St. Richard, Ora pro nobis!
Am in quite a jubilant mood this morning. Our Chuck (confirmation name, Richard) was confirmed yesterday. Praise God. There were moments when I had my doubts. What with his ‘social anxiety’ and some learning problems, I didn’t know if we’d make it. The use of the word “we” is telling, in that Chuck was doing OK...but his mother often lacked courage in pursuing the sacrament outside of the usual parish parameters of three years of in-class work, X number of service hours and other bureaucratic challanges.

Among so many things, I am sure Chuck is thankful that arthritis and a strong sense of decorum kept me in a position of silent thanksgiving. Remember that scene in The Blues Brothers where John Belushi does handsprings down the church aisle? That’s the way I felt as the bishop and confirmandi recessed from the church.

Thanks be to thee, our Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits which thou hast given us,
for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for us.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
may we know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
and follow thee more nearly. Amen.