Summer is a time when things often slow down. Summer for this retired priest is a time when very few noteworthy things happen. But I've had a few special moments recently.
Today is the feast of Saint Martha. She was the sister of Mary and their brother Lazarus whose family were close friends of Jesus. We met them the Sunday before last in the gospel passage from chapter 10 of Luke, when Jesus stopped by their house for a visit. It was Martha who was busy with the things of hospitality. In fact, that is one of her noteworthy traits, for the Church recognizes her as a model of hospitality and a faithful disciple of Jesus. She is also the patron of housewives, waiters and waitresses.
Yesterday my sister Janie came to Greensburg for a visit. We get together often, but she hadn't been here for a few weeks. She came early in the morning and we drove over to my former parish of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church for the 11:30 Mass. It was good to be back home, and to be welcomed so warmly by many parish family members and friends, including my cousin, Deacon Jeff Cieslewicz and his wife Rose Ann, as we celebrated with the parish. Even Father John Moineaux extended a word of welcome at the end of the liturgy. It has been two years since I retired, and although the inevitable changes that have taken place since I left made me nostalgic for the old days, the warmth and faith of these good people has never changed. It was good to be home.
Last Tuesday the Benedictine Community of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe hosted their yearly "Priests' Day" at the Archabbey. This annual event held each summer gathers alumni of the Seminary as well as priests from the local dioceses.
The day began with a Mass celebrated at the Basilica Church, this year with our own bishop, Bishop Edward Malesic as presider along with Auxiliary Bishop Winters of Pittsburgh and our host, Archabbot Douglas Nowicki. Monsignor Larry Kulick preached the homily. Following Mass is a reception and then an excellent sit-down dinner. The afternoon is free and the concluding event is a wonderful cook-out in the Monastery Gardens. The crowds this year were not what they once were ... but neither are the number of priests today compared to the days of old. Martha and Mary's gift of hospitality, along with that of the Rule of Saint Benedict, is very evident in the life of our local monastic community. Our thanks to Archabbot Douglas, Father Earl, the Prior, and the entire Benedictine Community.
And for me, a few weeks ago two very special and long time friends invited my to join them for dinner at a local restaurant, Rizzo's. With Mary Ann and Deacon Bill Newhouse I enjoyed good food, a relaxing evening and continued lasting friendship. It occurs to me that I may not have thanked them properly for the evening, and I resolve to do so ASAP.
God's goodness is beyond measure, and my blessings are too numerous to be counted.
No comments:
Post a Comment