. We went to Mt. Olivet cemetery for her burial. As I too, will be buried there, I stopped by my paternal grandparents grave and said a prayer and tried to figure where my name could be added. On the way home, I stopped to see Msgr. Beattie at the National Rehab Hospital. He is SO improved and is doing very well with his therapy. Relaxing evening with reading and TV.

On Tuesday, I switched Masses with Fr. D’Silva. He took the 11 because he had a funeral. I took his 5:30pm. I usually have the 11 on Tuesdays because “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” are after it in our senior citizen rooms. Since I didn’t have the Mass, I came over a little early (around 11:30) and had a nice “pre-talk” with a small group. The rest came in as the funeral ended because they went to the Mass. Our topic was “Marian devotions” and it was great to hear people talking about processions, and rosaries, and May altars in the home. As always, it is great to remember our growing up as Catholics.

On Wednesday, after the 11am Mass, I drove up to Philly. It was a beautiful day for a trip. I got to Joe’s about 4pm and just relaxed. Then he and I went to Marco Polo to meet Joanie Hinkel and Mary Black for dinner. Joanie has been a friend for over 40 years and we don’t get together often enough but when we do, it’s like we’ve been together the week before. Mary and Bernie (her husband who died late last year) are friends from the days when Joe lived in the apartment before he got married. We (Terry, John and I) use to go there for Thanksgiving dinner and then it was an “open house” till all hours and neighbors and friends from LaSalle came by. We sang and talked and laughed. Those were great day and those friendships have endured.

On Thursday, Joe and I went to a nearby cafe and had a wonderful breakfast (with pork roll!!). The as he was going to the university for a meeting; I drove down to Grevetti’s, a store that specializes in clerical clothes. I got my Monsignor outfit here. When Martino, our seminarian heard I was going to Philly; he asked if I might pick up a collar for him there. It is in South Philly, so I stopped at the Melrose Diner, where John spends a lot of time. He wasn’t there but I left a message with Marge, the waitress. She got it to him!!

I was proud of getting to downtown and back on my own. Philly is not like downtown DC, where there is a plan how it’s laid out. When I got home, I watched “on demand”, which is really neat. I got too update myself on “The good wife” and “Blue blood”, both of which I really enjoy but had missed the last shows – and now I saw them.
At 7pm, Joe and I went to the restaurant and met Terry and John, who had been at a wake at the sisters at Chesnut Hill. They do a great wake that is the sharing of stories – like the Trinitarians do – and people love it. Supper was great and we had delicious food. – I just realized that this blog is full of me having meals out – that might explain my girth!!!
I did a lot of reading of books that Joe had gotten to judge for a publishing company. It was very relaxing at Joe’s house, which some call “the retreat”. It is on a cul-da-sac and full of trees.

On Friday, Joe and I drove over to Ponzio’s, a diner in Jersey, where we met John and another nice visit. Then we headed to DC. I dropped Joe off at Union Station, where he met up with his son, Tim, who works for CCN. They were going to supper and then Joe was taking the train back to Philly.
I went over to see Msgr. Beattie. Maria, who was the cook when he was at St. Bart’s, was there. I use to love to come there for pasta. We haven’t seen each other for a couple of years. Msgr was greatly improved and walking without assisance. I think he might be there another week and then he might go home. Thanks for all those prayers – keep them coming.

On Saturday, we had three First Communion Masses – about 30 children at each Mass. I concelebrated them and presided and preached at the last one at 1pm. It was so great to see them – and to hear the other two priests preach. I don’t get a chance to do that often and there are always ideas to steal!!!
Afterwards, I had a 3:30 baptism. Nice big family and of course, I knew some of the relatives because of GC.
Please keep John William and his family in your prayers.
Then I had the 5:30pm Mass. I think I had a good homily on Ascension. When I got home, I ate soup, watched TV and was in bed by 8pm.

This morning, I woke very refreshed and came to do the 10:30pm Mass. Fr. Peter Ryan, SJ was home visiting and concelebrated. His brother, Bill was a seminarian at Queen of Peace, when I was stationed there. He is now a missionary in Africa, even though a priest of our Archdiocese. Brian Mulholland was also there, even though he had inadvertently gone to the 5:30pm on Saturday; he said my “Pete and Tom” homily was even better than last night. He is such a support to me and always helps me at the altar.

Happy Mothers’ Day to all those special women who give us life and/or make our lives worth living.

I’ve been sitting here since Mass and getting this article together so I can go back to my room, defrost my refrigerator, finish my taxes, watch some TV, and go to bed early. I’ve had a busy week.

I got up early this morning and took some CheeseIts to Fr. Beattie. He called last night and said that he does usually eat them but there have been lots of adds on TV for them and he just a “hankering for m”. God love her, I picked up Joan W at her house and she stayed with the car while I was in the ReHab hospital. Parking is so far away that I didn’t want to show up at his room breathing heavy. It was before visiting hours but my collar got me in. As I left, I asked, “What time do visiting hours start?” The nice guard who had let me in said, “Noon”. Ah, the power of the collar!!

I had an appointment in my office at 10:30 and then I went over to Maplewood, a very nice senior residence near St. Jane de Chantel church. My friends, Antonia and John Bass had invited me to join them for the Sunday brunch. It was lovely and we were joined by ‘Bunny’ a friend of Antonia, who also lives there. She was born in Hungary and was very interesting. Bunny’s daughter, Suzanne and her husband, Jim and their adult son, Nick, who lives in New York rounded out our table. Jim was a provost at Catholic Universitity and we had many friends in common. He is orginally for Alabama and actually knew the places that I had visited a few weeks ago. It was a delightful excursion. I did go and take a nap afterwards as I had the 5:30pm Mass tonight and the pollen is still terrible.

I just finished Mass and used the oxygen and I am going to DeVol funeral home to say prayers for Peggy. I have her funeral on Monday. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Where does the time go??? I was talking with Joan B last night and she told me that I hadn’t written anything in Paddy since Monday. I looked it up and discovered that I hadn’t written. I don’t know why; I have had the time. I think my introvert is working overtime and when I think about my day at night-time, when I am praying; I think I wrote about it. I will try to be more attentive and organized.

Having said that; let me bring you up to date on the week.

On Tuesday, I drove up to St. Mary’s school in Laurel to watch Abby Chambers and her classmates in the middle school march, run, and walk around the parish center in a “walkathon” to raise money for the school. She had sent me a flyer and I sent a check to sponsor her; but on Monday afternoon, I called the school to see when the walk was and if people could come and watch. They said, “Sure”. So I went and I’m glad I did. Her dad, Bob,whom I taught at G.C. was there as was the principal, Jim Pavlacka, whom I know, and the pastor, Msgr. Mike Mellone, whom I was stationed with at Queen of Peace and is a good friend. We talked and laughed as the students charged by to the sound of loud – very loud music. It was a treat!!

Then I went and got my haircut. I’ve needed one for over a month but just couldn’t fit it in. I can see why women love to have their hair done; I felt relaxed and clean and fresh with the hairs off my ears and the beard trimmed nicely. I had the 5:30pm Mass and I preached on the Acts of the Apostles, which I love to re-read. Early to bed.

On Wednesday, I had the 11am Mass and preached about St. Joseph, on his feast as “The Worker”. I come to love him more and more. Also he is the patron of a happy death and I do desire that. After Mass, I went to the John Vianney House for the monthly “old priest” meeting and luncheon. I had a great time, as I always do. I had a chance to sit with Msgr. Tom Kane and we’ve made plan to get together and go visit Marie Smith, another St. Bernard’s friend.

When I got home, I called and talked to Msgr. Beattie. He is settled in at the National Rehab center and he is feeling good about being there. So am I!!

Thursday was my day off, so I drove to Live casino in Arundel Mill and met Sister Kass. We had lunch at the Cheesecake factory and caught up. She had knee surgery and will have another in June. She is making a great recovery. We played the slots a little. I lost about $6.00. Not bad!!

Then I drove to see Fr. Beattie. He did real well at the therapy and walked up two steps. They have him on a tough regiment but his therapist said, “He’ll walk out of here in 8 to 10 days”. That would be an answer to many people’s prayers. Paul Rao, who is head of the hospital came in to visit Father. Paul and I were classmates at St. Vincent’s. We’ve seen each other over the years but I had forgotten that he was at the Rehab place. He’s a good guy.

I was going to visit Fr. Trancone but the pollen was terrible and I needed to get home and use the oxygen; so I had to put that off. Was glad to sleep in the air-conditioned room with the oxygen.

On Friday, I met with a parishioner, who has been dealing with health issues and she brought me up to date. She is strong and has been a good example of faith and determination. Keep Ellen in your prayers. I had the Mass at Chevy Chase House at 1:30pm and Joan W. drove me over and back.
I did exposition for Martino as he was busy being in the “ducking pond” at the school’s mission fair. It was great weather for it and many people came. It is the 71st annual fair. The proceeds go to the Sisters of the Holy Cross missions in India. Sister Rose, whom I know through the family retreats, came by and we had a nice visit. She was principal here before I came.

After supper, I came and met with a young man for spiritual direction. It was a good visit and good discussion. Keep Stephen in your prayers. I read for awhile and went to bed around 11pm.

This morning, Saturday, I discovered that I hadn’t taken my pills yesterday. I have to find some way to make a routine for pill taking. I have a box – that’s how I noticed that Friday still had all its pills – but I need a routine that makes me go to the box. “Every day in many ways, I get more like Msgr. Eckert”.

I have a baptism at 1pm. Keep Maeve Marie in your prayers. I may go to the party as this is part of a big family that I love. It will depend on the pollen. I have the 5:30pm Mass.

This week I spent a lot of time on the phone talking with people and catching up. One of them was Eileen Lee Baughan, who has some serious medical issues. Please keep her in your prayers. I hope to see her next week and I’ll update you.

Well, I think that brings you up to date. I will try harder to be faithful to writing.

Everything that I mentioned last time that was scheduled, went very well on Saturday but I was glad to come back to the rectory and relax with the oxygen.

Then we had a wonderful dinner that was prepared by Martino. John Williams, the other seminarian joined Fr. Ron, Fr. Lucas and myself. He made veal and pasta carbonara (two of my favorites) and tiramasu. We laughed and talked till very late (for me). I think it was 8:30pm

I had the 7:30am Mass on Sunday and I used the oxygen because of the pollen. After Mass, I worked in my office and got the paperwork on weddings up to date, lowered the paper pile by throwing a lot away, and found some important papers I was looking for. It was nice to have the room looked “ordered”. I’m sure JoEddy will tease me about it later today.

Then I had the 12:30pm Mass and my homily was on the word, “glory”, which I looked up and did some reflecting on because of a great homily that was on the St. Vincent web page. I think it went well.

At 2pm, I had two baptisms. Please keep Ella and Max and their families in your prayers.

I had a nice long talk with Fr. Beattie and I’m hopeful that later today, he will be able to get accepted at the National Rehabilitation Center near Catholic U.

I went to bed early and had a good nights sleep. Today, it has rained and driven some of the pollen away. I had the exposition at 3pm and the 5:30pm Mass, so I think I’ll work on my taxes.

Fr. Ron and Martino are away today on a bus trip to St. Mary’s county. It think the group is about 45. Last years was so well liked that they decided to have another one to different churches. I don’t think the drizzle will put a damper on the trip.

I also have a Mass at 6:30pm for the RCIA people. Then there is a supper afterwards in the parish center. It will be nice to see all of them, since I was away at Easter and didn’t get to be with them on the Vigil as they entered the church.

I think it will be another early to bed night!

The pollen was terrible this week and I had a “dull headache” most of the time. If I didn’t have to be up and doing things, I got in bed, put on the oxygen, and just lounged around. So now, I need to bring you up to date.

On Tuesday, I had my “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. We had a great discussion about Pope Francis. I got together a biography on him and some wonderful stories about his life since becoming Pope. There are lots of charming stories about his interactions with people. He really is a breath of fresh air.

I had two interviews about first communion and then the 5:30pm Mass. I went to bed early.

On Wednesday, I kept calling Fr. Beattie all day and they kept telling me that he wasn’t answering his phone. Late that night, I found out he was back in Georgetown Hospital. I am not impressed by the Washington Home.

I had my last two interviews and now we are getting ready for First Communion. I will be the presider at the 1pm session on May 11th.

I spent much of the day working on the cruise we’re hoping to go on in July. I, again, went to bed early because of the pollen.

On Thursday, we had a great Mass at 10am in the chapel to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Thelma Mattingly’s death. Her children and a grandchild came from the Carolinas and Virginia and my sisters, Maggie and Marie came. Also Thelma’s sister and niece and a cousin and his wife came. After Mass, we all went to a very nice lunch at Mrs. K’s and laughed and talked till 3pm. The Mattingly’s and the O’Connell’s were like one family. Our Dads were both U.S. Marshalls and our Moms were like sisters. It was great to be with them.

I came home and sat with the priests at the supper table. I didn’t eat but we had great discussions will after 8pm. Fr. Jim, from Scranton and Fr. Dillion, from St. Mark’s joined us and it was a delightful time. Turned on the airconditioner to avoid the pollen.

This morning, I finally had a chance to talk with Fr. Beattie. I am trying to help him move to another rehab. I’m waiting to hear from Dr. Higgin’s, my orthopedic man about a place for Father. Please keep that in your prayers.

I had the 11am Mass today and then a wedding rehearsal at 4pm. It’s a wedding that Fr. Beattie was going to do; so I’m a substitute. The girl was from St. Camillus and so I know her family as well. Her Mom is the kindergarten teacher here. Please keep Kelly and Jimmy in your prayers.

I’ll go to bed soon as I have 8am Mass on Saturday, a baptism at noon, and the wedding at 4pm. I will have to use the oxgyen throughout the day and will be ready for early bed.

I’ll write again on Sunday.

Thursday, I picked up Joan B and we drove up to visit Betty Neary. Her daughter, Mary joined us for lunch at the Mason/Dixon diner. We had a great time and a very good meal. We then visited Betty at her new apartment, which is so much nicer than the “dark” place she use to have. It is so bright and airy. Joan and I got back around 5pm. (I don’t know how people survive the beltway every day) Traffic was terrible but it was a beautiful day for a trip.

I joined the priests for supper and Ryan, our seminarian from two years ago joined us. I offered to drive him back to Catholic University. It gave us a chance to talk and again was a nice night for a ride. I stopped in to see Msgr. Beattie, figuring that the parking would not be as bad as usual. It wasn’t but it was after 9pm and he was already in bed. So I just said hello and told him I’d return.

Friday, I had Mass at 11am and then drove over to Bethesda to meet my cousins, Ann and Jean. Jean had brought some neighbors who knew other cousins and we had a nice lunch and talk. However, it did take me 25 minutes to find a parking space to join them. I’m scratching that restaurant off my list. I really wish I didn’t have to drive anywhere around Washington. When it’s not congested, they’re doing repairs and the backup is terrible.

I had some more interviews and then I had the 5:30pm Mass. I was ready for bed.

On Saturday, I met a young couple whose wedding I will perform in December. Have to get that paperwork done!!!
Then I had the 11am Mass and afterwards, went back to see Monsignor. The handicap space was available and so I was able to park near the door. He was in great spirits and, because of the exercises, has been able to walk (with assistance). Each day it gets better. I wish he was where there was a pool because I think he’d do even more but for now, any thing that gets him walking again is good.

After my visit, I went to St. Mary’s church in Rockville where I baptized Carrick. His grandmother’s family – (the Rossi’s)- were a great Italian family from Greensburg, Pa. I taught CCD in their parish and through one of daughter, Tish, Tom Kredel and I were “adopted” and came for spaghetti almost every Sunday afternoon. This child is Joanne, the other daughter and her husband, Mike’s grandchild. The service was very nice and afterwards, we went to Kate, Ryan, and Carrick’s house for a nice luncheon. I got the chance to meet lots of Ryan’s family (he is a graduate of Mt. St. Joe’s – a Xavierian school in Baltimore) and many of Kate’s classmates from Elon University in South Carolina. It was great fun.

I think I was in bed by 8pm.

On Sunday, I had the 10:30am Mass. There was a baptism during Mass; so please keep Ethan Samuel and his family in your prayers. Peter, our deacon preached and it was very good. He keeps improving and moves away from his notes. He included the baptism in his homily and that made the family feel very welcomed!

Then I drove down to Jesus, the Good Shepherd parish to concelebrate the 2pm Mass for First Communion. Fr. Mike King is very hospitable and each child comes forward with their families and receives individually. When it was time for Bradley, I came over and gave him the Eucharist. It was very nice. He is the son of Ann Marie and Mike Jenkins and Maggie’s grandson. He had lots of his relatives there. We went to Chesapeake Beach for a nice early dinner. I think there were about 28 people. Lots of laughter and good food!

On the way home, I stopped in and visited Joan B and Ginny. Sue and Scot were there also and we had a nice visit. Again, I was ready for bed.

This morning, I said the 8:15am Kindergarten Mass for Earth Day at Stone Ridge. I love to do things there. It’s always well done and enthusiastic. Then I went and got a new PIN # for my ATM card, which is new. Then I had lunch with a good friend, a nap and now I am interviewing First Communicants. I think this week might be the end of that. I have enjoyed them greatly.

I have the 5:30pm Mass and then a couple who I met during the Wednesday night “The Light is on for you” Lenten program is coming to see me about blessing their marriage. God’s grace is so wonderful!!!

I think it will be another early to bed night.

I slept great on Sunday and came over late on Monday for the 11am Mass. I love that we are reading the Acts during this time. It makes me proud of how couragious the Apostles and the early disciples were.

The rest of the day was easy. I interviewed 11 First Communicants and that is always a delight. I’m trying to clean this desk but the stuff keeps multiplying! Spent the evening talking on the phone and relaxing. Had a great long talk with Ann Lee in Florida and caught up on all her family.

Tuesday, I had the 11am Mass and I preached about violence and we prayed for the people in Boston. Then I had “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. We shared our thoughts and feelings about violence and forgiveness. There were some wonderful stories of people who experienced terrible events and yet forgave or tried to forgive. I shared a power point that I had received that morning about 4 candles. Three (Peace, Faith, and Love) had gone out but the last (Hope) was used to rekindle the flames of the others. I just told it because I don’t know how to print out a power point; but I got email addresses and mailed it to many of them. We had a wonderful session.

Then I interviewed 8 First Communicants. They just “rekindled” my hope for the future of the world and the Church. In the evening, I met with Kelly and Jimmy about their wedding in two weeks. Msgr. Beattie had married her parents and baptized her; and they wanted him to officiate at the wedding. He just isn’t up to that yet, so I am “going in” for him. Poor substitute!

On Tuesday, Brother Francis, the principal of San Miguel School called to see if I could “sub” for a priest who was scheduled to say Mass for the boys, and had to cancel out at the last moment. I said sure.

So today, Wednesday, I stopped by Collin’s Funeral home to arrange for some memorial cards for a Mass next week and then drove to San Miguel. It is on Georgia Ave in Takoma Park. I’ve been there to hear confessions and I am really impressed by the work the Christian Brothers do there. The school is for 6 thru 8th. It is all boys and most of Hispanic. Almost all the 8th graders get into Catholic High Schools and that isn’t easy!!! Keep all there in your prayers.

I just put out the Blessed Sacrament and am doing more interviews until Mass at 5:30pm. Then I will go to a local Greek restaurant and meet the parents of a couple whose wedding I have in June. The couple wants us all to get together and I think it will be fun to all be together.

Tomorrow, Thursday I’ll pick up Joan B around 9:30 and head North. We’ll stop at my travel agent to settle some things about a cruise our group would like to take in July and then we’re going up to Shrewsbury and have lunch with Betty Neary. It’s my day off and I get to play on that day. I’ll write on Friday.

I had a great time at the reception and saw three old friends from the seminary, Tom Clouse, Paul Rao, and Bob Madoff and their wives. I sat with a couple from the parish as well as Joe’s Mom, Florence, whom I really enjoyed laughing and talking with. She still lives in New Castle and is a native Pittsburgher. Joe and Pat sat with us, as did their older son’s in laws and two of their grandsons. It was a wonderful wedding and celebration.

I have to admit, I left around 9pm (as senior priests are allowed to do) and I went to my room, took a nice hot bath and relaxed. I think I was asleep before the 11pm news. I slept well and left around 8am.

I stopped to see how Msgr. Beattie was doing. He was having breakfast and looking very good. He did his therapy on Friday and Saturday and was very pleased with his improvement. So was I. We had a nice visit and then I returned for the 10:30am Mass in the gym.

In my homily, I spoke about friendship with Jesus and how it leads us to do what Peter and the other apostles eventually did – to follow him, as he called them to do today in the gospel. I shared with them a story going around Rome about our new Holy Father. It goes:

A few days ago, at dawn, the time the Pope wakes up, he came out to the corridor, and he found in front of his door the sentry, a Swiss Guard standing with his halberd at attention.

He asked him: “And what are you doing here? Have you been up all night?”

“Yes,” replied the guard with deference and a bit surprised.

“On your feet?”

“Your Holiness, my duty since I took over from my companion.”

“And aren’t you tired?”

“It’s my duty Your Holiness; I should watch for your safety.”

Pope Francis looked at him again with kindness, went back to his suite and after a minute he came out carrying a chair: “At least sit down and rest.”

The guard rolled his eyes and answered: “Santo Padre, forgive me, but I cannot! The regulations do not allow that.”

“The regulations?”

“Orders from my captain, Your Holiness.”

The Pope smiled, “Oh, really? Well, I’m the Pope and I order you to sit down.”

So, caught between the regulations and the Pope, the Swiss Guard (so much for the halberd) chose the chair.

The Pope returned to his apartment.

After a couple of minutes, the Pope came back to the Swiss Guard, still obediently seated on the chair, carrying “panino con marmellata” (Italian bread with jam) which he had prepared. Before the soldier could say anything, the Holy Father, exhibiting his Argentinean smile, told the Swiss Guard, “With all the hours spent standing on guard you must be a bit hungry.” The Swiss Guard had no time to object because the Pope right away wished him a good bite: “Bon appetit, brother.”

As Fr. Michael Roach says of stories he shares in Church History, if a students asks “is it true”; he responds, “if it isn’t, it should be”.

I’m sure this is true because Pope Francis is a friend of Jesus and follows Him. May we do likewise.

After Mass, lots of people asked where I got the story and I directed them to Whispers in the loggia. It is wonderful.

I’ve been relaxing here in the office and working on my taxes (my dear friend, Mary Rose has gotten me an extension) but I am still trying to gather information for her.

Now off to the rectory and some food and a nap.

Hope all of you are having a glorious Spring.