Dear Friends in Christ,
This past week, I spent time on a retreat at the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, NY. It was a week of silence and prayer which was such a blessing. It is always beneficial once a year to reassess one’s life and reorganize his commitment to grow closer to Jesus and to be a better person. Certainly, in my case, to be a better priest and pastor. The Trappist monks begin their day at 3:30 AM to chant the Divine Office and then there are various times in the day and evening when the monks stop their work and study to chant the other hours of the Divine Office. Morning Prayer (Lauds) is at 6:30 AM; Holy Mass at 7:00 AM; Terce, Sext and None are prayed during the day; Evening Prayer (Vespers) is at 5:30 PM and the day ends with Night Prayer (Compline) at 7:30 PM. The final prayer is the Salve Regina (Haily Holy Queen) and then the monastery enters into Grand Silence. It was a blessed week, but I always recall that I am meant to be a diocesan priest as I missed our parish and the faithful. After the retreat ended, we three priests who travel together went this year to Cooperstown, NY to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. I had not been to Cooperstown for some twenty years and it did not disappoint. We began our day at the Hall of Fame with a moving film. I must admit it brought tears to my eyes and amusingly, the usher who saw us out of the theatre said to me, “There’s no crying in baseball.” Of course, I knew he was quoting from the movie A League of Their Own which was about the women’s baseball league during World War II. I did not hit him, but I wanted to tell him that I will shed a multitude of tears the next time the Phillies win the World Series (hopefully this year!). Interestingly, I was speaking to one of the priests about Pete Rose and was shocked to hear that he died two days after we discussed his legacy. Pete had a very checkered career, but he was a great player; may he rest in peace. Another treat before returning home was a visit to the Shrine of the Rosa Mystica. Deacon Andy suggested I visit the shrine, and it was absolutely beautiful. Our Mother Mary was clearly present, and the holy property is nestled in breathtaking scenery where the leaves are changing into their autumn colors. I offered Mass and prayers for all of you who are a pleasure to serve. This blessed opportunity gave me the chance to realize how much I love Our Lady of Hope Parish!
God bless you,
Father Szolack