Ancestry and St. Augustine Cemetery Chapel

Last Saturday, September 20th, I had the opportunity to attend a noon Mass, concelebrated by three bishops, at St. Augustine’s Cemetery Chapel in South Boston, MA. It was held in honor of the first Catholic priest in Boston, Rev. Francis Anthony Matignon who died on September 19, 1818. By all accounts Father Matignon was much loved and even revered. After bravely fleeing France , he came to America in 1792 and faced a great deal of difficulty trying to establish the Catholic Church in Boston.
There were at that time about one hundred Catholics who would occasionally receive the sacraments from a visiting priest. With the arrival of Father Matignon these early Catholics finally had a priest. I am thrilled to be able to say that one of my ancestors, Stephen Roberts, was part of that original congregation. After much sacrifice the first Cathedral of the Holy Cross was dedicated in 1803. Records show that even President John Adams donated to the building fund. After helping to spread the faith and to oversee the growth of the Church in Boston, when Father Matignon died part of his obituary read: “…his memory is cherished by all who value learning, honour genius, or love devotion.”
I spoke to Bishop Dooher prior to the Mass as I wanted to tell him that one of my ancestors was a part of the early Catholic Church in Boston. I was very happy when in his homily the Bishop mentioned how one of the attendees had an ancestor who was a member of that first flock served by Father Matignon. It was a joy to know that Stephen Roberts was remembered and honored in this way. My heart is full of gratitude for the gift of faith and it is a gift so freely given by one generation to the next. To stand on the sacred ground of St. Augustines’s Cemetery and to try to remember and honor one’s heritage is a humbling experience.

As pleased as I was to attend the Mass I was even more anxious to investigate the cemetery and to see if I could find any memorials to several relatives who are buried there. These include my great, great grandfather, Owen McCabe, and my great aunt, Elizabeth McCabe, better known as Auntie Lizzie. I was not successful but I am hoping to find the location of their graves when the Archdiocese of Boston again makes its archives available sometime soon.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Seldom have I read anything as compelling as this first time novel of David Wroblewski. I simply could not put it down. I consider myself a slow reader so for me to finish a 500 page plus book in less than two weeks was an accomplishment. This is a wonderful story of a boy, Edgar, his parents, Gar and Trudy and his mysterious uncle Claude. But most of all it is about the amazing ‘Sawtelle’ dogs. The story is both unique and electrifying.

The setting is a farm in Wisconsin where Edgar’s family raises to yearlings their very special ‘Sawtelle’ dogs. These dogs clearly learn from as well as teach the humans around them. Edgar’s dog, Almondine, seems to be an extension of him as Almondine has been Edgar’s protector and companion since he was an infant. Edgar is a brilliant boy who was born mute and with the help of his mother perfected sign language and developed much of his own. He communicates flawlessly. But sadly there is one time when things go horrible wrong and he is unable to get help.

Every good story has a suspicious character and features the usual battle of good vs evil. In this case Edgar’s uncle, Claude, provides these elements. The barn on the Sawtelle’s farm is a character unto itself for this is where the dogs are born, cared for, trained and given that special treatment resulting in their uniqueness. The final scene in this dramatic story is played out in the barn as well as many other turning points in this remarkable tale.

It has taken me several days and lots of book discussion moments to finally accept the ending of this story. At first I was disappointed as it seemed to be so unfulfilling given how utterly taken I was with the story. Then, I was angry how could the author do this to his readers!?! I had actually closed the book at one point about 50 pages from the end and contemplated whether to finish it. Imagine being that emotionally involved that you just didn’t want to confirm the ending you feared.

I will not forget this novel and I can only hope to read something else this outstanding sometime soon.

Ordination and Celebration of Women Priests

Two weeks have passed since I attended an extraordinary ordination. Yes, three remarkable women felt the call to the priesthood one as early as six years old. This elevation to the Roman Catholic Priesthood took place at the Church of the Covenant in Boston, MA. The ritual included the calling, the presentation, the examination and the election of the candidates for ordination to the priesthood.

Family and friends provided witness to the calling while the candidates were presented in turn one by her husband, another by her daughter and the third by a friend. The election included the laying on and anointing of hands as well as the investiture with stole and chasuble. There were two presiding bishops – one from America and the other from Germany.

I truly never thought I would witness such a powerful ceremony. These three women finally had the support and affirmation to answer their faith and love filled calling. All of the women will serve in the United States outside of Massachusetts.

In the early days of the Church many women bore witness to the Christianity Jesus Christ called them to spread and participated in priesthood as well. In fact the first person Jesus appeared to after His Resurrection was Mary Magdalene. It is no coincidence that the ordination took place on the Sunday closest to her feast day of July 22nd. I felt privileged to be there on the historic moment when three amazing women answered the call to ministry. The celebration was wonderfully heart-felt. May every grace, good wish and God’s blessings be theirs, Amen.

The Letter

July 11, 2008

Yesterday I came upon a sacred letter. Yes, it is a fragile treasure. Written 101 years ago by my paternal Great Grandfather to his dear daughter Catherine, it is an heirloom. Upon the urging of my niece and family historian, Kristin, I scanned it for her and I’m sure that it will help further her research as she lovingly explores our family’s ancestry.

I have often said that my paternal relatives are priests and teachers. It was my Grandfather's wish that my Father would become a priest. Fate intervened when my Grandfather died when Dad had just turned thirteen years old. Strange to imagine that one might not have been born.

It continues to amaze me when I ponder this heritage. Another interesting fact is that until fairly recently there was a Keveny Memorial Academy in Cohoes, NY. As a retired school teacher, thirty-six years in the classroom, there is something very thrilling about knowing that a school once bore your name.

I look forward to learning more about such a rich legacy one that deserves to be acknowledged and revered.

Please note that the photograph is of Catherine, a teacher and her brother Charles, a priest.

Part Two: Ultimate Dining Experience

June 28, 2008

It was my good fortune to dine for a second time in a restaurant I had previously tried and written about. My review had been mixed. It was not so much the food which was wonderful but the pace of the meal, the feeling of being rushed and the fact that it colored the experience in a negative way. Well, much to my surprise and delight I received an invitation from the owner to come again and really experience fine dining.

This past Wednesday my sister and I had the opportunity to do just that and did we ever dine in style. From the warm welcome of the host to the amazing expertise and professionalism of our waiter, we enjoyed every minute of the evening. A drink before dinner set the pace for a leisurely meal. Then, for starters we had perfect Cotuit oysters and delicious Maryland crab cakes. My entrée was the fabulous grilled veal sirloin with a butter basted lobster and corn salad while Regina had the restaurant’s, some say, most acclaimed dish of North Dakota buffalo tenderloin. I must say it was far tastier than any prime beef I’ve ever had. Our waiter had recommended just the right wine to accompany our dinner choices and it surely enhanced the dining experience.

The featured dessert had house-made ice cream on a walnut fudge brownie with, of course, warm chocolate sauce and cream. Are you hungry yet? I hope you will find your way to Heather’s Restaurant in Mashpee, MA on Cape Cod. If you do, your palate is in for a treat and your spirit will be buoyed as well. My special thanks go to Heather, chef/owner and Matt, general manager/owner for providing that so seldom, if ever, ultimate dining experience.

My Tribute to Stevie Nicks

June 23, 2008

What can be better than a 13th inning walk off homer by the Red Sox Kevin Youkilis? In this case it’s an unforgettable Stevie Nicks concert at the Bank of America Pavilion on June 22nd. Both were on the same day to boot and it was an amazing one at that. On a beautiful summer evening when Stevie took the stage in Boston, she owned it. From the intoxicating opening sounds of Stand Back to the plaintive ending sounds of Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You, Stevie gave her all to each and every song – not bad for someone who turned 60 years old on May 26th. Her commitment to her music and her intensity delivering it are unparalleled.

Stevie Nicks is a survivor one who battled serious addiction to both cocaine and prescription drugs and came out victorious at the other end. I’ve always admired people who overcome their demons. At the same time I’ve loved Stevie’s voice since her days with Fleetwood Mac when I first heard Rhiannon, “Would you stay if she promised you heaven; will you ever win…dreams unwind; love’s a state of mind.” Rhiannon is just one of Stevie’s many alter egos. These include my favorite Sara, “Stay with me awhile said you’d give me light but you never told me about the fire…all I ever wanted was to know that you were dreaming…” My other favorite Gold Dust Woman, “Heartless challenge; pick your path and I’ll pray…is it over now – do you know how; pick up the pieces and go home.” Then there is Gypsy, “She is dancing away from me now…and a memory is all that is left for you now…” From Tusk the haunting Angel, “Sometimes the most beautiful things, the most innocent things, and many of those dreams pass us by…and to those that I love like a ghost through a fog, like a charmed hour and a haunted song and the angel of my dreams.” From the only number one song Fleetwood Mac ever had Dreams, “But listen carefully to the sound of your loneliness, like a heartbeat drives you mad, in the stillness of remembering what you had and what you lost…it’s only me who wants to wrap around your dreams…”

For ever so many people their best loved song is Landslide, “What is love, can the child within my heart rise above, can I sail through the changing ocean tides, can I handle the seasons of my life, well I’ve been afraid of changing ‘cause I’ve built my life around you…” If anyone remembers when the band reunited for The Dance in 1997you’ll know how unforgettable Stevie’s performance was of her break up song with Lindsey Buckingham called Silver Springs, “Time cast a spell on you, you won’t forget me…I’ll follow you down ‘til the sound of my voice will haunt you, you’ll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you…” Chills!

It’s easy to recall all these memorable poetic lyrics. Here are some from Stevie’s solo career. From her 1981 break out album Bella Donna we have After the Glitter Fades, “We all chase something and maybe this is a dream…even though the living is sometimes laced with lies it’s alright, the feeling remains even after the glitter fades…” The song Stevie ends her concerts with and greets her fans at the stage with is Edge of Seventeen, “And the days go by like a strand in the wind in the web that is my own I begin again…with the words from a poet and the voice of a choir and a melody nothing else mattered…” The song Stevie wrote when her best friend, Robin, died of cancer was Nightbird, “And when I call will you walk gently through my shadow…and the darkened eyes through the net of the face in the darkness it’s hard to see her face…” My favorite song from The Wild Heart album is Sable on Blond, “What was it that fell, was it one fallen leaf like the feather that it was, was it freedom by choice or… was it love, was in thorn in your side, something that you hide, something you can’t touch because it hurts too much…just how deep do you hold that dream in your hands each night…” Stevie has many fans in the military and has often visited the veterans at Walter Reed Hospital. She ended her encore last night with a montage of emotional scenes from the Iraq War and with the singing of the remarkable Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You, “In all your darkest hours have you ever heard me sing, listen to me now, you know I’d rather be alone that be without you…and the rain comes down, there’s no pain and there’s no doubt, it was easy to say I believed in you every day…” The last eleven words were often posted in my classroom of 4th Graders for inspiration as were other lyrics such as, “All I ever wanted was to know that you were dreaming…”

It is truly mind-blowing to be able to sustain two careers simultaneously, one solo and one with Fleetwood Mac. Such is Stevie’s devotion to her fans and that love is returned to her in kind and more. I will not soon forget Stevie’s heart-felt, joyful performances and her ethereal, thought provoking and yes haunting lyrics. Having seen her, I imagine one hundred times or more, I always appreciated how her music could take me away. I recall a concert in Atlantic City just a few days after 9/11 and how we her fans were helping each other through the pain of that catastrophic event with the beauty of her songs and the magic that is Stevie Nicks. That evening I was fortunate enough to be at the stage and to have a little moment with Stevie when she shook my hand. Thank you, Stevie Nicks for the timelessness of your songs and the wonder of your presence on stage. "You're the poet in my heart, never change, never stop..." You are a true and brilliant artist.

Post Script: About the photo of Stevie Nicks - I took it at an outdoor concert outside of Seattle, WA on May 27, 1990. I love the wistful look on Stevie's face as she greets the audience.

CBS Sunday Morning

June 22, 2008

I have been watching CBS Sunday Morning for as long as I can remember. It is as close to ‘appointment television’ as it gets. Why, with so many news magazine type programs is it so important to me. Well, I never cease to learn something, to appreciate a new twist on a story, to revel in a unique perspective, to wonder at the brilliant writing and the creative producing. The program has been on nearly 30 years and has enjoyed a seamless transition from its original host, Charles Kuralt to its current host, Charles Osgood. One of my favorites is correspondent, Bill Geist. With his human interest stories he never fails to thrill me with his original, witty and even ‘off the wall’ pieces.

This morning's program featured a story about the GI Bill focusing on how it helped World War 11 veterans to adjust back to civilian life. Unlike the World War 1 veterans who had trouble finding work and subsequently endured the Great Depression, WW 11 vets were given help in all the areas that ensure a successful absorption back to society. Help was forthcoming in completing their education, finding jobs and financing homes. Although these benefits are available today to veterans their value is watered down. Currently a bill before Congress is attempting to right this wrong.

In addition there was a remembrance of Judy Garland on the anniversary of her death at the age of 47 as well as a profile of financial advisor, Suze Orman. I must make mention of a fascinating story about Bill Berloni, animal trainer for Broadway shows including the original Annie as well as the current Legally Blonde. Noteworthy is the fact that all his dogs are rescue animals.

Two other program features should be recognized. How about the sun logo – my, how that has evolved through the years! Then there is that peaceful photographic essay seen at the closing of the show. With your feet up and a cup of coffee it doesn’t get any better. Such programming as CBS Sunday Morning is rare and much enjoyed and appreciated by me.