“I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” So proclaims the psalmist in the readings for this Sunday’s mass. And , like the psalmist, I also want to bless and praise God, for giving me two wonderful, warm and loving parish communities like St Philip’s and St Clare’s to shepherd!!
A big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for honoring me so marvellously last weekend for my 25th anniversary celebration. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection from so many people, expressed in the many tributes, presentations, gifts and best wishes I received. The spiritual bouquet , written on all the maple leaves, was a splendid touch . So many of you have promised to pray rosaries and offer Masses for me that I have every confidence God will have no choice but open the gates of heaven wide for me when my time comes!!
Thank you so very much , Donna Hawkes, for pulling the whole celebration together, and to your wonderful team of workers who helped decorate the hall and take care of all the arrangements for the Saturday evening . A special thank you to the CWL for providing such delicious food for the occasion, including a fabulous cake (and there was another for me to cut on Sunday morning when the celebration continued after the 10:30 am mass in the hall). Talking of food, I especially loved the “roast” I got from Peter Moore, because I know when someone is not afraid to give you a “ribbing” to your face, that means you are really loved. I learned a great deal about my favorite soccer team, my driving abilities, and my sartorial attire, as well as sundry other of my habits!! Just beware next time you come to confession, Peter (and by the way, check out the English soccer Premier League and see how high up my beloved “Saints” are )!!
Above all, the main reason I praise and bless God for you all is because of the eager way you are so willing to allow the Holy Spirit to move in your midst and the tremendous spiritual fruit which is so obviously growing in each parish community. It is my desire to spend many more years with you, helping to cultivate this fruit and seeing St Philip’s and St Clare’s becoming the best versions of themselves they can be. Thank you all again for the fabulous celebration you gave me last weekend, and here’s to the next 25 years. I love you all!!
Ad multos annos!!