I just came home from a tour of a chapel in the Washington Diocese. The chapel is called St. Mary's Church & Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Nineteen of us (from our military chapel) drove up to attend the 11am Mass and take a tour of their shrine and see the stone they received from the emissary of Portugal, who presented the stone, a piece of the rock Our Lady of Fatima stood upon. The chapel is gorgeous, of course, and Mass was done wonderfully. I really miss attending at a real Catholic church. In the military it's a military building all faiths share so it's never got a fully Catholic feel to it. Y'all know what I mean. I'm not putting down what the military chapel offers us - it's just not my "home".
Well, I think this is funny, but: I had completely bloody forgotten about this tour trip. I had woken in pain (jaw and shoulder from TMJ) at 4am and caught a catnap on the sofa when my husband woke me about twenty after 8am. I had NO TIME to do my hair, so I pulled it back in a ponytail, showered the rest of me, dressed in a nice top and jeans . . . went to Mass with our girl. My husband and boys followed - getting there in the beginning of the Gospel. My husband says to me, "Annamaria is here - are you going?" I froze. Oh! "It's December 28, isn't it?" I met with her in the narthex, we spoke, husband grabbed my purse and our girl and off we went. I'm glad I did.
I came home to a lovely Christmas gift from our friends Bev and Bernie. They gifted us THE PRIESTS CD - two glass mugs, Godiva hot chocolate and Godiva peppermint white truffles. What a lovely, lovely gift! These two are two of the most hard working, generous folks I've been blessed to know. T'will be a sad sad day when we have to say Ta Ta For Now . . . we'll meet again in Minnesota - some day. Ach, better to not think about parting ways for now . . . there's plenty time for that. But, as far as good people, I've rarely met their equal.
Many blessings to you all. I'm going to have a listen to this CD whilst I pray.
13 comments:
How beautiful! I think I need to get this!
Wow...I'd love to get a listen to from that CD. Do they have a link where you can hear some samples?
You can view them on Youtube pretty easily. My son and I watched the PBS special they did for Christmas. Immediately we went and bought the CD. Great choice. Glad you got a copy.
I saw them on PBS as well. TWICE. But, because I swore off using my credit card, I refused to buy it. See? God blessed me through a friend for holding back on this strong urge and desire to have it. Now I've got it and I'm ever so GRATEFUL. Dawn, I know you know how much . . . you just do, 'cos you know me best.
Love and hugs to you all,
Sarah
My husband and I listened to them on Raymond Arroyo's show on EWTN. MY husband thinks one sounds just like "little Joe" of the 3 tenors.
My son received this as a Christmas present - can't wait to hear it.
God Bless,
Elena
I've heard that CD is beautiful--I want one, too! :o)
What a lovely, unexpected day you had.
I saw them on telly and loved them - I get goosebumps remembering! Now I'm praying for the CD. :-)
Beautiful! I'm off to check out YouTube!!
If you are ever in Minnesota look me up also! You are blessed Sarah. SO glad to know ya.
Aren't they wonderful???!! I love it!
How was Mass at the Bascilica with regards to how full was it, I mean? :)
JMJ - you're right; he does.
Elena - I know you'll enjoy it as much if not more than the rest of us!
Kalona - you'll get yours when the time is right; I hope someone gives it to you.
PFP - I think someone will end up giving you one, don't you? Let folks know you'd like to have a copy.
Jamie - yes, You Tube must have them. (h/t Dawn). Have you seen Libera? They're worth a listen as well.
Christine - you know I'll see you in MN!! I'm very glad to know you, too!!!!
Suzanne - We were lucky to get there a wee bit past 9pm. About 9:30, people filled the pews to full and folks were filling the side chapels. God bless those who stayed and had to stand the entire time; I would have left. I'm serious. I can't stand that long with cranky kids.
Oh yes, that would be too much to ask of the lil kids too. I'm glad you had a seat with your family.
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