Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Brisbane, Australia
I drove up from Stroud with Brothers Bruce-Paul and Christopher John about 10 days ago. We took a scenic route through New England--a mind bender for me as I am so familiar with "the other" New England in USA. I wonder if there are even more "New" Englands? The common denominator seems to be autumnal foliage. And the trees were flaming red and yellow on both sides of the road. Of course most of these have been planted, as eucalyptus and other native foliage doesn't turn, as I understand it.
When we got to Brisbane I just had time to wash and then preached at the Saturday evening Eucharist at St. Philip's, Annerley, the brothers' parish. It is fun to be back here, and I enjoyed preaching. I had a slight mishap as I stood up to preach, forgetting to read the Gospel first. I scolded them: "Sit down!" at which Bruce-Paul called out: "Read the Gospel first!" Oops. Fortunately we all laughed, and a good mood was established.
The big event here for the brothers was their triennial Chapter at which every brother in the province is present. The Archbishop of Perth, Roger Herft, facilitated the meetings brilliantly--and I am not just saying that. It was a grace-filled event as we worked our way through a big agenda--not least was electing a new Minister Provincial, and Guardian for the Brisbane Friary. Blessings on Christopher John as Minister Provincial and James Andrew as the new Guardian! And thanks and blessings on Alfred BoonKong and Donald Campbell as they finish their terms.
With the big doings completed, the rest of my time in Brisbane is on a decidedly lower key. Back to the flower beds, pulling weeds. Jogging in the parks. Brother Simone swims at the University so I have gone along for that. We spent ANZAC Day (April 25) both praying for those who gave their lives in war (especially WWI, which the Day commemorates) and dedicating our lives and ministries as Franciscans to the END of war, and a happy visit to the Queensland Art Gallery.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Easter Mysteries
I spent a really happy time in New Zealand, and then on March 28 I came across to Australia, and have been staying at the Hermitage of St. Bernardine. I remember being a bit shocked by old Bernardine when I was in Italy and we went to where he preached. He was the instigator of the “Bonfire of the Vanities” encouraging people to burn all wigs, and other fripperies. A bit fearsome, I remember thinking.
I’ve been trying to live the simple life here at the hermitage named in his honor: cutting up windfallen trees, washing windows, preaching on good Friday and sharing the rounds of daily life with the brothers.
I just heard that a dear old friend died on Easter Day back in Smithtown, NY. I’ve known Bob Teudesman since I became a friar, he was living with us at Little Portion in 1989. About 7 years ago I had to help organize Bob’s move to a nursing home and close up his apartment. I really loved him. Bob loved good jokes and was generally full of good humor. He was incredibly faithful to his friends, and was a stalwart member of the Third Order of the Society of St. Francis for a long time.
Easter Day: what a good day to move on along the journey. Even though his passing brought a catch to my throat, I know he is so happy the “battle is o’er, the strife is done.” It was good we had a chance to see each other before I left New York in early February. There were moments when we were talking when I recognized the connection between us was still strong; of course his mind wandered from time to time too. But for years and years he celebrated every holiday with us, and always remembered my birthday. May you rest in peace, Bob Teudesman, and rise in glory.
Our celebration of Easter was terrific. A tiny cluster of us gathered around a flaming wok (outside not on the stove) and blessed the new fire, then we went into the friary refectory to hear the scripture readings--splitting attention between the candle wax dripping on my hand and the extremely long readings. Finally it was time to renew our Baptismal vows: a huge stone jar had been pre-filled out on the porch. The rubric called for the congregation to be "splashed" and so we were: liberally, grace abounded. Damp but happy we made our way to the chapel for the Eucharist, alleluias competing with the cuckaburras singing among the eucalyptus trees. After Mass: breakfast then back to bed for a couple hours!
I’ve been trying to live the simple life here at the hermitage named in his honor: cutting up windfallen trees, washing windows, preaching on good Friday and sharing the rounds of daily life with the brothers.
I just heard that a dear old friend died on Easter Day back in Smithtown, NY. I’ve known Bob Teudesman since I became a friar, he was living with us at Little Portion in 1989. About 7 years ago I had to help organize Bob’s move to a nursing home and close up his apartment. I really loved him. Bob loved good jokes and was generally full of good humor. He was incredibly faithful to his friends, and was a stalwart member of the Third Order of the Society of St. Francis for a long time.
Easter Day: what a good day to move on along the journey. Even though his passing brought a catch to my throat, I know he is so happy the “battle is o’er, the strife is done.” It was good we had a chance to see each other before I left New York in early February. There were moments when we were talking when I recognized the connection between us was still strong; of course his mind wandered from time to time too. But for years and years he celebrated every holiday with us, and always remembered my birthday. May you rest in peace, Bob Teudesman, and rise in glory.
Our celebration of Easter was terrific. A tiny cluster of us gathered around a flaming wok (outside not on the stove) and blessed the new fire, then we went into the friary refectory to hear the scripture readings--splitting attention between the candle wax dripping on my hand and the extremely long readings. Finally it was time to renew our Baptismal vows: a huge stone jar had been pre-filled out on the porch. The rubric called for the congregation to be "splashed" and so we were: liberally, grace abounded. Damp but happy we made our way to the chapel for the Eucharist, alleluias competing with the cuckaburras singing among the eucalyptus trees. After Mass: breakfast then back to bed for a couple hours!
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