Such A Long Time!
Dear and Gentle Reader, you might have been wondering what was going on with me, in such a long absence here. Well, I assure you, I'm alive, well - reasonably so - and still kicking - when my arthritic knees allow. So, let me catch up as best I can.
Farewell!
Since my absence we have bid farewell to both Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Pell. I'm sure our prayers for their eternal repose have helped them on their journey home. Benedict's scholarly work will continue to enrich the Church for centuries to come. Unlike some of his Germanic counterparts, his theological writings were rather easily read and digested. As for Cardinal Pell, whilst he had his detractors, I was so glad that he was legally vindicated against the unjust charges of abuse. I do not think I would have had the patience and grace to endure the unjust solitary confinement he was subject to for fourteen months! May God rest both of these shepherds and reward their work! I'm sure that for such shepherds as these, the Lord will grant them a share in His glory.
Congratulations!
As one of His Majesty's Canadian subjects, I rose early on Saturday, May 6th, to watch the celebration of the Coronation in all its glory. For one, it's a once in a lifetime event, for another, I'm a monarchist, and wouldn't miss it for the world! I was pleased to see that there was much in the liturgy that was Catholic, from the gift of a relic of the True Cross from the Pope which was enshrined in the silver Cross of Wales used to lead the procession, to Byrd's "Gloria in Excelsis", to Cardinal Nichols' prayer of blessing, to the presence of Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State, as the Pope's personal representative, to the borrowed Copes (yes, Westminster Abbey did borrow them from the Catholic Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood in Westminster). It was the most Catholic of British coronations since that of Queen Mary I, in the sixteenth century. I pray God grant His Majesty long life, happiness, and health as he serves the peoples of his various realms and territories.
Yet another farewell.
The time of mid-May was a sad one for me. On Saturday, May 13th, one of my former students lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident. Jacob was only 24, and the only child of his parents. I remember him as one who had a ready smile and loved to make others laugh. He helped so many others in his work as a physical therapist. Pray for the repose of his soul, and for the comfort of his parents, family, and friends.
Then on Monday, May 15th, I received a long-expected call from my sister that my mother had finally entered into eternity. Mom had suffered from dementia for years, and my brother & his family, my sister, and I knew it wouldn't get any better. We were all steeled against the news, and yet, even though mom's suffering ended - which was a relief - the loss is still felt.
Mom was 87, so she did have a good, long life, in mostly good health until the last years. I have to mention that my sister was her full-time care-giver for the last three years. That is truly a sacrifice of love, and will be rewarded by our Good God. The family is still working out details as to the date of the funeral Mass and burial, and hopefully that will be finished sometime today.
Mom was in many ways ordinary, and yet extraordinary. She grew up during the Great Depression, and World War II, and was formed by those tremendous events. Nothing was wasted, and if it could be reused or repaired, it was kept. She made sure that her family was loved, well clothed, well fed, and well educated. She lived as a wife for 39 years, and as a widow for 26 years since Dad's death. She truly had a mother's love for me and my siblings. In every conversation I had with her over the past several decades of my priestly ministry she would always ask if I were well, if I were happy, and always to be careful when driving. In the eyes of the world, she did nothing noteworthy, but in the eyes of God and her family, her love was priceless and of eternal value. As a woman of faith, she was graced with receiving Holy Anointing twice, along with her Lord in Holy Communion. Thank God for the gift of His sacraments! It's the best way we have in preparing to meet the Lord in eternity.
That insidious disease dementia began to slowly but surely, steal the Mom we knew away. There was not only the decline in her mental faculties, but also the change in personality. I hope and pray that one day soon science may find a cure for it, or at least a way to halt it. I believe that Mom did the majority of her purgatory here, not to mention the many headaches we, our children, gave her. As for myself, I'm doing well, and am at peace with Mom's death. Life here does not end, but is changed. I truly believe it, and am banking on it!
As her death crept nearer, I commended her to the care of St. Joseph, patron of a Happy Death, as well as Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted, along with Mom's own patron saints. I'm sure they were all there to help escort her into the presence of Our Lord. Please pray for her, and for my family, and for all who suffer due to dementia - patients, family, and care-givers alike.
So, there we are. Caught up for now. Until my next rambling, Dear and Gentle Reader, take care and love deeply!
In Christ,
Father P
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