Went to Boston on Monday to visit Caroline and Guillermo, whose wedding I attended in Arlington (Virginia) last May. They live and work in the South End.
We had a pleasant evening and watched the DVD of their wedding which had just arrived that day. It was good to see again the faces and hear the voices. Married life is certainly suiting them.
- Skyline View from Carrie and Guillermo’s rooftop
Went to Mass in Holy Cross Cathedral on Tuesday morning and concelebrated with the Rector at the Cathedral Parish, Fr Kevin O’Leary. A very pleasant and welcoming man – shared coffee and a some time with him after Mass. Told him that I am a keen admirer of Cardinal O’Malley and a regular reader of his blog. Cardinal Sean lives in the same house as Fr Kevin but is away these days. Certainly it would have been a pleaure to meet him.
Mass was celebrated in a Side Chapel of the Cathedral but I had a chance to go inside the main Cathedral after Mass. It’s a spectacular building. I noticed windows depciting St Patrick and St Vincent de Paul so felt sort of an instant bond!
I celebrated Mass again on Wednesday morning and afterwards met Fr Kevin and Fr Jonathan in the Rectory. They could not have been more welcoming.
On Tuesday I met with Olivia La Grassa (Kerins) an old friend from Collooney. We had lunch in Sam La Grassa’s on Province Street – a business owned and ran by her husband’s family. After lunch we visited the JFK Library and Museum. I had been there a number of years ago with Caroline but was glad to go back – it was my suggestion – and Olivia kindly agreed. It was a very enjoyable experience and brought to life again something of JFK’s story from the acceptance of nomination in 1960 to that November Day in Dallas three years later.
After the Library visit, Olivia and Iwent to visit her sister (Edel) and family in Miton. Dan, her husband, and chidren Diarmuid and Gráinne were there. Sadly (or perhaps thankfully for them!) I had left my camera in Olivia’s car so no photographs! Had there been any, I’d have photographed Gráinne playing the fiddle (or violin!) for us with lovely renditions of Mary had a little lamb, the Kerry Polka and the Dawning of the Day. Diarmuid left to go to a friend’s birthday dinner. Dan and Edel were welcoming as ever and Edel told me she keeps an eye on this blog so seems right to mention her! Thanks for the welcome.
On the last afternoon I met with two cousins and friends from Carracastle and Collooney days. Joanne O’Connell is here for the summer and her cousin Steffi Quinn is on holidays. We met at Feneuil Hall and walked to the water’s edge where we had lunch – they didn’t know it but that was my second lunch of the day! The price I pay for friendship! Somehow I managed to clear plates on both occasions. I suggested a photo and while Steffi wasn’t in total agreement, she did stand with her cousin!
After that, I went to Back Bay Railway Station, met Carrie there again and caught the 6.45pm train back to NY. I enjoyed the few days a lot. Perhaps I should have something profound to say …. Maybe I do! Boston was lovely. It is really a beautiful city to visit and, I’m sure, live in but – for me – it was all about Caroline, Guillermo, Kevin, Jonathan, Olivia (and Rob), Dan, Edel, Gráinne, Diarmuid, Stephanie, Joanne (and some people I met that I’d not met before) … Boston is lovely but, here’s the profound if not original bit, “people make places”. Thanks to all who met me from Monday to Wednesday. A great few days.