09 March 2007

Priestly unity

Three priests climbed into an SUV and off they went, aged 28, 58 and 82. One of the priests spends his free time listening to classical music; another spends his free time golfing and fishing; another spends his free time playing medieval video games and reading the Arthurian legends. Two of the priests share an interest in music while two others share an interest in dogs.

It sounds like the beginning of some strange joke, but it isn't.

Yesterday the Pastor and I, together with the retired priest who lives within the bounds of our parish, went to Charleston, Illinois for the visitation for the sister of another priest within the Effingham Deanery.

Looking at the three of us in one vehicle you wouldn't expect us to be good friends or, really, to be traveling together. However, what we wear gives us away: the roman collar. We certainly caught a number of looks from people in other vehicles on the way.

We three priests went to the visitation and chatted with another priest, a member of a religious order, went out for dinner, made a stop at Staples and then returned to our homes.

Only rarely do three people with three completely different sets of interests and hobbies develop a friendship. For us, our friendship is rooted in the priesthood of Jesus Christ in which each of us shares.

Truly, it is a joy and a great beauty!

No comments:

Post a Comment