click picture for larger image
I have lived in Portland, OR, Concord, CA (Bay Area), and Atlanta, GA. But I grew up in the San Gabriel/Rosemead area of So Cal (about 11 miles east of Downtown LA). While I am less than 15 miles from there now, I don’t get there too often. But I was there yesterday, with a little time on my hands. So I stopped at the parish I grew up in - St. Anthony’s.
It was first Friday, so I got the chance to spend time in prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the very church where I was baptized, had my first confession, my first communion, and was confirmed. This was the church where I was altar boy for so long, where my faith was born and fostered - among a community of believers. It was a wonderful experience.
Being there in the church, and later walking the school grounds where I attended 1st through 8th grade brought back many memories. I remember Fr. Flanagan, his Irish brogue and the wonderful homilies - many of which I still remember. My favorite was one on “EGO,” which he told us really means “Edging God Out.” I remember Msgr. Glennon who was an excellent shepherd, guiding his flock justly - neither iron willed nor laissez fair. I remember the wonderful music directed by Sr. Dolorous (I still love the St. Louis Jesuits). I remember the special lessons and examples from the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary; Sr. Dolorous, Sr. Genevieve (I still remember the poetry she taught us), Sr. Helen and the first principal I ever new - Sr. Mary Anne. I also remember the lay teachers that touched me - Mr. Betendorf, Mrs. Kattel, and others.
I saw the Christian Service hut, where I remember my mom and dad packing groceries for the poor. I remembered the lay people who made the parish home and set self sacrificing examples. People like Joe Calorino or Al Brown - who was always there to serve, and his wife Edith who was one of the most prayerful women I have ever met.
I thank God for the tremendous foundation that these people so selflessly provided. The lessons, the examples, and the community. I pray that wherever they are, the Lord smiles upon them. For those who have left this world, I pray that they are with Jesus now, and ask that they put in a good word for me. I pray too, that I may touch the lives of someone as they touched mine.
So what is my point? It is this. However you got were you are, thank God for those who helped get you there and remember that we all have a responsibility to provide a firm foundation for others.
Tags: Christianity, Catholicism, Gratitude, Community, Thanks
