This is a flashback from journals, Easter celebrations in 2011, when the Bishop was transferred to Santa Rosa, and I was by myself at the Cathedral...... The Holy Triduum was a hubbub of activity here as I was by myself for the first time, leading all the services instead of Bishop Vasa. I felt like being in Seventh Heaven finally all by myself leading the three holiest days of the liturgical year. On Holy Thursday I did the foot-washing ceremony involving some of the children, and even gave them a small loaf of bread symbolic of the Eucharist. I actually washed 15 pairs of feet instead of the customary 12 as a few extra children wanted to be included. The Good Friday service went well too, with a fairly small crowd attending, but as I promised the people, throughout the three holy days, I will be giving them a running commentary about the symbolism of the liturgy, which I know very well that they all appreciated. Saturday was yet another busy day for me as we had to decorate the altar with Easter lilies and other silk flowers. Preparing my homily took a nice part of the day, as did some extra last minute confessions and the rehearsal with the new converts in the afternoon. The Easter Vigil celebration was a very emotional Mass for me personally as I welcomed 5 new converts, and in my comments to the congregation I related how one of them, Pat Williamson was nervous about accepting my offer to convert, and told me plainly that she was nervous about facing the Bishop. Even after convincing her that he was a normal human being and that I will also be there with him on the altar at the Easter Vigil, she still was reluctant to join, but she eventually did. I told her that if she was so fearful of the Bishop, she could pray that something may happen so that he won’t be here. And sure enough, he was just transferred to Santa Rosa, and he was not here. The congregation laughed heartily with this story, and told them that Pat has some special connections, and if you want your prayers answered, ask her to storm heaven, and your prayers will be answered.
A nice crowd attended the Mass and
everyone had positive compliments about the celebration. A very nice crowd also
attended my Easter Mass on Sunday morning, both at the Cathedral as well as at my mission church in Halfway, and when I got back in town, I headed to Bob and Lorene Colton’s house
for a quick dinner. I thought it would be a small intimate crowd, but all their
relatives were there, all the way from Seattle, Washington and from other
neighboring towns. Following dinner, I visited the McCauleys who always welcome
me like a dear friend. I also wanted to check with their daughter how to use
the new Ipod touch, which came without instructions, and the best way to solve
any techy problem is to ask a teenager. And since my nephew Peter is 8000 miles away,
Darryn was able to explain to me the many little questions that I had. Surprisingly they were all amazed at my large collection of wildlife photos I had already installed
on the Ipod.
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