Bellarmine House - Cohasset, MA

November 6, 2008

Last week-end I had the opportunity to ‘get away’ with over twenty friends. We all belong to a small faith community called the People of the Promise. We started our journey at the Paulist Center in Boston and have been celebrating Mass together for over thirty-six years.

Every Autumn we try to go on a retreat at this amazing Jesuit property with spectacular views on the Atlantic Ocean. It is always a time of renewal. The quiet reflection, the animated conversations, the meaningful sharing all contribute to a joyful, peaceful experience. I cannot forget the fun-filled ‘happy hours’ or the delicious meals we enjoy together with everyone contributing their specialties.

This year we were guided by the words of St. Paul and his instructions in the form of letters written to the early Christians. Emphasis was on the power of God’s love, the gifts of the Spirit, and the hope of reconciliation. A new understanding of reconciliation as reconnecting with the broken parts of ourselves and others emerged.

Our priest shared this thought about God:
You loved us into being like a mother. You walk with us as a friend. You are able to accomplish in us far more than we can ask, imagine, or dream possible…

The luxury of being able to get away, to appreciate the stillness, to be thankful for the friendships and to know that nothing can separate us from the love of God was not lost on me.

A Carrie Fisher Moment

When I learned several weeks ago that Carrie Fisher would be bringing her one woman show to Boston’s Huntington Theatre I hastened to get a ticket. My fast action was rewarded with a third row, end seat – heavenly. Then when Carrie began her show by singing “Happy Days Are Here Again” and walking into the audience, there I was as she sprinkled glitter (mostly in my hair) and I mouthed the words, “Love you!”

Talk about a special moment - that was one. I have long admired Carrie Fisher as a survivor, talented actress, brilliant writer and most of all a very funny lady. She has cleverly mined her, as she says, “all too eventful life.” A life always lived in the public eye. Born to celebrity parents, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, her father left her mother for Elizabeth Taylor when she was two years old. Her mother took her out of high school and put Carrie in the chorus of her Las Vegas show. By the time she did Star Wars at the age of twenty she was having addiction problems. In and out of rehab her struggle continues.

Not being a fan of Star Wars it was not Carrie Fisher’s movie career which got my attention but rather her books. As an author she uses words very cleverly and almost never fails to get a laugh in very depressing circumstances. This I enjoy.

Her first marriage to singer Paul Simon ended in divorce. Her second marriage to talent agent Bryan Lourd ended when he left her for another man. From this union she has a daughter, Billie, whom she clearly adores. She continued to live in the Los Angeles area so that her daughter would have a father’s love and influence. Something Carrie herself didn’t have. Her Dad’s most famous song is, “Oh My Papa” or as Carrie likes to say, “Oh My Faux Pa.”

Her manic personality eventually meant a bipolar diagnosis. She is very open about her mental illness and says that doing her show has helped her to own her problems rather that the problems owning her. Clearly her sense of humor and brilliant wit have helped her to survive a dysfunctional childhood, her alcoholism, the drug addiction, mental illness, marriage to a man who, as she says, “…forgot to tell me he was gay.” and most recently the accidental death in her home of a very dear friend. The latter event sent her into a deep depression. She created her show as a way to help her out of the doldrums.

Regarding Carrie’s one woman show, “Wishful Drinking”, I was very moved by it and don’t think I ever laughed so much - simply genius. Thank you Carrie for taking us away from our every day problems while at the same time dealing with your own. I won’t soon forget my special Carrie Fisher moment.

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.