Earlier today I met people for the first time. They’re a family from Richmond, Virginia and friends of my aunt (Mary Margaret) who lives there. Mary Margaret asked me sometime ago if I’d meet them since they were coming to Ireland to celebrate the parents’ 30th Wedding Anniversary. Needless to say, I was happy to do so.
Contacted by Kay, the wife and mother, she asked if I’d say a prayer with them on June 14th since that was the day her husband had proposed marriage. I said I’d be happy to do so, aware that the same date would be my 26th Anniversary of Ordination. What better way to mark the day than in the living of the ministry and the sharing of a blessing.
It was a simple gathering – just Pat and Kay, with their daughters, son, son-in-law and granddaughter. We shared a few thoughts, said a prayer, sought a blessing and marked a milestone. We went to Ballaghaderreen for lunch and that too was very pleasant.
Later I took them to Templeronan Cemetery since they wanted to visit John Shannon’s grave (my uncle and the husband of Mary Margaret). I was especially happy to go there since it gave me the chance to say a prayer at Mary and Bill’s grave too. I remember their presence with me twenty-six years ago. May they rest in peace. Amen.