I’ve spent a bit of time in Rockville Centre again this Summer. It’s always good to catch up with people – some I know from home and others from my visits here. There’s a circle that I try to complete each year – people to meet here in the parish, in New York, Richmond, Virginia, Boston – that’s enough to be going on with. I think if I didn’t meet them, that something would be missing – that something is connection. I believe in that very much. It is very important to keep in touch with people in whatever way is possible.
Yesterday I met a couple who were celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. I didn’t know them but they asked me to celebrate Mass with them. A family member was due to be with them to do this but he got delayed in traffic and they asked if I’d fill in. I was happy to do so.
It was a wonderful gathering. There was such happiness in the Liturgy and you could see this couple wanted to praise God for their married life. They each read one of the Scripture Passages (only once before did I hear a couple read like this – at their own Wedding celebration) and it was very special. Their three children assisted in the Mass, bringing up the gifts and, though older now, one of the sons went back to his days of serving Mass and assisted me in no small way. One of the most memorable moments was when the three children – two sons and a daughter – came to the Ambo and sang together the Salve Regina.
I’m happy I met this couple. They said they’d like to meet again and I truly hope we will. For now, I wish them well and thank them for inviting me to share a very special moment with their families and friends.
I also had the chance to spend a bit of time with my cousins who live here in the parish. Over the past number of years it has been my joy to be involved in a number of special family events, including three weddings and two baptisms. Recently I baptized the second daughter of one of the couples. I met them for dinner in the family home and was happy to meet my young friend again …..
It’s good to connect …. that’s what “community” is all about. Whilst I enjoy these days very much, they remind me of how lucky I am to have such good friends at home and in the parish as well.
I pray and hope that I would never take any of it for granted.
Emily’s mother sent me this photo so thought I’d include it too …
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