AtonementOnline: Mass in my hometown...

30 July 2010

Mass in my hometown...

This is Immaculate Conception Church in New Hartford, Connecticut. Although it's in my hometown, I never set foot in it until I was ordained as a Catholic priest, since I wasn't raised in a Catholic family. It's been my privilege, however, to say Mass at Immaculate Conception when I've been back for visits, and I was there this past week.

It's built in the Carpenter Gothic style -- an architectural style I find absolutely lovely, and which was quite popular in the late 19th century, as the "poor man's answer" to the glorious gothic structures that were being built in stone. Rural areas especially found this style to be not only affordable, but it used the considerable talents of local carpenters and woodworkers.

"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."