Replies

Our Mass celebrant this week was a "student priest" from Malawi, studying in Rome, and on "vacation" in the US. Note to "African-Americans"---you guys aren't black---THIS gentleman was BLACK. Good sermon, powerful speaker.

Twenty years ago, the parish I attended had 3 visiting priests for the summer - 2 from the Phillipines and 1 from Nigeria. At the time, I worked for an int'l airline and was planning to spend a few weeks in Italy, visiting Assisi, home to the patron saint of my parish. Since the flight departed on Saturday evening, I knew I would miss Mass on Sunday so I attended the Saturday morning mass.

I arrived about 20 minutes before Mass was scheduled to begin. On entering the church, I saw the Nigerian priest kneeling in prayer, just to the left of the Sanctuary. He remained in prayer until only minutes before Mass. Once vested, he processed down the aisle. During the Consecration, his eyes were riveted intensely on the host. Looking up, I could see a golden glow emmanating from around him and jabbed my mother in the ribs, pointing to this priest. She didn't see it ... but it was very real.

After Mass, I stopped at the rectory, advising all the priests that I was headed to Assisi and asking what it was they wanted me to bring back. When it was the Nigerian priest's turn, he bore holes through my soul with the most piercing eyes and said: "whatever God intends for me".

After touring Assisi, we visited a gift shop in the basilica, where I picked up the items each priest had requested. Now it was time to find the gift for the Nigerian priest. I circled that shop many times, in constant prayer. Finally, my mother in total exasperation suggested that I "just pick anything" for the priest. No, I couldn't do that. I perused the lay of the shop one more time. Suddenly, a ray of light struck an object in one of the showcases. It glinted and I took that as a signal that this was what the priest was meant to have.

Without even questioning price, I had the shop owner wrap and package this item for the Nigerian priest. When I handed it to him, he bowed his head, extended his hand and blessed the object, then pressed it to his heart. What was it? It was a triptych of St. Francis' Canticle of the Creatures.

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,: all praise is yours, all glory, all honor,
and all blessing.
To you, alone, Most High, do they belong.: No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
All praise be yours, my Lord,: through all you have made,; and first my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day;; and through whom you give us light.
How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendor;: Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
All Praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon: and the stars; in the heavens you have made them,; bright, and precious, and fair.
All praise be yours, my Lord,: through Brothers wind and air, and fair and stormy,; all the weather's moods,; by which you cherish all that you have made.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Water,: so useful, humble, precious and pure.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire,: through whom you brighten up the night.; How beautiful is he, how cheerful!; Full of power and strength.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through our Sister: Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us,; and produces various fruits with colored flowers; and herbs.
All praise be yours, my Lord,: through those who grant pardon for love of you;; through those who endure sickness and trial.
Happy are those who endure in peace,: By You, Most High, they will be crowned.
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death,: From whose embrace no mortal can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!: Happy those she finds doing your will!; The second death can do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks: And serve him with great humility.

I have never forgotten this priest and keep him in my daily prayers.