Birthday Surprise

Well yesterday 4-18 was my 70th birthday but Saturday night I received the surprise of my life time when my entire family surprised me with a wonderful surprise party. I am still not over how they all came together as my children do not live close to me or to each other. My four children along with my grandchildren were there, only one gran was missing, he attends Berkley University and is graduating this June with his PHD. Then to top it all off my best friend [other than my hubby] of 45 years was there with her husband.
My husband[who kept this secret for I don't know how many weeks/months] never even gave me the slightest hint. What a marvelous and generous action on the part of my entire family to do this for me. I had been thinking that they actually had forgotten my birthday as I hadn't received any cards and was feeling kind of sad.
My hubby and I are going next week to see the Phantom of the Opera in NYC, this was a gift from my children and grandchildren.
The best gift was to see all my children and grandchildren together at the same table enjoying and connecting with each other. A precious memory was created that night for me and I hope for all my family. If any of them read this I want them to know how much I love them all now and forever.

Many Thoughts for Today

I can't believe that Easter is a week behind us. This Sunday was Divine Mercy Sunday. I try to say my DM chaplet at 3pm [the hour Our Lord died]. This Sunday was also our S.F.O. meeting and we welcomed five new candidates who for the past months have been enquirers. Myself and three others are already candidates preparing for profession. I pray that I am worthy and that this is truly what God wants of me. St. Francis charism is all about simplifying one's life i.e. even when you are a lay person. None the less even a lay person takes vows just a binding as Marriage vows. To live out our Baptism promises [as all Christians should] but in the spirituality of St. Francis. To build up the Church[the body of Christ] to be Christ's light in the world. No easy task. Daunting at the very least. All those who read this, please say a prayer for me that I may be faithful to this calling.
From my window, I see the sun shining & fluffy white clouds are drifting past in a most beautiful blue sky. Birds are singing and Winnie is barking at them. Everything seems all right and in order. My heart is full, I just talked with my daughter for her birthday. I love all my children, but she holds a special place as she is the First Gift that God entrusted to me.
I feel so small and insignificant, but, I know without any reservation that I am loved by my creator, who is my rock, my Savior.
I am thinking that I never got the opportunity to Thank those two women who took me to Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Stanton St. in NYC to have me Baptized into the Light of Christ. I must remember to include them in my prayers. I wonder if they know what a wonderful gift they gave me in doing so.
+Pax et bonum[peace and all good]

He Is Truly Risen

Alleluia, He is Truly Risen. Hubby & I went to the Easter Vigil Mass which started at 8pm and ended at not quite 10:30. Our Boy Scout troop started the bonfire which our Pastor blessed. The Paschal Candle was lit and processed into the church which was in complete darkness. From the Paschal Candle we all lit our candles until the entire Church was bathed in the most beautiful candle light. Christ is truly our light. It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful our Liturgy is, it makes me feel sad for those who will never have the experience. At the appropriate time the music with the organ and horns resounded with the "Gloria" and all who had brought bells rang them incessantly, as it says "make a joyful noise unto the Lord". Father also blessed the water that will be used through out the liturgical year. The ritual and symbolism is so rich in tradition and magnificent to behold.
At the vigil two young women came into the Church; one who came into full communion with the Church; and one who had never been baptized. How beautiful to see these adults baptized, confirmed and receive the Holy Eucharist. To quote our pastor, "is that a grand slam or what".
After Mass concluded we all [about 200 or so] trouped over to the Parish Center where we "broke fast" with coffee, sandwiches and desert [some Italian cookies] and great commaraderie.
We got home about 11:50pm and went to sleep very quickly knowing that we had just been part of a most joyous, glorius,enriching and unique experience. Wishing all my family and readers a most Blessed and Glorius Easter.