As the Archdiocese of New Orleans continues to rejoice in a native son leading the local church, Archbishop Aymond is busy traveling across the archdiocese doing a dozen meet and greets. Tonight was "our" turn, meaning those of us who make up the West St. Tammany/Washington deanery. This is about 45 miles or so north of New Orleans, across beautiful Lake Pontchartrain via the famous 24 mile Causeway bridge.
Archbishop Aymond was gracious enough to meet with all the Priests & Deacons for a late afternoon supper before gathering at Mary Queen of Peace Church for a deanery-wide Mass. Joining the Archbishop was the remarkable 96 year young retired Archbishop Philip Hannan and the Abbot from St. Joseph Seminary College (located in the heart of our deanery) Justin Brown.
Archbishop Aymond, in introductory remarks, revealed how wonderful it is to be home and how he was greeted on his return by a well wisher with "welcome home dahlin". In his homily tonight, he spent time reflecting on forgiveness, from the reading from today's liturgy from St. Luke. It is evident that our new Archbishop is both gifted as a speaker and thorough as an exegete.
At the end of the Mass, he gave a sincere talk about vocations asking all present to join him in prayer for vocations and be specific about it.
After Mass, Aymond graciously and patiently greeted hundreds of well wishers remaining in full vestments for excited picture takers. It was a wonderful evening and one I'm glad I got to share. And it is always a wonderful experience to be gathered together in one place with brother Deacons, a few of whom I had not previously met.
I trust all will join me in prayers for Archbishop Aymond's ministry as Archbishop of New Orleans! I look forward to working with and for him as I reminded him tonight, as the successor of the Archbishop who ordained me, I pledge my support and obedience.
May God continue to Bless Archbishop Aymond and the Archdiocese of New Orleans!
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