After we had stopped to see Patrick through the window... not knowing that they would be able to hold him yet... the kids and I planned to stop down the hill at St Patrick's Cathedral. We arrived just as a wedding was ending! We walked in the back and the bride and groom walked out into the back of church and smiled at us! Then followed the family and the wedding party including 3 young girls in white as their bridesmaids. It was a beautiful sight to behold! David and Therese felt that they were able to witness a very special event.
First we had to go and meet St Patrick and thank him for his watching out for their little brother! The kids genuinely felt honored to know that this great man of God was the namesake of their little Lamb, Patrick!
Davey couldn't reach his hand so Therese joyfully and proudly lifted him! Too wonderful for words! I have found great comfort in holding onto that outstretched hand over this last week. Finding St Patrick's so close by to the Providence hospital has been such a glorious gift to help us along in this journey in this year of Faith!
David has a whole new appreciation of St Patrick as he saw the snakes being crushed and chased out of Ireland! He has such a sense of Good and evil that this really was huge for him, and he spoke about it to his parents over supper. It is so good to not be fooled into the thoughts of relativism that permeates the world telling us that there is no danger or evil in this world... things are not gray - no! - they are black and white, right and wrong! David and Therese have a good grasp of that!
We prayed in front of a replica of the tulma of St Juan Diego on which appeared Our Lady of Guadalupe. Sweet little Therese said the Hail Mary and David joined in... in their sweet little voices. Many times on our "adventure" around the Cathedral I told the children that the Lord loves the prayers of little children and listens to them and answers them!
St Joseph was a special stop as he is a saint for all the men in Patrick's immediate family and both of his grandfathers! We know that his prayers as he stands high in heaven close to his adopted Son, Jesus Christ, were so important for us this last week and a half!
Some special time with Jesus in the Adoration chapel.... Jesus, we thank you for the wonder and glory of Your Church! All our needs are tended to by your Word and Sacraments as well as the tradition of the True Church! We are filled with wonder and awe as we "see" with eyes of Faith all the blessings and answers to our heartfelt prayers. How we hold YOU so specially in our hearts, minds and souls! On this mission Sunday we are filled with joy at the words of our wise and humble Pope Benedict XVI
"the purpose of our lives is to reveal God to men. And only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is... There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know him and to speak to others about our friendship with him." Yes, Lord! To see you through the wondrous eyes of children is a special gift, and to "see" your truth come to life for them! Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Halleluia
Therese found a pink rose petal - showers from heaven from her patron saint - St Therese! "I will help her in heaven to do good!" Bless-bless, Barb
"Behold the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, who hope in his merciful love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive."
Psalm 33
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