Me and the Priest who married me. The former Pastor of my former Church.
We don't see each other often...but when we do, special moments happen.
I don't know why he came to the reception, on Saturday...but when I arrived, there he was. So I sat down with him at the table reserved for the Bride and Groom and we chatted for almost an hour, while the bride and groom had their formal photos taken somewhere else.
It worked out perfect for the three of us. My husband sat with us too, for most of the time.
Subjects ranged from...had he ever visited Rome? Answer, yes. He said that at a point in time, more often then he visited San Francisco.
How many Popes had he actually met? That answer surprised me. He met Pius XII, in the mid 50's and at the same time, met the man who became John XXIII. He met Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II (2 times). As he said, he missed the Pope that ruled for a month (Pope John Paul I). As one would expect, he has not met Pope Benedict XVI, since he has retired from active Church Leadership, though you never know. :-)
He told me an interesting story about the Visit of John Paul II, to Los Angeles. After Mass, they went to the Cathedral at the time, St. Vibiana's, for some lunch. The Pope asked for the restroom and he was directed to one. After a long while they started getting worried when he didn't show up again and went in search of him. They found him talking to the cook, who was making the luncheon meal and he was sampling the food, too. Bet he made that cooks life. :-)
My Husband and I and Father, remembered being at the Mass at Dodger Stadium and it was a wonderful memory for us all. A once in a lifetime experience.
All too soon, the Bride and Groom showed up and Father stayed just long enough to bless the food...when I looked around, he was gone.
I don't know this for sure...but I feel in my heart that he came to talk to me. I had given him my card at the church and told him to call me some time, so we could chat. Maybe he felt this was easier. I don't know...but I appreciated the time spent with me.
Love you Father...always.
Very cool. Every Catholic should have at least one Really Good Priest, who speaks to their soul as a person, not just a church member, in their lifetime. I'm glad you got such a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with yours!
ReplyDeleteYeah and even better, the non catholic of our team, got some time, too. I know I just can't say it enough. He's a good man and it's nice that we both got to share time with him.
ReplyDeleteit's a nice picture and your priest is a beautiful man with a poised look on his face :-)
ReplyDeleteReminds me of my own favorite, Father Bob. I went to mass on Sunday for his goodbye. Then I learned that he was going to serve again on Tuesday night, so I went again. Happy story: 12 people were confirmed. I just love seeing that ceremony!
ReplyDeleteAnd several of my friends from RCIA were there. We've all committed to returning to lessons on Monday night.
:^D
ps: I'm gonna find Father Bob's new church. It has a labryinth!
Good luck Cindy. Hope you make it through.
ReplyDeleteGina: Yeah, he looks great...me not so much. Ah well.
You are BEAUTIFUL! I don't know what you're looking at. Look again!
ReplyDeleteI just commented on your beautiful face and smile from your wedding photo and here you are in your contemporary gorgeousness!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story... It made me tear up. He sounds like a wonderful man.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Fran: I am so glad you got to this post. I thought of you as I was writing it. Knowing that you would appreciate it.
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