Amazing may not adequatley describe the day God planned for me. I truly believe He planned the day and for a change, I must have benn listening. From morning to night, the focus indeed was God and His Holy Church! This morning began early as I gathered with hundreds of men at St. Rita's Church in New Orleans for an Archdiocesan sponsored Morning of Spirituality. The main speakers today were two of the coaches for the New Orleans Saints, TE coach Terry Malone and QB coach Joe Lombardi. Both men are great coaches but more importantly are men of God. Faithful Catholic husbands and fathers, these two professional football coaches know how to live life: God first, family second, career(in there case pro football) third. Both of these men discussed their journey, their family and their ability to include God, daily prayer and devotions in a busy life that gets even busier in the football season. Despite the attention they receive from their careers, and their status as the guest speakers today, both coaches made it clear that the most important part of the morning was the time spent with Jesus, in Adoration, in reconciliation and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which culminated the morning.
I ventured across the river that seperates New Orleans to be present for the majority of the day that our 2012 class of soon to be deacons. I've commented before how I have an opportunity to support and facilitate these classes and have grown very close to all 20 of these men and their wives. Today they tackled the aspects of Canon Law and then discuss spirituality based on the second beatitude.
From there I drove back across the river, then Lake Pontchartrain to catch the evening activities at the Abbey Youth Festival. I first attended this Festival many years ago as a Knights of Columbus volunteer then as a dad for my daughter for several years. Since my 2008 ordination, this is the 1st year I was able to return. I arrived in time to hear the closing comments of Archbishop Aymond at the end of the Mass. He encouraged vocations and asked for those youth who were open to the possibility of a religious vocation to come forward for a blessing. I easily estimate the number of those who came forward at 150. By the way, the reported attendance was 5,000 youth from all over Louisiana and several other southern states. The evening culminated with the beautiful chanting of 1st vespers and then the beauty of candle-light adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by Benediction.
How can I not be awe inspired and profoundly thankful to God for these amazing opportunities He places in my life. How can I not spread the word that yes, Catholic men will indeed come forward, even on a Saturday morning, in fellowship and praise of the God who loves them. How can I not talk about 5,000 youth, giving up an entire Saturday, to praise and worship the living God and spend time in prayer, reconciliation, Mass, Adoration & Benediction.
I will share this day often and pray that it never be erased from my memory!
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