Adventus.org in English Adventus.org en françaisPost for April 28, 2008
My hosting service has been having some problems (many thanks to TO for letting me know something was up). Things are back to order now (thanks God for backups) but the service will soon be transferred to a new server — hopefully without any other disruptions).
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Post for April 26, 2008
Saturday was the Confirmation and First Communion of my little niece Maya (the diocese of Ottawa does both sacraments in the same ceremony). Once again, Father Dan of Saint Martin de Porres parish graciously allowed me to concelebrate, meaning I had a chance to be the one to actually confirm her and give her her first Communion (the main minister of Confirmation has the authority to associate other ministers with him at a ceremony). I could tell it was a big deal for her, just as it was for her uncle.
Cute moment: During the questioning, the priest asked if the kids knew who the Devil was, and then he asked where he was. My niece pointed to the ground and said, “Down there!” Ah, kids…
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Post for April 25, 2008
I missed the Nominations Committee meeting this morning for a meeting of another sort: I had to go to the Tropical Disease Clinic at the Montreal General Hospital to get the second part of my Hepatitis A vaccination. This should give me immunity for life.
I must say, it was interesting to be back in a hospital environment. Long-time readers of this blog will know that I was once a hospital chaplain, which was a rich learning experience for me. I even bumped into a doctor who also works at the Lakeshore General, the hospital where I once served, and we chatted about his work and my upcoming trip to Mexico. I also found myself striking up a conversation with a patient and his girlfriend, sitting on chairs in the hallway. I used to do that a lot as a chaplain — start random pastoral conversations — and as any priest can tell you, you can’t walk through a hospital with your collar on and not have it happen to you. Sometimes it is just a pair of pleading eyes that let you know someone is suffering and needs to talk.
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Post for April 21, 2008
I’m sitting in my room listening to the honking and cheering going on in the streets. The Canadians beat the Boston Bruins to complete the first best-of-seven series on the road to the Stanley Cup.
My room at the Cathedral faces the Bell Centre, where the game was played. Throughout the season I’ve been able to tell when the Canadians win a home game, just by listening to the fans coming out of the arena. And tonight, they are going absolutely nuts with joy.
Which is great for them. But one thing I know: no sleep for me tonight, whether I like it or not! 
Wow. And heaven is supposed to be FAR more joyful than this — now THAT will be cool!
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Post for April 1, 2008
It was a tough retreat. There are times when the Lord is all sweetness and light with you, and there are times when he kicks your butt. This retreat was a few good days of butt-kicking.
I still haven’t assimilated what it all means, but I do know this: the Lord is calling me to take ownership of my situation, and to really be everything he has called me to be. It was a real challenge to face my sinfulness, in all areas of my life, but especially to put behind me all self-pity and have the courage of the sons of God.
There is more, but I’m not comfortable writing it all down just yet for public consumption. One day, perhaps. In the meantime, let us pray together for the coming of God’s kingdom.
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