Pope Leo XIV moves on to Rimini and the Meeting of Friendships Among Peoples

 

Pope Leo greeting crowds at the Rimini Meeting 2026  (@VATICAN MEDIA)

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• pastoral visit
• Italy

Pope to Rimini Meeting: Our identity as God’s children unites us

During his visit to the Rimini Meeting of Friendships Among Peoples, Pope Leo XIV urges the participants to always love the Church and commends young people who with their love for Christ and the Church, attract others to the faith.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Leo XIV addressed participants in the 47th “Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples” on Saturday afternoon at the Rimini Exhibition Centre.

The Pope's visit to the week-long event, organized annually by the Communion and Liberation Movement at the end of August, takes place in the context of his Pastoral Visit to the Republic of San Marino and to the city of Rimini.

In his remarks to the Meeting, the Pope encouraged those present in their faith and urged them to learn from Jesus' example of promoting peace in times of conflict and injustice.

"Today too, peace is fostered and spread by people who love to encounter one another and are not afraid to engage with one another.  In his Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis taught us to cultivate social friendship, which is the public, dynamic and concrete expression of fraternity."

“Before borders, definitions, and institutions, there are always people.”

"When we recognize one another in the dignity of being children of God," Pope Leo observed, "we come into contact with that which fundamentally unites human beings, beyond every difference, division or conflict."

'Evil is not fought with evil'

The Pope reminded those present that "love moves" and reflected on how Jesus described the perfection of God, revealing the gulf between the generosity of his action and the narrowness of human thoughts.

Reality, he noted, suffocates within our calculations and breathes in God’s gratuitousness.

The Holy Father said it is "no coincidence" that my predecessors—Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis—all pointed to divine mercy as the point of impact between the Gospel and the “new things” of this dramatic and wonderful age.

Pope Leo greeting the participants of the Rimini Meeting (@Vatican Media)

"To follow Jesus Christ in the wake of the tragedies and new beginnings of the twentieth century," Pope Leo underscored, "requires a clear awareness that evil is not overcome by evil."

"As in heaven, so on earth," he insisted, "love is the law of life and the means of redemption — the way of the crucified Messiah."

Christ's love commits and purifies us

"Catholic culture must counter the false realism that rearms minds, words and nations, with the realism of mercy which recognizes that there can be no enemies, and that everyone, even those who oppose us, is a brother or sister to be looked in the eye and encountered in truth."

While he acknowledged that sin certainly exists, he said Christ’s redeeming love is stronger.

Christ's love, he emphasized, "commits us to purifying our thoughts, interests, habits, associations, plans and investments — indeed, every aspect of our lives – from all that the culture of power has tainted."

Glory of God must shine forth, unjust power relationships must be 'unmasked'

The Pope observed that there is no shortage of expertise, responsibility and resources among those gathered at the meeting to place at the service of an authentic conversion of a people.

“Obsession with preserving one’s glory, one’s ‘dignity’, one’s influence," he said, "must not play a part in our sentiments.  We must seek the glory of God, and this does not coincide with our own."

Pope Leo is the second pontiff to personally take part in the event since Pope John Paul II (@Vatican Media)

He said that the glory of God that shines forth in the humility of the cave of Bethlehem or in the dishonor of Christ’s cross always surprises us.

Accordingly, he urged all faithful to join in freeing "our lives from suspicion, culture from arrogance, education from ideology, work from the idolatry of profit, and technology and finance from the business of death."

"Beginning with the organizations that we have created and in which we work," the Pope invited, "let us expose unjust structures of power that lie at the root of poverty, inequality, war and environmental disasters."

Need for courageous pioneers

In this context, Pope Leo also called for disarming technological development when it becomes pervasive and destructive.

"We need courageous pioneers who, by first changing course in their own lives," he insisted, "can make the transformation required of everyone convincing and credible."

"Let there not be only those who fan the flames of weariness and despair; let there also be those who rekindle dreams and visions!" Pope Leo said, recognizing the two paths are incompatible, "because one feeds upon division, alienation and despair, while the other serves the Kingdom of God and his justice."

The Holy Father acknowledged the great participation of young people present, many of whom are volunteers.

"You are a sign that the future is promising, and not a threat!" he insisted, despite the many who, he said, no longer believe this, both among adults and among young people.

"Silently, “the love that moves the sun and the other stars” still inspires hope," the Pope said, stressing how intensely he experienced this meeting with young people during his Apostolic Journeys to Lebanon, Africa and Spain.

'Young people, put yourselves on the line!'

"Love moves us, urges us on, awakens us from our slumber," and "inspires new vocations and calls us to take risks," Pope Leo said.

Thus, he appealed, "do not be afraid to give yourselves fully!  Open yourselves to a truly catholic spirit, broadening your networks beyond every overly narrow sense of belonging.  Let your Movement, your groups and your communities be a springboard from which you can dive into the whole of reality."

With this sentiment, he said, "resist whatever would separate you from brothers and sisters of different cultures, sensibilities and backgrounds, especially the poorest among them.  Instead, go forth to meet everyone!"

"In every corner of the world, especially on the margins and among those who suffer," he said, "you will find people who are ready to help build the civilization of love."

Do not allow anyone to diminish that God is love

The Pope cautioned against this love being diminished, and stressed that in love there is never coercion, indoctrination; never seduction, deception or recruitment.

"Love exists only in freedom, in genuine encounter and in the generous gift of self." he said.

“Love exists only in freedom, in genuine encounter and in the generous gift of self.”

Young people's adherence to Christ

The Holy Father observed to young people how the world today seems astonished by their adherence to Christ, by the attraction you feel towards Him and his Word, and by your belonging to the Church.

"For many today, the very fact that you are Christians comes as a surprise!  Yet, without fanfare, 'the word of the Lord sounded forth from you'," he said, quoting Saint Paul's letter to the community of Thessalonica, where he also told them: “Your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.”

"This is not a matter of numbers, although it is moving to see thousands of your peers seeking Baptism in societies considered among the most secularized in the world," but, he said, "a matter of freedom because the truth can be encountered only in freedom."

The Church grows by attraction

The Holy Father recalled that his predecessors have repeated on several occasions, “the Church does not engage in proselytism. Instead, she grows by ‘attraction’.”

Pope Leo acknowledged that we are human and often marked by limitation and sin. "Yet," he encouraged, "it is the Lord who always raises us up, both as individuals and as communities!"

With this encouragement, Pope Leo told those gathered, "always love the Church" and "love and safeguard the unity of the “community” through which Christ has reached you and draws you to himself."

“It is worth saying it again: ‘Always love the Church!’ Dear friends, love and preserve unity.”

The Pope closed reminding everyone present that a fundamental element in every Christian community is prayer, before inviting those present to join in praying the Lord's Prayer.

Pope Leo: Hope does not disappoint

 

Pope Leo XIV  (ANSA)

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• Pietro Parolin
• message
• justice
• jesus
• science and technology

Pope Leo XIV to Rimini Meeting: Hope does not disappoint

Pope Leo XIV invites participants in the 46th Meeting of Friendship Among Peoples to remember that peace is made up of daily gestures and warns that the digital revolution poses a series of risks and challenges.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Leo XIV encouraged those participating in the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples - commonly referred to as the "Rimini Meeting" - to be peacemakers, full of hope, who work for the common good, in a message released Thursday signed on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Every year since 1980, the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples has taken place in the northern Italian sea town of Rimini in late August. This year's theme is "In the vacant places we will build with new bricks."

The Rimini meeting is an annual event, organized by the Communion and Liberation Movement, which draws large numbers of the faithful, who meet with various high-level individuals discussing key issues. It also offers various pavilions and activities for individuals, families, and children.

Hope does not disappoint

In the text, the Holy Father extended his greetings to the organizers, volunteers, and all participants, with his "heartfelt hope" that "they may recognize, with joy, that 'the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it will not be put to shame.' For 'hope does not disappoint.'" 

While deserts, the Pope observed, are typically places "cast aside" and "deemed unfit for life," the Pope gave a clear reminder. "Precisely where it seems nothing can be born," he recalled, "Sacred Scripture continually recounts the passing of God."

Martyrs of Algeria

The Holy Father commended the organizers for the hallmark exhibition of this year’s Meeting dedicated to the witness of the Martyrs of Algeria.

"In them," the Holy Father said, "shines forth the Church’s vocation to dwell in the desert in profound communion with all humanity—overcoming walls of mistrust that divide religions and cultures—by fully imitating the movement of the Incarnation and self-giving of the Son of God." 

Calling for unity, the Pope reiterated his words when addressing Italian Bishops in the Vatican in June to “promote pathways of education in nonviolence, initiatives for mediation in local conflicts, and projects of welcome that transform the fear of the other into opportunities for encounter.”

Peace is a humble path made of daily gestures

Always in this context, Pope Leo called for letting every community become a ‘house of peace’, "where hostility is defused through dialogue, where justice is practiced, and forgiveness is guarded," adding that, "Peace is not a spiritual utopia; it is a humble path made of daily gestures..."

With this sentiment, the Holy Father encouraged all people "to name and give form to the new," so "that faith, hope, and charity may be translated into a profound cultural conversion."

For the common good and peace

The Holy Father suggested that this requires exploring ways for development that are "alternatives to paths for growth lacking equity and sustainability."

"To serve the living God," the Holy Father underscored, "we must abandon the idolatry of profit, which has gravely compromised justice, the freedom to meet and exchange, the participation of all in the common good—and ultimately, peace itself."

"A faith that distances itself from the desertification of the world, or that indirectly contributes to tolerating it," he warned, "would no longer be true discipleship of Jesus Christ."

Risks of ongoing digital revolution

Reflecting on contemporary society, the Pope observed that rapidly developing technology cannot be forgotten.

"The ongoing digital revolution," he cautioned, "risks amplifying discrimination and conflict; it must therefore be inhabited with the creativity of those who, obeying the Holy Spirit, are no longer slaves, but children. Then the desert becomes a garden, and the “City of God,” foretold by the saints, transfigures our desolate places."

Finally, the Holy Father imparted his blessing and invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Morning.

Pope Francis: Approaching others like Jesus leads to social friendships that can overcome conflict and chaos

 

File photo of Pope Francis  (Vatican Media)

POPE

• POPE FRANCIS
• ECCLESIAL MOVEMENTS
• ITALY
• WAR
• FRATELLI TUTTI

Pope to Rimini Meeting: Social friendship an antidote to war and conflict

Pope Francis encourages participants in the 44th Meeting of Friendship Among Peoples to approach others like Jesus and help them encounter God, especially in the midst of trying times.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis encouraged the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples, frequently referred to as the "Rimini Meeting", in a message released on Friday and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

Every year since 1980, the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples has taken place in the northern Italian sea town of Rimini in late August. This year's theme is "Human existence is an inexhaustible friendship."

The Rimini meeting is an annual event, organized by the Communion and Liberation Movement, which draws large numbers of the faithful, who are treated to various high-level individuals discussing key issues. It also offers various pavilions and activities for individuals, families, and children.

Amid war and divisions

Pope Francis' message for this year's event began with a solemn acknowledgement of the wars plaguing the world.

The Pope acknowledged that the Rimini meeting is being held at a time when "war and divisions sow resentment and fear in hearts, and others who are different are often perceived as rivals."

"Global and pervasive communication," he said, "causes this widespread attitude to become a mentality, differences to appear as symptoms of hostility and a kind of epidemic of enmity to occur."

In this context, he said, the theme of the Rimini meeting appears courageous, "because it clearly goes against the trend, in a time marked by individualism and indifference, which generate loneliness and many forms of discarding others." 

No one can be saved alone

"It is impossible to escape the situation" by one's own strength, noted the Pope.

“Humanity has always experienced this: no one can be saved alone.”

That is why, at a precise moment in history, the Pope expressed, God took the initiative to send His Son, who presented Himself as a friend. "The Spirit of the Risen Christ broke the loneliness by giving man His friendship, as pure grace," he said.

Faithful friends reflect Lord's affection

Addressing young people, the Holy Father extolled the value of true friendship, which enlarges the heart.

"Faithful friends," the Pope reflected, "are a reflection of the Lord's affection, His consolation and His loving presence."

The Pope also recalled that the attitude of openness to the other as a brother or sister is one of the hallmarks of his pontificate and magisterium.

Pointing to his encyclical Fratelli tutti, the Pope highlighted the importance of social friendship, and upheld it as a solution "even in the most dramatic situations - even in the face of war - 'when it is genuine [...] within a society it is a condition of possibility for true universal openness.'"

We cannot be deaf as cries rise to God

The law of friendship, the Pope's message continued, was laid down by Jesus when he said there is no greater love than one laying down his life for his friends.

Pope Francis therefore invited "Christians and all men and women of good will not to remain deaf before the cry that rises up to God from this world of ours."

"Speeches are not enough, what is needed are rather concrete gestures and shared choices that build a culture of peace where each one of us lives," he continued, calling for efforts to be made at a level of friendship among people different from one another.

Promote culture of encounter

Pope Francis expressed his hope that the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples will continue to promote a culture of encounter, which is open to all and in which no one is excluded.

“May each of the participants learn a little to approach others in the manner of Jesus, who always stretches out His hand, always seeks to lift, to make people heal, to make them happy, to make them encounter God.”

Expressing his desire that the encounter promote social friendship, the Pope extended his Apostolic Blessing upon everyone who is taking part inthe Rimini meeting.

Pope Francis addresses Italian young people on friendship with Jesus

 

Pope Francis arrives at encounter with young people and organizers of 'Alpha Camp'  (Vatican Media)

POPE

• POPE FRANCIS
• JESUS
• YOUNG PEOPLE
• CARLO ACUTIS
• #CARLOACUTIS

'May Jesus become your great friend,' Pope tells young people

Pope Francis reassures young people of Alpha Camp that Jesus is their friend, their companion, whom they should turn to always, and says that God loves questions.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

May Jesus become "your great friend," "your companion along the way," and "life," Pope Francis has told young people.

The Holy Father's remarks came in his audience with the young people of the 'Alpha Camp' he received on Friday. 

Alpha Camp is a Church-sponsored week-long camp for young people in Central Italy, dedicated to exploring life, faith and meaning.

The Pope recognized that those before him must have countless questions, and urged them to bring them forth, as "God loves questions."

Christ never abandons you and will restore you

The Holy Father reminded the youth before him of his Apostolic Exhortation to the world's young people Christus vivit where he encourages them to treasure their relationship with Christ.

"I started with these words: 'Christ is alive!  He is our hope.  In a wonderful way, He brings youth to our world and everything He touches becomes young, new and full of life…  Christ is alive and He wants you to be alive!" 

“He is in you, He is with you and He never abandons you. However far you may wander, He is always there, the Risen One. He calls you, and He waits for you to return to Him and start over again. When you feel you are growing old out of sorrow, resentment or fear, doubt or failure, He will always be there to restore your strength and your hope”

Jesus is your friend

In the Pope's address, he stressed to those gathered that Jesus, is not a 'moral precept' but a person and friend, who is close to them.

He encouraged them to turn to Him as such, and added that they should always be led by Him.

When faced with the evil that is within us and around us, the Pope insisted that we are not to evade reality nor close in on ourselves, but to shoulder, each one of us, our own share of responsibility.

Jesus, he recalled, tells us to bear “our own cross” with love and with joy. 

“Not all by ourselves, either, for that is impossible, but always with Jesus, with Him leading and ourselves following.”

Jesus loves us more than we do ourselves 

Knowing Jesus helps us to bear our daily crosses,  the Pope said, gives us true peace and security. 

“We are in the presence of Jesus, Who knows us and loves us more than we do ourselves, and Who wants each of us to find his or her own unique, personal fulfilment.”

The Holy Father recalled that when he was a young person too, at age 17, his relationship with Christ became so strong that he discovered his own vocation to be a priest.

Pope Francis suggested that it is never too early to be led and have a strong, fruitful relationship with Jesus.

He reminded them of Italian Blessed, Carlo Acutis, who died at only 17 years old.

Acutis fell in love with Christ when he received the sacrament of his first Holy Communion as a little child.

May Jesus become your great friend and life

Carlo's relationship with Christ, the Pope suggested, not only inspired the incredible work in technology that he was able to complete during his short life, but stirred Acutis' holy life which culminated in his path toward sainthood.

Pope Francis concluded by telling the young people to treasure their relationship and cultivate truly a friendship, with Jesus.

“I leave you with this hope and prayer: may Jesus become your great Friend, your Companion along the way. May the living Jesus become your life! Every day and forever.”

A very long time ago

Wendy and I in the middle flanked by friends Gwen to the right and Kim and Mark to the left; at world famous Pat O'briens:

All weddings are beautiful; some are special; still others are incredibly special

As a Permanent Deacon I have now been prominently involved in over 25 weddings including most where I prepared the couple, delivered the homily and/or received the vows.  There is not a single wedding that has not filled me with many blessings, incredible joy and lifted me spiritually.  To witness two young people commit to the Sacrament, to embrace the need for God to be prominent in not only there wedding but their marriage too, is pure joy.  I had the incredible privilege to witness and preach my own daughter's wedding; I blogged about that experience a bunch back in April 2016.  I still remember my first wedding after ordination, Lindsey and Barry!  I've witnessed marriages in both of the church parishes where I have been assigned, St. Jane de Chantal in Abita Springs and Most Holy Trinity in Covington.  I have also witnessed marriages in some of the most beautiful churches of New Orleans like historic St. Patrick's on Camp, St. Mary's Assumption in the Irish Channel, the beautiful chapel of the Academy of the Sacred Heart on historic St. Charles Avenue.  Last night I can add St. Stephen's Catholic Church, the Church dedicated to the Permanent Deacons of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and just beautifully renovated.

Here is a picture taken during last night's wedding:

The incredible mural right over the main altar depicts the stoning of St. Stephen, the proto-martyr of the Catholic Church and near the doors of entrance of the church is a memorial to all the Permanent Deacons who have gone before us.

Now I mentioned earlier just how special a wedding can be, and I guess I'm basing that on the relationship.  Believe me, they all are special but outside of my own daughter's wedding there has always been, in my mind, two weddings I just wanted to be involved with, for special personal reasons.  One such reality came true just three months ago when I witnessed the vows of Annie & Charles.  This young lady has been known to my family since a little girl and is the daughter of a couple that are very important and special to us.  And then the second one was last night, assisting at the wedding mass of Sarah and Dave.  Sarah became a friend of my daughter way back in 1st or 2nd grade, I developed a really nice relationship with her dad, a wonderful, lovely man who left us way too early some time ago.  Thanks to my daughter, we got to meet her husband Dave probably some 7-8 years ago and we knew that Sarah had met her life partner.  They are one of the happiest couples I have ever met.

The wedding, the reception, the events of their preparation for marriage; just perfect.  I pray the same for their wedded life together; as I do for all couples I prepare and witness the marriage event.  You know I really wonder sometimes if the couples I marry really know just how important to me their relationships are, the way we get to prepare and plumb the depths of all things so personal, so intimate and how so deeply I pray for their happiness and for the hope that in all things, all times, they keep Jesus at the center of that married life.

So I pray God's abundant blessings on Sarah and Dave today; and on all those many beautiful couples who have blessed me by trusting me to be a small part in their most happiest of days.  I love each and everyone of these beautiful couples, it has been my honor and privilege to be a part of your marriage and I will never forget anyone of you as I am called to pray for each of you often.

To Sarah and Dave, thank-you, your wedding was as beautiful as I imagined, as will your life together.  So honored to be a part of such a special day; and yes, I felt the presence of your dad last night Sarah and it made me smile!

God's Blessings to Sarah and Dave and all the beautiful couples that will always be "my" couples!

How I spent my 4th of July; a far cry from normal

Nothing is normal these days and this 4th of July would follow form.  Wendy's mom is still in ICU, day 9 and either hospitalized or in a rehab unit for day 33.  Painful indeed.  So today, as Wendy attends to her again, I asked my dear friends, Aimee & Keith, whom I have written about time and time again, traveled with me to my mother-in-laws place which has been locked up tight since the fall almost 5 weeks ago.

Those two, along with yours truly, cleaned out the refrigerator, cleaned up the kitchen, stripped the bed, hauled off trash and then vacuumed and mopped the place from front to back and everywhere in between.  We collected the mail and just made sure everything was cleaned up.  These two friends are always bailing me out, coming to our aid and it all began when they innocently asked me one day way back when I was in formation to become the deacon that I am, can we come hang out at your place and help you with a few things on the property.  These two recognized then the time commitment it took me to study, attend classes and event and more and soon began cutting my grass, taking care of my dogs, and back then my horses, planting and tending our garden, and helps in so many ways I cannot even remember today, probably now some 12-13 years later.  They helped us with previous illnesses of Wendy's mom, were with me in NC during my appendix emergency and are now helping us through this now 33 day ordeal.

One might understand why I might be tasked with today's work, little would understand why Aimee & Keith would give up a holiday to help me, and Wendy, with such a task.

Some people read the Bible, some preach the Bible, some live the Bible in their charity, generosity and kindness!

Happy 4th July, especially to my dear friends Aimee & Keith and please continue to pray for Wendy's mom, who has a long way to go and for Wendy, exhausted and frustrated and still hopeful as our long ordeal continues.

40 years later, Wendy and I reflect on whats really important as we renewed our vows

The last few days have led me to reflect on the state of life I find myself at on the occasion of my 40th wedding anniversary along with my bride Wendy.  Something led us to a desire to renew our vows in church and to invite family, a few friends including those who were part of our wedding party.  I must admit, as the event drew near, it was Wendy doing all the work and paying attention to all the details.  I, for my part, have been up to here with work concerns over these past three months and trying to keep up with various ministry responsibilities.  Having just finishing up a wedding for a fine young couple, I did suggest various prayers, readings and songs to Wendy for the vow renewal ceremony.

All would come into focus as the big day to renew our vows was just a day away.  Somehow, someway, I managed to get away from work on what would prove to be a very busy Friday and I walked in to my home only to see my son Jimmy and #1 grandson Calvin at the table.  I'm not sure how I reacted because it was such a surprise!  I never thought that Jimmy could arrange such a surprise with his work and family dynamic but there he was along with our first-born grandchild.  We had a delightful Friday night get together over crawfish and shrimp.  It was so incredible to realize what an incredible gift of self this was and how much unexpected joy both Wendy and I experienced by this surprise visit. 

On Saturday morning I met both my children, and Calvin, at the church hall to prepare for the event.  Jimmy and Elizabeth worked very hard to set up the hall, get the food ready and drinks iced down.  Meanwhile Elizabeth's husband Mark was home making delicious food to be enjoyed at the event.

Despite a heavy rain that fell intermittently, Wendy and I were ready to renew vows.  We greeted family and friends and yes, several old friends from the wedding party.  It was quite moving and appreciated that so many worked so hard to be with us for our event.  Guests came from Texas and north Louisiana, others delayed a vacation by a day; all were present with us.  The best man at our wedding, now a Deacon, presided at the vow renewal.  Several of my brother Deacons and their wives were also present.

Deacon Ray struck all the right themes in his homily and in offering a special blessing for us.  Before we knew it, the vows were renewed and we were over at the reception.  Our gathering was intimate enough that we were able to visit with everyone, especially the friends we have not seen in more than 10 years.

We had a great time and so much lagniappe in still having more visit time with Jimmy and Calvin before they returned to North Carolina.  Wendy and I enjoyed some nice time together over the course of Sunday and Monday too, not worrying about work or the world around us, just spending time together as we cherish the gift of 40 years of sacramental love.

I thought a lot about what these days have taught me; love truly must be patient and kind, our lives together must be salt and light, to one another and to all those we encounter, friends are priceless, even if presence is not always an option, and we do(well I do), worry about too much I can't control.

I am very blessed to have found the one God created for me oh so long ago and that we still cherish our "oneness" as man and wife.  I am so thankful for the love of children, grandchildren, family and friends.  And most importantly, as I shared in my little talk Saturday; we are thankful for the love of God, the belief that marriage takes three with God in the center, that we both acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior and as the one who walks with us in our married life and that the gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthen us to live out the love that God calls us to, as a husband and wife, relying on the graces of this beautiful Sacrament!

What I wil be doing today; 40 years!!!

Well today is dedicated to celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary! Wendy and I decided to renew our vows now(hey, why not) and have a little celebration afterwards! We are so honored for those coming who were involved in the wedding back in 1977, our out of town guests, and of course the big surprise of Jimmy & Calvin flying in to be with us! The best man at our wedding will help us renew our vows as he and I, old childhood friends, share in the ministry of the Permanent... Diaconate. And we will be doing this today in beautiful St. Jane de Chantal Church, in Abita Springs; the church and faith community that so reinvigorated our faith from the first moment we stepped foot in the church. 40 years is a pretty long time, but we've navigated this thing called marriage, thru good and not so good times, thru the birth and lives of Jimmy and Elizabeth and now our grandchildren Calvin and Katelyn, all the way to this anniversary celebration. Our actual anniversary is tomorrow, the 4th, but today is the day we celebrate and remember. Hope to post pics over the weekend!

I am exhausted! Thank goodness for friends!

10 straight hours of yard work, except for the unplanned nap around 3 PM!!!  I am exhausted.  It's a good exhausted.  I have a 10 acre piece of property that has never looked better.  All the grass is cut, trees were cut, ditches weeded, the dog kennel is gone, tons of trees and junk and garbage is burned.  The barn is cleaned out and I am ready for whatever.

Oh now Wendy tells me the house cleaning starts Monday; no rest I guess.

In Sirach we hear this: a faithful friend is a sturdy shelter, he who finds one finds a treasure.

Dating all the way back to when I was in formation, soon to be ordained, our friends Aimee and Keith, recognizing the time commitment I was under asked if we minded if they hung out at our place and do some yard work.  Almost 10 years later, Aimee and Keith constantly make sure this old man and usually super busy Deacon has grass cut, property looking good and have even helped us for a few years with an impressive vegetable garden.  They really have been a blessing.

Last Saturday and today they made darn sure my place looks top notch as the plans continue for the wedding of the century.  We all worked hard today; I am exhausted but enriched and blessed by the gift of friends.

For the millionth time, thank you Aimee and Keith!

I woke up and January is over; how & when did this happen; why am I so nostalgic and when the hell will I feel better?

January 1st, New Year's Day, arrived amid all the usual flash, pop and pow and I was no where to see it.  I was sound asleep, battling the 2nd or 3rd occurrence of something gross; a cold, the flu, sinus infection, chronic cough.  So sick was the Deacon that he actually missed Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Octave Day of Christmas!  January brought the most doctor appointments I think I've ever had in a single month.  The latest and greatest news is they think I have some type of infection in my sinuses courtesy of a soon to be determined allergy.  So February won't be but a couple of days old when to the doctor I return.  It's a little tough for an active guy like me, and a full time wuss when it comes to being ill, to realize I began the month ill and apparently I will end the month ill.


Despite illnesses, I am trying very hard to persevere.  January 2014 was a strange month indeed for here in the deep south we experienced winter from hell.  We get cold, and sometimes sleet may fall; heck every 10 or 20 years we may see a snowflake or two.  This month has been ridiculous.  We had the first visit of this winter vortex reach all the way to the land of cotton and visited some areas near New Orleans with low temps of 15 degrees.  Yep, as in 17 below freezing.  Then here comes polar express #2 and we are hit with a freaky Friday that brought ice pellets, sleet and an afternoon high of about 34.  Again, this happens so rarely down here.  Then just 4 days later, here came the apocalypse of winter events.  Now we avoided the disaster that befell Atlanta and Birmingham but we got it all; depending where you live or work.  I mean we had ice, sleet, copious amounts of sleet, some snow, freezing temps, like an entire 24 hour cycle below freezing with a low of 17.  Though the precipitation stopped, the next day brought a low of 16.  Now I can attest to what I am about to write down here; it's a rare winter when we get morning lows of 20 or below.  It happens but it is rare indeed.  This just happened to us 3 times in about 3 weeks and was the 4th time this winter we hit 20 or less.  We don't know anything about winter messes so we just shut commerce and industry down; we even gave the kiddos a whopping 3 days off of school.  I thought to myself, self, this is a bit much. Then I watched the disaster from Atlanta on the tube.  Man, I usually love this time of year; tonight I may be a little homesick for spring, maybe even summer.....what?; well not summer.  I still hate summer.


By now, if you read me, and of course I never know who reads me or not, I love to look back and reflect.  I have been feeling a tidal wave of nostalgia lately and wonder why?  Man I'm only 57; I have no plans to check out anytime soon, but plenty conspires these days to make me nostalgic.  First of all my children are such a source of great joy, successful, happy and it makes an aging dad feel good.  And yes, sometimes I catch myself recalling incredible memories of days gone by.  Having both of them home in December with #1grandson Calvin was incredible; we cherished those memories all month long!  And they will continue with me as long as I am capable of remembering.  Did I mention that Wendy and I skyped with him several times in January and my son sent us some incredible pictures.  You know for my first ever grandchild, I just hope we find more and varied ways to just be with him.  I have no memories of grandfathers; only one was alive at my birth and he died unexpectedly just 3 weeks later.
I watched with fond admiration, as I affectionately call her Hurricane Wendy, as my wife renovated, repaired, cleaned and prepared for our family being together in December.  In January, all that action, plus the fact she works hard, very hard, has conspired to make January a tough month for her.  Fatigue is a wicked thing but coupled with falling victim to winter illnesses, it can just flat out make you feel blah.  We have been married now for a little more than 36 and a half years.  Again, I love to look back with great joy at all the wonderful things we have done and experienced together.  I've known Wendy since 5th grade; there is almost nothing about our individual lives that are not perfectly blended by now.  What a special grace our love & marriage is and how it makes me happy & nostalgic all at once.
When you grow a little older friends come and go, memories fade then come back to life, things change but perhaps they really stay the same, just filtered through a different lens. 
In January I celebrated my 62nd month in service to God's people through the Church as a Permanent Deacon.  I realized that on January 9th, I made it to my 3rd anniversary of being assigned to Most Holy Trinity Parish.  My assignment here has been full of great joy and many blessings and so many new folks have been placed into my life.  If I am being totally honest, and I am, I miss my home parish of St. Jane de Chantal.  In January I went back to St. Jane's twice.  Wendy and I went to Mass together on a weekend that I had some free time and sat in a pew, together.  Then on MLK day, I went to morning Mass then went and had coffee with a group of about 25 parishioners who have been doing this now, every morning, for about 10 years.  When I gaze upon the sanctuary of St. Jane Church I see the holy place where I got right with God again some 18 years ago, I see the place where I was accepted as their new Permanent Deacon in 2008, and the same sanctuary where I said goodbye in January 2011.  Ironically, I pass that beautiful Abita Springs landmark and holy ground almost every day of my life!  Great memories!
I fought off the ravages of winter gunk to be able to spend time in prayer and reflection with men at Rayburn Prison for a one day retreat in the facility.  My other visits for the month were cancelled because of winter weather.  Looking at the totality of my life; who would have thought that one of the sources of great joy I will always cherish are visits in a state prison.
As a Permanent Deacon I have developed a great love for the diaconate including those who made it possible for me by their previous contributions.  We have had more than just a few funerals to attend lately and perhaps the sudden and unexpected death of a young deacon was a wake up call for all; we know not the hour.  On the other side of the coin is the promise of the deacons who are to come and Wendy and I enjoyed a Sunday afternoon with 30 men, and their wives, who are discerning a call to become part of a group of potential deacons who would not be ordained until 2018.  This process brings back for me fond memories of my own diaconate journey and those first unsure steps along the way.
I guess it did not help tonight that while my wife worked late, I watched a movie called Last Vegas.  It had a very unexpected effect on me as I choose to focus more on the tender story of 4 lifelong friends who have grown old together; and deep down truly love and care for one another.  Damn I'm overly nostalgic tonight.
I thank God for what is my journey through this thing called life and look forward, with great joy, all that is ahead of me.  And I do look forward to feeling better in the near future; key word here: near!!!
I also thank God that my earthly life has been blessed by God's tender mercy and love for me and opening the eyes of my heart to see that love.  I will throw myself into my ministry in February, just as I have all the days of my diaconate.  As I retire in prayer this last night of January 2014, I take my family to prayer, and my friends too, those whose friendship I enjoy now and all those who graced my life along the way.  And I guess I'll pop another Mucinex too!  I may peek at that movie later this evening as well!!