Let it snow; let it snow...

In these days of early December of 2009 I can't help but be transported to December of 2008. And so many things keep happening to remind me of last year. As mentioned in an earlier post, I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary as a Permanent Deacon. And, yes, being human, I do often catch myself remembering with great affection, those days leading up to ordination and then ordination day itself.

So what does this have to do with snow. Well my friends, it snowed here last night. And while this was not a big event, it did snow for about two hours and left a nice dusting all around. Most of it was gone this morning. Some of you reading this may be asking what's the big deal. Well, the big deal is I live not that far from New Orleans. In my over 50 years of being around, this is the 7th or 8th snow event in my life in my own neck of the woods. And last night's snowfall was the earliest ever in these here parts. But it brought back fond memories of last year. Yes, last year. We had a much bigger snow event on December 11, 2008 that prevented me from attending my own ordination rehearsal. I was so nervous. Would they understand? Would this be o.k.? While the entire New Orleans area received snow, my particular community had more of the white stuff and more ice so travel was hazardous at best. When we all got together the next day for our pre-ordination vigil prayer service, we commented on what a beautiful sign of God's grace we all received just two days short of ordination.

Just the other night I had another profound reminder. I assisted at the Mass of Confirmation in my home parish that was presided by Bishop Fabre. It was one year ago today that Bishop Fabre spent the weekend with all of us at our pre-ordination retreat. His sharing, praying with us and being present to us is also a great memory of that special week just a year ago.

Next Saturday my brother Deacons will gather together to mark the one year anniversary of our Ordination. I am anxious to see everyone and catch up on their ministries. I wonder if it may snow again before we get together?

One final point about snow. I mentioned that this is maybe the 8th snow event in my 50+ years. It is, however, the 3rd snow in the last 5 years, all of them in December. Global warming? Don't think so.