“THE
EYES OF MY SOUL WERE OPENED”
By Anna
Mancini
On
September 21st, I attended the twelve-thirty Mass.
I could have gone earlier, but decided to do all that I had to do
at home first. As I entered
the breezeway, I encountered my friend, Carol, who is involved in the
ministry of greeting all who come to our church.
But more than that I saw the gathering of parishioners and
guests, enjoying some refreshments near our new gazebo –
something special I thought – and when I saw Fr. Greg Cappuccino, I knew something special had
happened.
And when I was told what it was, I was so infuriated with
myself…I had forgotten the special Mass to commemorate the fortieth
anniversary of our Parish!!! The
more I thought about it, the more upset I became.
Then, the words of a very wise lady came to mind –
“for some reason” you were meant to be at the twelve-thirty mass
today. Those words
would always save me whenever I become forgetful – and, in a way,
relieve me from the possible truth that I’m in the beginning stages of
senility!!!
In a more peaceful mindset, I entered the church and sat in the
first row near the Blessed Sacrament altar.
My vantage point allowed me to see the number of Eucharistic
ministers who would be serving the community during the Mass, my brother
Andrew, being one of them. I
realized they may need extra help, so I waited until the appropriate
time to become one of them.
During the second reading, I noticed my brother standing up and
leaning over the minister next to him.
Soon my vision included others, who obviously were aiding this
particular minister. In an unobtrusive way, the ministers, some of the nearby
parishioners and ushers came to this person’s aid. The local emergency unit had been notified and they, too
performed their services professionally and quietly.
So much so, that after Mass, many in attendance had no idea of
what had really happened.
Throughout this, Fr. Frank, the celebrant, kept a watchful eye on
the proceedings. As he finished the gospel reading, he could no longer remain
on the altar. He asked the
congregation to please excuse him as he went immediately to ascertain
the situation, pray and bless the minister.
“There is no need for a homily,” Fr. Frank then said.
“The essence of it is now being put into action by the caring
gestures of brothers and sisters coming to the aid of one of their
brothers. Let us now invoke
God’s blessings as we unite as one in the Prayer of the Faithful.”
Yes, I did help out, as did another Eucharistic Minister Marion,
and yes, I guess we were needed at this Mass.
But as for me it was one of the “minor” gifts I received.
As I don’t mean to minimize the privilege of serving the Body
of Christ and His Precious Blood to my brothers and sisters.
It’s just that I received a gift far beyond the expected.
I, Anna, saw The Good Shepherd first-hand.
Fr. Frank left the 500 or so assembled parishioners to go to the
aid of the one who was in need at the time.
Need I say more? Praise
God!
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