Beloved Family:
It is really happening…but it almost didn’t happen! By the time you read this—even if it is mere moments after it has been uploaded electronically, significantly preceding the arrival of the print version—I will be on “the Way,” the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. While a mental and spiritual projection of this journey took hold on my heart a couple of years ago, it was only six weeks ago that I actually booked an organized tour.
Why is this? Certainly, it was not due to lack of encouragement from others. In addition to Fr. David, who, as I have said prior to now, has been a tremendous “cheerleader,” I also have had the support of others, including Dr. Paul Crowley, a parishioner who has made two journeys on the Camino. He and I sat down as far back as Memorial Day, when he provided me with numerous resources to assist in planning.
So, what caused the delay? Put simply, it was misplaced pride. Back when Fr. James Parisi was with us as a transitional deacon, since he had also made a pilgrimage to Spain in his seminary days, he and Fr. David naturally exchanged stories of the experience on more than one occasion around the dinner table. They never inferred that there is “only one real way” to make the pilgrimage. Rather, I allowed myself to be intimidated by the “thought” of doing it according to the most stringent manner. Finally, by the grace of God, I put down the burden of ego (ultimately far heavier than any backpack could be) and joined a group already formed, yielding to my own limitations and—far more importantly—the providential care of God. Trust me when I say there have been many signs and divine intervention.
If you wrote out a petition in one of the notebooks I had placed by the doors of church, know that I am literally carrying them with me each step of the journey. Even if you did not write out an intention, you can be confident that as my family now for many years, a slideshow of images of the faces from the Saint Mary community will be rotating in my mind and heart.
One of the events I regret missing due to my travel is the launch of Faith Formation on Wednesday evenings. This year, the kick-off will have begun with celebration of a Mass. How wonderful that at the forefront of a new season of growing in faith, the family has the opportunity to connect everything we undertake this year with growth in union with the Heart of Christ in the Eucharist. That said, next weekend (September 20), we will officially observe Catechetical Sunday with the rest of the Church. The theme is “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18; cf. Isaiah 61:1)
Even though I have experienced many a Wayne County Fair I am sincerely sorry not to be around to support the many youth—and adults too—who bring the work of their hands and skills to show during this coming week. Additionally, the Catholic faith community, along with Saint Mary School, will be represented at a table. AND, of course, the Fair Mass, Sunday, September 13, bright and early at 7 am (We will see who is more awake: the humans or the roosters!) May God grant safety and a delightful time to all who participate!
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
