The memory of a good visit

     Years ago on one of my visits to California, we visited the Mission of San Juan Capistrano in southern California.  As so often happens, it was a beautiful day as we toured the Mission grounds and the church with its lovely ornate altar piece.  Later we had lunch at a restaurant across the street from the Mission entrance.  This is the same place made famous by the yearly return (migration) of swallows from a place in Mexico to this very location, the return takes place on the Feast of Saint Joseph every March 19th, and has been celebrated since the 1930's.

     This good memory comes to mind today as the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint John of Capistrano, for whom the California Mission was named.  Saint John was born in Capistrano in the Abruzzi region of Italy in 1386.  He studied law in Perugia and served as governor there.  Inspired by the example of Saint Francis of Assisi and his followers, he entered the Order of Friars Minor.  Ordained a priest, he led a life of untiring preaching and ministry throughout all of Europe.  He sought to encourage the Christian Life and to refute heresy.  He died in Austria in 1456.

     From a writing of his entitled "Mirror of the Clergy" Saint John

said of priests:  "You are the light of the world.  Now a light does not illumine itself, but instead it diffuses its rays and shines all around upon everything that comes into its view.   So it must be with the glowing lives of upright and holy clerics.  By the brightness of their holiness they must bring light and serenity to all who gaze upon them.  They have been placed here to care for others.  Their own lives should be an example to others, showing how they must live in the house of the Lord."

     Yesterday I joined with many people from a number of parishes from throughout the Diocese to celebrate with Father James Bump his seventy-fifth birthday and his fortieth anniversary of ordination.  Father Bump is a good friend, and is a model of what Saint John of Capistrano spoke of in the words above.  His ministry, even in retirement, is a continued bringing of the light of Christ to a waiting world.  His celebration was a great event, and we wish him well.

     Please pray for Father Bump, for your priests, and please pray for me.