A Most Beautiful Father's Day Weekend

This past week has been full of so many blessings, with priestly ordinations in our diocese followed by the beautiful first Mass of our very own Father Philippe and the baptism of our little grand-daughter on Father's Day. My heart is so full. Seeing Father Philippe grow in his vocation--he sang with us for a year while he was discerning--has been such a joy. And to be ordained Father's Day weekend was so very special. A couple of years ago, I discovered this beautiful prayer, and I was so heartened to see it on Father Philippe's holy card he chose commemorating his ordination. We received a blessing and it is such an honor and privilege to kiss his anointed hands. Deo gratias! Let us never forget to pray for our good and faithful priests, who make untold sacrifices for their flock.

Father Philippe chose the Sparrow Mass by Mozart for his first Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of our Lady, Star of the Sea, who always, always guides us to her Son. The Mass was magnificent--the music evokes the cheerful chirping of the sparrows, small and humble, totally dependent on God's Providence. The church was full of parishioners, altar boys, seminarians, deacons, and priests on this Saturday morning, all worshipping together. Msgr. McInerny gave the homily, on Father Philippe's journey to the priesthood, how it began in childhood, his faith nurtured by his parents and those before him. My mind wandered to the hymn: Faith of our Fathers--how necessary fathers are for transmitting the faith. Michael told me that one time during confession a priest told him that no matter how devout the mother is, grace flows to the family through the father, who is the head, so it is paramount that he practices his faith. This was even true in the Holy Family--grace from the Heavenly Father flowed to the Holy Family through St. Joseph. It is truly wondrous. Fathers, you are so important!

Sunday was Father's Day and it was so beautiful that Max and Laura brought their little daughter to the Heavenly Father for baptism. I was so grateful she could wear our family's baptism gown. She was alert and didn't cry even once as Holy Water was poured onto her forehead. She's such a sweet baby, taking after Laura and her mother. Our families had the best time getting to know each other and to have both our grandbabies under one roof was such a joy. We are already envisioning the years ahead... It's been so wonderful to see our children grow in their vocation--it is no surprise given the good example of their own fathers. May they continue to provide and protect, love and lead their families to heaven! Heaven!!! 

It was a busy weekend with all the family, all the outings, both baby and I took a nap. It is the sweetest thing of all.  

The Best Birthday Ever -- DC Wedding Edition

I feel so very blessed and praise God for all He is doing in our lives. Over Christmas holidays, Max and Laura announced they had a date for their Nuptial Mass--Jan. 17th--and it so happens this is the anniversary of their first date at Butterworths! It's also the Feast of St. Anthony the Great of the Desert! We kept praying to God that Ian and Dagny's baby will arrive early enough for me to witness Max and Laura's wedding and our prayers were answered. I had a full week I could spend taking care of the new parents and I had dear friends whom I approached to take care of my baby girl while we were gone, and they did. I asked for a daily dose of the little one :)

On our drive, we finished listening to Ida Elisabeth by Sigrid Undset--loved the slow pace, the interiority, the excellent character development, the digressions. Very similar themes as Kristin Lavransdatter about family, fidelity, the consequences of sin, and of course, redemption. We started The Plague Journal by Michael O'Brien and finished listening at home. Prophetic. We've listened to his other books--The Sabbatical; The Lighthouse. Wonderful writer. But I digress!

We had a delicious dinner at Karravaan | Silk Road Inspired Restaurant. It made me think of Daniel Nayeri's The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams. Beautiful book! I will be helping build my kids' libraries--especially with the best children's books!

Loved visiting the botanical gardens, especially the tropical and orchid gardens. It's astonishing to see the variety of exquisite flowers.

Laura joined us for lunch at Rasika. She went back to work while we visited the National Gallery of Art. So inspiring. I especially loved the paintings depicting Madonna and Child, our Lord Jesus and John the Baptist as infants, the Adoration of the Magi. Why yes, I have baby fever!  

Andrea del Verrocchio, c 1465 

Fall of Man (note the cat) Henrick Goltzius, c 1616

Jacopino del Conte, c 1535

We fully enjoyed our time in DC. It was so lovely to visit with Laura's parents and sister before the big day. Max came over with his tux Saturday morning. We walked over to Eastern Market, got some delicious food, and then got ready for Mass at St. Joseph's. I love St. Joseph and I know this greatest and humblest of saints is watching over Max and Laura. I am so proud of them for arranging everything for a small and intimate wedding, and so grateful for their faithful friends who're walking with them, as they begin their new vocation. 

The organist and cantor sang a beautiful Missa de Angelis. The readings were all focused on the nature of love and God's love for us, from the Song of Songs to the Gospel of John. We pray that Max and Laura will always abide in His Love. I love how Max looks at Laura, with tender love and care. Laura was a radiant bride and so happy! But I sensed an even greater joy the following day when we all met at Butterworths.

We went to Sunday Mass at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land and I just loved that the Gospel reading was about the Wedding at Cana! My heart is so full. 

We stopped for the evening in NC and just in time to avoid a winter storm in DC. What grace to wake up in the morning and see the frost on the ground and the geese swimming in the pond. Michael had a celebratory cigar when we came home. We have so much to celebrate and be thankful to God for--new life, new marriage, renewal. May God bless Max and Laura with a long and happy married life. May they bear much good fruit. And may they help each other get to heaven! Heaven! 

How the Garden Grows

 

May is the month of Mary and how lovely it is to offer a flower or two to her. We had a lovely procession after Mass inside the church because it's been raining so much and I do so love all the Marian hymns, invoking her prayers and protection over us. I really enjoyed this recording of children's voices singing our parish hymn: Hail Queen of Heaven... 

Pomegranate

Purslane

New this year are the microgreens--amaranth, arugula, broccoli, radish, etc. They are delicious, bursting with flavors. A great addition to any meal. Outside, we have basil and tomatoes, sweet potatoes and collards. I hope that fig tree survives. Michael has fixed the deer fence so we hope the deer won't be jumping it to eat all our goodies. The raccoons are digging up our ginger and turmeric. They don't eat it but they're so nosy about what we've planted.

 Madonna and Child by Enric Monserday Vidal

Hail, Queen of heaven, the ocean star,

Guide of the wanderer here below,
Thrown on life’s surge, we claim thy care,
Save us from peril and from woe.
Mother of Christ, Star of the sea
Pray for the wanderer, pray for me.

O gentle, chaste, and spotless Maid,
We sinners make our prayers through thee;
Remind thy Son that He has paid
The price of our iniquity.
Virgin most pure, Star of the sea,
Pray for the sinner, pray for me.

Sojourners in this vale of tears,
Blest advocate, to thee we cry,
Assuage our sorrows, calm our fears,
And soothe with hope our misery.
Refuge in grief, Star of the sea
Pray for the mourner, pray for me.

And while to Him Who reigns above
In Godhead one, in Persons three,
The Source of life, of grace, of love,
Homage we pay on bended knee:
Do thou, bright Queen, Star of the sea,
Pray for thy children, pray for me.