January 17th is an anniversary of sort. It was exactly thirty years ago that my family and I arrived in San Antonio from Rhode Island. We had driven for almost five days, having left New England in the midst of a near-blizzard. Before we left, I had taken our rather decrepit Volkswagen to a mechanic, and when I asked him if we’d make it to Texas his reply was, “Hell, Mister, I don’t think you’ll make it out of town!” We did, though. We arrived with our (then) three very young children, our dog and a hamster, along with whatever supplies we could pack in around them.
On the day we left Rhode Island I was removed from the clerical ranks of the Episcopal diocese – officially deposed. My salary had been terminated, we were immediately stricken from all diocesan insurance policies, and even my small pension plan had been confiscated. As we approached San Antonio, we were entering the unknown. I wasn't sure even how to start a new work, and I had no idea how to be a pioneer. Of course, God had a plan. It would have been nice at the time to have known what it was, but I suppose He wanted us to learn to walk in faith, which we did.
Looking back, those were some tough days. Fortunately, I was (and still am) blessed with a wife who understood as I did: God had called us to become Catholics and to cooperate with Him in establishing this parish. And it was fortunate, too, that she was able to create a meal out of next to nothing, since we had virtually no money. But as difficult as those times were, they were exciting, too. We were doing something worthy, something that hadn’t been done before. Big challenges led to little victories, as we worked and waited for a year an a half in the hope that the Holy Father would grant my petition and allow my ordination to the Sacred Priesthood. Happily, he did.
A lot of memories can get packed into thirty years, but of all of them perhaps the most vivid is when we caught sight of the sign that said "Entering San Antonio." Actually, it probably should have said, "Entering the most exciting and blessed time of your life!"
3 comments:
From someone who has been your "parishoner" for almost 28 years, my wife and I are so glad you and your family listened to the call of the Holy Spirit. Our lives have been enriched with so much! God Bless you, JoAnn and your children. You are a truly an amazing Christians, and ones others can hold up as Role Models for what God can and will do if you trust in his call.
It looks like you are exactly where God wants you to be, doing exactly what he wants you to be doing. What a great blessing!
No doubt about it, Anonymous. I've always considered myself to be among the most blessed of all the priests I know.
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