Dear Friends,
As we arrive at the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the Church invites us to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near” (Phil 4:4,5, the Entrance Antiphon for this Sunday). I am excitedly anticipating the unfolding of our Live Nativity, Sunday afternoon from 2:30-4:30 pm, on our front lawn. Be sure to come by and experience this wonderful event. Refreshments will be available.
We have some good news to share with our parish family. We will become a “home away from home” for one of the seminarians from Sri Lanka. It happens to be Jude Arkesh Ragel, who is coming here on Thursdays for his Apostolate or Field Education experience and who spoke to us about the Seminary Appeal this past November. The other seminarian from Sri Lanka, Pasquelge Don Sandum Tharuka, will be calling Visitation Parish, Trooper, home. This arrangement allows them to have a place to go when the Seminary is not in session or when they are not involved with a pastoral assignment. They will return to Sri Lanka within four years to be ordained priests for their Archdiocese. I know you will welcome Jude warmly into our parish family.
Last weekend, in my homily I shared a poetic version of a legend from Italy about La Befana. Unfortunately, I am not certain where I found the exact text version that I used, as I discovered it years ago. Most likely via the internet. It seems that a few folks would like to know more so here is a link that might be a resource to help you ~ https://www.summerinitaly.com/traveltips/the-legend-of-la-befana .
The poetic version that I used, and I apologize that I do not have the source for it follows ~ “Befana the housewife, scrubbing her pane, Saw three old sages ride down the lane, Saw three gray travelers pass her door, Gaspar, Balthazar and Melchior.
“Where journey you, sirs?” she asked of them. Balthazar answered, “To Bethlehem, “For we have news of a marvelous thing, Born in a stable is Christ the King.”
“Give him my welcome.” Then Gaspar smiled, “Come with us mistress to greet the child.” “O happily, happily would I fare, “Were my dusting through, and I polished the stair.”
Old Melchior leaned on his saddle horn, “Then send but a gift to the small Newborn.” “O gladly, gladly, I’d send him one, “Were the hearthstone swept and my weaving done. “As soon as I’ve baked my bread, “I’ll fetch him a pillow for his head, “And a coverlet too,” Befana said. “When the rooms are aired and the linen dry, ‘I’ll look to the babe.” But the three rode by.
She worked for a day, and a night and a day, Then, gifts in her hand, she took up her way. But she never found where the Christ Child lay.
And still she wanders at Christmastide. Houseless, whose house was all her pride. Whose heart was tardy, whose gifts were late, Wanders and knocks at every gate. Crying, “Good people, let the bells begin. “Put off your toiling and let love in.”
If anyone happens to find the exact source, please let me know. As we draw ever closer to Christmas, may we take to heart Befana’s cry, “Good people, let the bells begin. “Put off your toiling and let love in.”
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
