When our pastor went to Rome a year or so ago, he asked if he could bring me anything. I said there was no thing I wanted, but if he had the happy chance to visit Santa Maria della Vittoria and see Bernini's Ecstasy of St. Teresa, I would appreciate hearing a first hand account. (And a bit of reassurance that it was still there and waiting for my eventual visit.)

Father was back in Rome this past week. I received a delightful surprise when I walked into work the other morning and was given a message. Father had called. There was no important work message for me. I was told he had visited and prayed for me at "that, you know, St. Teresa church." I was touched that he had remembered. When he was back in the office this morning, I was eager to debrief him.

"Tell me it is as beautiful as in the art books."

"It is. And more..."