AtonementOnline: Heading east...

29 May 2008

Heading east...

I'll be in Greenville, S.C. for the next few days, where I'll be giving the commencement address at St. Joseph's Catholic School. Fr. Dwight Longenecker was kind enough to invite me, and I'm looking forward to visiting this excellent institution. I'll be back in San Antonio on Saturday afternoon, and then we

"With all my heart, I bless you and your people..."

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."