PASTOR’S NOTES

Last week I co-celebrated the Mass which commemorated the tenth anniversary of the death of John Joseph Cardinal O’Connor and attended the New York State Council of the Knights of Columbus. Both events presented me with thoughts I would like to share with you. But on this weekend our attention is dominated by reflections on the role of maternity in our lives. Our experiences are probably as diverse as we are. Some characteristics of those who cared for us are more common than others. If I might I will exercise some personal privilege. When I think of the qualities my mother exhibited on a consistent basis: hospitality, comes quickly to mind. I recall one of my parents’ priest friends: Fr. George Whitford S.S. would always exclaim: “Anne, you always seem to be able to make a grand repast out of nothing.” It was true. She could almost make something of nothing. Holidays would often see a strange assortment of guests at our table. They would include widows, single organists, and single parishioners who had no other place to celebrate the Lord’s birth or resurrection, the birth of our nation, or Thanksgiving Day. Her widowhood would not cause her to hold back on her acts of generosity.I am sure to mention her faith as the greatest contribution to her children’s lives would come as no surprise to anyone. Not only by ensuring our attendance at Mass and participation in novenas or parish missions but by insisting on family prayer, scripture reading, and charity projects. Her own life served as an example to her children. Constantly, she would respond to the pleas of our teaching sisters, she would attend the Sacrament of Penance bi-weekly, and she set aside a portion of whatever funds she had for a charity who might have solicited her in the mail.Because of the generation in which she lived but also because of her desire to be a full time parent my mother was always close at hand. While I always valued the tea time at four p.m. of greater significance were the multiple conversations we would have daily. Many of them were the product of the books she would be reading or the newspapers that came into the house. She always displayed great interest in politics, religion, and history. In order to keep up with her I had to read what she did. She aided her children in this task by both bringing us to the library often as well as not permitting TV viewing during the week. The existence of my library owes to her influence. I have one funny remembrance of her involvement in my education. With her native creativity she would assist me and my sisters in various projects. We were very successful. Often we got praise from the sisters and B+s. Finally, she insisted I fly solo. When I got an A, I accused her of holding me back. She laughed and insisted that my diploma should be on her wall. Perhaps she was right for often I saw displays of wisdom which eluded many of my professors in the Seminary and graduate school.Like many of you when I think of those who have nurtured me there are those women who perhaps have never had the biological experience of giving birth but possess the instincts of a loving mother. In this regard I think especially of the religious women who inspired us in the classrooms of parochial schools and religious education programs, in the halls of our hospitals and nursing homes, and in the offices of so many charitable programs. They would spend countless hours teaching the young, protecting the vulnerable, and seeking justice. As a young priest, I had the privilege of visiting Sr. Catherine in her final days as she experienced a terminal illness. Her courage was unique: her faith was unshakable; and her example was unforgettable.In my ministry I am happy to be able to say that I have been in the company of women who have reached out to embrace. The needs of the larger community without neglecting their obligations to their flesh and blood.   Their professions were true callings. Though the world might perceive a hospital administrator but she is much more. She is the rescuer of children whose lives have been threatened by political violence, malnutrition, and undiagnosed disease. To her colleagues she is seen as the consummate teacher. But to the children she taught she is much more: she is the special confidant; she is the nurturer of dreams; and she is the healer of psychic wounds. To her neighbors she was a faithful wife and gentle friend. But to those with needs she was a source of constant encouragement and a source of material and spiritual support. It is most appropriate that we crown the statue of the Blessed Mother on this weekend. For as we honor her, we honor all women who emulate her qualities as a believer, spouse, and mother. Throughout this month of May we celebrate Mary. We recall her humble acceptance as the angel Gabriel announced God’s will for her. We see her faithful relationship with Joseph as they endured the travels of being subjects of Roman authority.  We note her charitable concern for the newlyweds of Cana. We stand in awe of her bravery in the face of the crucifixion of her son. And we revere her as the Mother of the Church as she sat in the midst of the Apostles that first Pentecost and as the Queen of Heaven as she was assumed to her Resurrected Son’s side. Let us pray for all those women who have made our world and our lives full. May  God bless them and Mary intercede for them.  Vivat Jesus 

Fr. Brian