First Profession and First Speaker

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while but it's mostly same old around here lately. One of the dogs gave birth to nine puppies last night so we were all excited to see them this morning. I bet the poor thing is so stressed: I mean, imagine having nine babies trying to feed at the same time!

This morning was the very beautiful mass of first profession of 8 Missionaries of Charity. I will put up photos as soon as they are uploaded to the computer. I love the MCs because they have adapted to working with the poorest of the poor so well without compromising anything. Their habits are simple and practical but still very traditional. To me their habit is the authentic interpretation of the requirements given for a habit by Perfectae Caritatis: the Vatican II document on religious life. They also don't take the erroneous view that in trying to be poor we should impoverish our altars. Their chapel is simple but beautiful and embodies the idea of giving the best to God but the least to ourselves. There are no seats or pews and the floor is very plain but the tabernacle, altar and crucifix are ornate. A perfect balance and the true spirit of poverty: we should never be afraid of spending money for God, nothing is too good for him.

This afternoon Father Allan called on me over lunch to be the first speaker at the altar servers' Advent recollection completely out of the blue. I only had one hour to prepare myself but it turned out alright. It's difficult because they only understand so much English but I like these experiences because they make me feel like I could be a preacher. I managed 40 minutes before I floundered completely as it appeared that they weren't understanding anything by then: I think I exhausted the simple stuff in the first 30 mins. Anyway, I hope that my poor attempt gave them something, it was done in love anyway.

Other news: I'm getting the music ready for a NO mass in Latin we're going to have here next Wednesday, Fr Allan's ordination anniversary, so a few words with St. Cecilia that I won't mess it up would be much appreciated.

I hope everyone is well,

Keep in touch,

In Christ through Mary,

Daniel