Procession Slide Show

Posting this for someone. Yes... I am still alive. Just happily in love. He went to Mass with me Yesterday. It was lovely. Maybe I'll talk about it later.

In Honor of La Conquistadora

Finally getting to my Novena posts from this year. This will serve as an Index to all my thoughts and reflections from this year's Novena. I have pictures up and will post reflections from the various days, if there was something profound to say.

Essentially, this Novena to the Blessed Mother is held every year, as a promise kept to Don Diego De Vargas who lead the reconquest of New Mexico in 1692 after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The statue of Mary that was brought here in 1625 is believed to be the oldest image of Our Lady in the US and she is thought to be over 600 years old. She was made in Spain of Willow wood and she truly is gorgeous. She's had various incarnations. First she was Our Lady of the Rosary but became La Conquistadora after the reconquest. In the early 90's I believe, "Our Lady of Peace" was added to her title and that is what my parish is named after. Holy Mary of Peace.

The statue is kept, now behind locked security gates, at the Cathedral Basilica, but for eight days she leaves her place in her chapel, (which is the only original part of the church left, it dates back to the early 1600's. The parish is roughly 400 years old, while the Cathedral is about 125 years old) and she is carried in procession from the Cathedral to the Rosario Chapel, which is in the where Catholic cemetery is as well. This was the place where the Spanish made their camp in the days they made their return. Don Diego prayed and asked for Our Lady's intercession to make it a peaceful reconquest and should it be successful, he would honor her every year with a novena.

This novena has been going on for nearly 300 years. Everyday a different parish sponsors a Mass, her clothing is changed. She has hundreds of outfits. The music is always traditional, Spanish hymns, we sing Mary's Magnificat in Latin, and recite a prayer in Spanish that was written for this novena. The Masses are beautiful. I can only imagine back in my mom's day, when they were probably High Latin Sung Masses. I'll write up more if anyone really wants to know about the history. There are plenty of links in the sidebar of this blog if you're curious to learn more on your own.

Because of Easter being late, the Novena this year started on Father's Day. Friday and Saturday before I attended a great Evangelization Conference for the archdiocese. I haven't posted about it but may still. I learned a lot, but it was nice to be among so many Catholics. We are a pretty cool group of people en masse. So, I had two days of spiritual recharging before the Novena actually started. The Novena comes at a time when I think I most need it. Christmas and Easter season are wonderfully fulfilling, but there is a definitely lull right after the end of Easter and as we transition into Ordinary Time.

At some point, I want to compile the hundreds of pictures I took and put them into a slide show, but for now, I'll share with you all a picture from each day, with thoughts, reflections and feelings about that day's Mass.


Mass One.
Mass Two.
Mass Three.
Mass Four.
Mass Five.
Mass Six.
Mass Seven
Return Procession.
Mass Nine.




As always, with any photos I post but most especially my own photographs, feel free to download and save the image, but if you re-post, please credit me and include a link back to my blog.

Hail Holy Queen

My Spirit Rejoices In God My Savior

Abandon Oneself to God

It seems like if there was a theme for this year's novena, it would have been healing. Of course the underlying theme was directed toward our Blessed Mother, emulating her in the ways we can, to rejoice in our God and say our yes to Him.

God's love for us is a strong and powerful thing. he has a plan for us and our lives, we must be open to it. It's hard to trust in His Will especially when we are battered, beaten and bloody both emotionally and spiritually. It is hard to let go of our doubts, fears and completely trust in Him.

Often when we are sick or a loved one is sick, we find ourselves alone, discomforted and afraid, God is with us and will never abandon us, but the trouble is that when we need to most we can't surrender ourselves to God. I think that is why the monsignor mentioned the following prayer. It reminds us of the need to abandon our whole selves to the Lord that he will be there for us and give us what we need, if we can surrender our fears and doubts and put our trust in Him.

I think for me, praying the psalms has opened up my mind and heart to God. Reading those ancient words, which have been read by so many before me-- saints, prophets, priests, the Lord Jesus himself.

Gifts From God

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation.

For he has shown me such favour –

me, his lowly handmaiden.

Now all generations will call me blessed,

because the mighty one has done great things for me.

His name is holy,

his mercy lasts for generation after generation

for those who revere him.

He has put forth his strength:

he has scattered the proud and conceited,

torn princes from their thrones;

but lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things;

the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel,

he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

Luke 1:46-55

A Little Bit More

It's day six of the Novena. I am writing my reflections down each day and trying to think about what I'm going to blog. I've been taking photographs, but I'm probably not going to post many.

It has been a glorious week that in addition to the Novena, I've been able to accomplish a few personal things. I've been going to the gym and getting in some good, healthy walking. I think I'll be back to my fast walking pace in another week or two. I'm enjoying the exercise and in just the two weeks I've been back at it, I feel a lot better and think I look a tad bit better. That's more wishful thinking than anything, but the energy level is back up, which is a good thing. I have put off the heavy yard work, as between the Novena, what work I've had and the exercise, I'm too tired to play in the garden.

I've also picked up my prayer life again. I've been praying the Office a bit more regularly and it really does enhance my mornings and evenings when I pray Lauds and Vespers. Granted, I'm always praying them later than I should, but I can't start and end my day without them.

I also finally got around to exchanging a birthday present. I was given Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life-- he is so not my favorite religious figure out there-- and I was stumped as to why I was given that book. It seemed odd to me. So, I ended up with a Sunday Missal and I bought a book about New Mexico Santos. I feel so much better now.

I have family coming in later today and the rest of my extended family is getting together for a steak fry up in the mountains. I am looking forward to it but am dreading it as well because I'm so tired. I got up late this morning 5 am, but was on time to the chapel for Mass. It was nice, however my favorite day is always Friday, not because it's my parish's day, it may be part of it, but it's always just the best Mass. The music is always traditional and well done, it's uplifting and just fills the chapel with joyful noise, Father's homily is always top notch and he sings most of the Mass. Both our deacons serve and it just feels really special. Sunday morning is probably a close second, though on Tuesday there is also always a great homily and a lovely choir.

Also, I shouldn't probably pick a favorite day and post it, should someone local ever discover this blog, it will appear that I am biased and I don't want that. Honestly, each day is special in its own way and I'm sure the members of the particular parishes feel just as strongly about their parish's day as I feel about mine. Odd thing is there is one parish in town in the years that I've been attending the Novena that doesn't sponsor a day and I wonder why.

Well that sums up why I'm not really blogging much this week, but I will be back later when I have something really interesting to share. Off to get ready for the picnic. Grr. What happened to the monsoon rains? And I actually helped plan this family event, so I have to go!

Our Lady of Peace

Today's gospel was about the leper being healed and clean through the will of God. Apparently lepers and the ill were not cast out of because of their aliments but for the greater good of the community to keep them from getting ill. Sounds like semantics to me, but we do hide away the things we don't want to see in our communities. We try to pretend like we don't see the homeless man on the street, or the run-down neighborhoods where the poor, downtrodden or newly arrived live. We don't like bad parts of society. We'd rather hide it all away. I know I'm guilty of not wanting to see the bad sometimes. I think it's part of human nature.

This thought wasn't something I thought about on the novena that day. I have come back to this post a month after the fact. I did jot down my thoughts, which I'll share now.

Back to Leper Colonies. Relegating the Lepers to a colony was not see ans a cold or heartless act, but one of mercy and compassion. In time, that mercy and compassion faded to fear and heartlessness, which we see today in the way we treat the undesirables of our society.

We, as disciples, are called to spread the Good news. The Gospel today (well that day) shows how the Leper was healed and then shared the good news, though he was told to tell no one but the priest, who could declare him healed. Perhaps he did keep the news to himself, but surely the news of his cure spread. The Lord does wondrous things. God can heal minds and spirits.

Father then talked about Mary. He said a Mariologist said that through her intercession the whole world might be united. He mentioned that her shrine in Ephesus, people of many faiths make pilgrimages to where her home once existed-- the foundation remains. It surprised him that so many non-Christians found themselves there. She has brought many people to her son, she truly is the first disciple of the Lord.

Mary is the mother of us all. All the great faiths acknowledge her, while they may not venerate or call upon her intercession, as we do as Catholics. They recognize her.

I think because Mary is a woman and a mother, she becomes someone we all can relate to our lives. Her struggles are akin to ours in many ways. We can model our lives after her. We must remember her strength and courage when we are weak and suffering and need someone to follow. She can be our guide and bring us closer to God.

Again Mary's yes to God should be an example to us all. We should be joyful and rejoice in God, Our Savior and say yes to God.

She Is Our Biggest Advocate

Oddly enough, today's Mass while lovely, didn't really inspire me to write anything. The sponsoring parish was St. Anne's and the theme of Father's homily was that the Blessed Mother is everywhere, that she is our advocate to God and that we should always strive to better ourselves, avoid sin but know that we can seek God's forgiveness and mercy.

This was a day when I almost decided to stay home and sleep in. It took all the energy I had to roll out of bed and make it to the chapel on time for Mass.

Father also told a great story about the Three Archangels and how Michael reported back to God that the Blessed Mother was everywhere doing His will and that people knew her, especially the people of Santa Fe, who were doing a Novena in her honor.

Stunned to Silence

Today was the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist. The sponsoring Parish was Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is the city's second oldest parish.

Zachariah was stunned and speechless when he learned he was going to be a father. This wasn't all that unusual as we are all often stunned silent in our lives. We are so overjoyed with excitement we often cannot find the words to express how we feel. This was how it was for Zachariah.

When God fills us with good things, often we find ourselves surprised, content and feeling speechless. Sometimes we don't even find ourselves worthy of God's gifts and graces.

We should rejoice in God-- remember that he is always there to lift us up when we feel lowly or helpless. We could give up, as we often do-- as Zachariah and Elizabeth did-- they had come to accept the fate that they would never have a child. We learn to accept similar realities in our lives, only to be stunned silent by the generosity of our gracious God.

God can and will heal our spirit and he will never leave us, despite the fact we leave Him. Remember we are the ones who leave God, we get angry with him, lose patience and abandon HIm. He, however, waits patiently for us and he loves us fully and unconditionally. God's love never fails us and perhaps that is why we sometimes find ourselves speechless as we marvel at the wonder and awesome nature that is Our God.

The canticle of Zacarhiah should remind us how wonderful God is and we should always honor our God.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

for he has come to his people and brought about their redemption.

He has raised up the sign of salvation

in the house of his servant David,

as he promised through the mouth of the holy ones,

his prophets through the ages:

to rescue us from our enemies

and all who hate us,

to take pity on our fathers,

to remember his holy covenant

and the oath he swore to Abraham our father,

that he would give himself to us,

that we could serve him without fear

– freed from the hands of our enemies –

in uprightness and holiness before him,

for all of our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High:

for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his path,

to let his people know their salvation,

so that their sins may be forgiven.

Through the bottomless mercy of our God,

one born on high will visit us

to give light to those who walk in darkness,

who live in the shadow of death;

to lead our feet in the path of peace.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

Luke 1: 68-79



____________________________________

As always, with any photos I post but most especially my own photographs, feel free to download and save the image, but if you re-post, please credit me and include a link back to my blog.

Say Yes To God

These are thoughts I wrote down in my journal after today's Mass. Most of my ideas come from the morning's homily, so I'm probably doing nothing but paraphrasing what the priest said, but in any event, this is what I came away with today.

Be like Mary and let your spirit magnify and rejoice in the Lord. When we are weak, we are strong. Be poor in spirit and God will be there and fill our lives with all that we need. Riches on Earth are not gifts from God and they don't guarntee that we are a assured a place in Heaven. God fills and lifts up the lowly, just like he did with Mary-- she understood this and proclaimed in her beautiful "Magnifcat" that:

"He has looked with favor on his lowly servant."

Mary was the first disciple of Christ and she let God fill her heart. Though, she felt unworthy, she said yes to God. We need to be like Mary and say yes to God. If we trust in God, we will be strong. Our riches are in the Lord-- in Jesus our Savior. Trust in Him to be redeemed and saved.

God casts down the proud, the wicked, but raises the humble, gives good things to the poor. We should love God with our soul, we should proclaim his greatness and rejoice in Him, just as our Blessed Mother did.




_________________________
As always, with any photos I post, but most especially my own photographs, feel free to download and save the image, but if you re-post, please credit me and include a link back to my blog.

Santa Maria, Madre Mia

As always, with any photos I post, but most especially my own photographs, feel free to download and save the image, but if you re-post, please credit me and include a link back to my blog.

Eh... Not So Much

The Novena has officially started. I may post reflections day by day. I didn't take many pictures of the procession. I wish I'd have written a free-lance article for one of the local papers. The one in the New Mexican wasn't great and didn't quite capture the real experience or history of the Novena.

Not sure if I'll post pictures daily like I did last year. I am taking pictures and will take pictures of the procession as it comes back. Like I said regarding the Corpus Christi procession. It's hard to take pictures and be a participant. Nevertheless, if I get good ones, I might post one per day. We'll see. So far, I'm not overly motivated.

Today's Mass wasn't overwhelming or extraordinary like the first Mass usually is. It was nice, it was lovely and the homily was very good, but it wasn't awe-inspiring. Maybe my expectations are too high. I'll revisit this later.

He is Born. Christmas Eve Pictures...

I am a pretty decent photographer-- when I work at it. I snapped pictures from the Children's Mass last night, but not many came out. A tripod would have been nice. Drat, should have asked for one from Santa. Oh yeah, he's not real! I was so frenzied last night, I didn't take a picture of the altar, the sanctuary and the area behind the sanctuary. I forgot to take a picture of the Children's choir too. They were adorable. So, Sunday, I'll get more pictures. (ETA: I have more pics here.)

The Children's Mass was enjoyable, but the energy level was different. I didn't even really feel like I was at Mass becuase I was worried about getting Mary and Joseph down to their spots on time. But all the kids did wonderfully. Thanks to our religious ed director. She's been sick and yesterday had a wave of vertigo yesterday and she was still there to make sure it all went well.

This is probably the only good shot I got.



Our church is very beautiful. It's simple, not pretentious but not stark either. In this picture, it doesn't look all that impressive but it's truly a lovely church. It's very New Mexican in appearance and style.

Then, Mom and I went to the Cathedral Basilica for Midnight Mass celebrated by the archbishop. We arrived early enough for Carols and Lessons and got a decent seat close enough to the front that we had a pretty much unobstructed view from the right side. If you're not sitting in the center, it's hard to see what's happening at the altar sometimes. The Cathedral is gorgeous. It always has been. Last year, when we went, we sat on the side and couldn't see a thing, so this was nice.

For the Mass, La Conquistadora was brought down from her perch in her chapel. She was dressed all in white, very simple and plain. Much like the virgin mother. Usually for other feasts and celebrations she's dressed up worthy of a queen. Anyway, I came to the conclusion that I love to photograph her. I wish that I had the privilege of getting real "close up" shots. Anyway, this shot, I think is my favorite of all the shots of taken of her so far.



I tried to get a decent shot of her and the crucifix hanging in her Chapel. I believe the Crucifix is old and Spanish.



Now the boring part of this post. ;-) Mass was gorgeous. The music was gorgeous. Before Mass started the choir performed an arrangement of the Magnificat by an Anglican Composer, John Rutter. It was lovely. I have the program, maybe I'll try to scan it in. Then Las Posadas followed, with the arrival of Mary and Joseph. I think they were new parents from the parish because they carried their new baby. The manger was blessed and Mass started. Mom and I got home about 1:30, Dad was awake, so we had some pie, coffee and opened our presents like we always do. It was a lovely evening, quiet as I didn't go over my friends' this year. I stopped by my neighbor's and visited for a while though.

I didn't get to bed till four. The older of my two dogs got trapped in my bedroom last night and left me a lovely gift, even better than coal. So, had to deal with that. I slept really late and am now going to get my butt over to my parents' house so I can play with their new presents. I got Dad a digital picture frame and Mom an e-book reader, so obviously they don't know what to do with them.

I may dig out my other nativity set or maybe Mom's old set and put it up. I feel like doing that this year. And I'll go without El Caganer until I can get to Spain one day and buy one.

Merry Christmas to everyone out there! I hope it was a blessed and joyous one.

Say What You Need to Say

I recently answered a question about the Loretto Chapel and the miraculous staircase at the Catholic Online forum. Someone from Albuquerque chimed in and filled in the rest of the answer.



(image credit: Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, NM. Photo by camerafiend.)


There is a lot of outrage felt by people that the chapel no longer belongs to the archdiocese. It's interesting that this contempt comes from Catholics who don't live here. I guess we have gotten over our anger about the whole thing 35+ years ago when it happened. I'd love for it to come back to the archdiocese one day and maybe it will.

I googled something unrelated and stumbled upon this article, which is the reason for this post. Anyway, near the end is a tidbit about Lamy and La Conquistadora, which was what I was searching.

"Even the beautiful shrine of La Conquistadora, by which Bishop Lamy paid homage not only to Our Lady, but also to the glory of the Spanish Catholic “conquest” of New Spain, was removed from its place of prominence in his ancient Cathedral dedicated to Christ the King."

I love the spin of that statement. First off, Lamy's Cathedral is far from ancient. In the grand scheme of things, it's new. It's not even 200 years old. She was moved into the original part of the church, which wasn't destroyed in the revolt, to the old chapel, which is nearly 400 years old. That's where she belongs. She's part of our Spanish Catholic Culture, History and Tradition, most of which, Lamy came here to squash.

I don't have a positive opinion of Archbishop Lamy. I need to find objective source material about him before I solidify my opinion of the man. I think he did a lot of good while he was here, but it was at the expense of others and possibly to the detriment of others.

Again... I need to do my research. I think a huge Catholic project is stirring my head anyway.

(image: MFS (C) 2008. All rights reserved. )

La Conquistadora

Hard to believe
that another year's Novena in honor of La Conquistadora has come to an end and that it's already been a month since it ended. (I wrote this post a month later but backdated it.) For approximately, 300 years, the faithful of Santa Fe have been making this novena in Thanksgiving. (see links on sidebar for some history. I've yet to put it all together in my own words.) I've compiled the links to the posts I made with my own reflections of the day. I posted pictures as well and they are listed below. I hope you enjoy getting a taste of what makes my Catholic Faith so special to me.




It always begins with Vespers at the Cathedral, then the procession follows and we wait for the First Mass to begin the next morning at 6 a.m.

My First Thoughts after the First Mass of the Novena.

A Beautiful Day, reflections after the Second Mass.

It's almost like touching a bit of heaven. Thoughts after the Third Mass

The Fourth Mass

Pictures from the Fifth Mass of the Novena and My Thoughts About faith and peace after the Fifth Mass

Reflections on the Sixth Mass

Giving Thanks To God, reflections after the Seventh Mass

Procession back to the Cathedral and the 8th Mass of the Novena.

Lastly, the 9th Mass at the Cathedral. As beautiful as it is, it's sad because it's over for another year.

That's it for 2008.

And now for a few grumpy thoughts and part of why I compiled this directory post of sorts. The other night I stumbled on a very critical post about my hometown's beloved statue of the Blessed Mother and it kind of pissed me off and I can go on and on about why, but that is not what this post is all about. I probably will write a post in response later, when I'm not so pissed. I'd make a comment on her blog, but the post was over a year old and I don't think it's worth the effort. Needless to say, why is it that people who know nothing about Catholicism, its history, traditions and culture, and no very little about New Mexico history feel compelled to make a comment about something they don't understand? She claimed to be a Christian, but I didn't find anything charitable or Christian about her commentary. Maybe others will want to learn something after seeing these posts.

I hope that if people stumble upon this blog and see these entries about La Conquistadora, they'll have a better understanding of why she's so important to the people of New Mexico and why she truly is Our Lady of Peace.

In case anyone wanders over to this post, the 2009 entries are here.

Though She's Still, Life Moves Around Her

My posting about the novena totally slowed down. The sadness I felt over its end has passed. I had a few days where exhaustion reigned, PMS hit and all I wanted to do was sleep. I was so glad that it was over.

The last day was at the Cathedral. The Archbishop celebrated the Mass and it was over for the year. Only one picture today. I love this shot. I got several good ones that final day of Mass but I think this one with the people moving in the background sums it up for me.



While for just a short period of time we celebrate this Novena, life continues on afterward just as it did before. I'm probably too tired to really sum up my thoughts or articulate them well.

Now, if I can only get the words Cordero de Dios out of my head, I'll be most relieved. Oh man... I'm going to Mass tomorrow. All I have to say about that is: Ten Piedad De Nostros.

Dios Te Salve Maria

With the end of the Novena, a profound sadness over came me. I can't really describe why I felt the way I did but I did. So, to pick up where things left off on Sunday. As the Sunday before, there was a procession late in the afternoon. I was able to get a few pictures of La Conquistadora while she awaited the procession back to the Cathedral.

Two Members of the Confradia de La Conquistadora stand guard and protect her, while we all have one last opportunity to see her close up before she is returned to her chapel in the Cathedral Basilica, where she's kept from harm.












As a participant in the procession back, I must admit I did not take any photos. I think next year, I'll take pictures as the procession begins and then catch up with my parish to walk solemnly on the journey to and from. I will definitely continue to participate in this novena and both processions.













The parishes start arriving. The journey is about a mile and a half.

Following the arrival of La Conquistadora, the Eight Mass was celebrated with the archbishop as the celebrant.

















Her arrival was bittersweet because the last two Masses are held at the Cathedral, and while Mass at the Cathedral is beautiful, it just doesn't feel the same as it does in the little Rosario Chapel. It also means that the Novena is nearing its end and we won't come together for another year to celebrate this annual tradition. However, it's the beginning of the the summer and will culminate at the end of Fiestas with the candlelight procession to the Cross of the Martyrs.

Gloria a Dios in El Cielo

Just a quick update. Mass was gorgeous. It was the last morning Mass at the chapel. The choir from the Cathedral Basilica is amazing. It was asked to perform at Carnegie Hall last fall. So, today the music was incredible. The children's choir sang part of the Magnificat in Latin. They sounded lovely.

So... a few pics.

Maybe a more fleshed out post later. It's strange not to be getting ready for 11:30 Mass at my parish. As I went this morning I met my Sunday obligation and will have to go again tonight for the 8th Mass. I think my soul will be ok by missing Mass at my regular parish. I took over today's readings for my mom earlier because she likes to read along, and I also gave her my envelope with my offering, so technically I'll be th ere in spirit. Besides, I think perhaps the priest at my church probably saw me at Mass in the mornings. He was there almost every day too.

I could really use a nap. Though, I think I'll clean the backyard and relax till the Return Procession this afternoon.

It Is Really All About Faith.

I had a really hard time getting up today. I decided to go to Mass this morning only because I had an appointment later in the morning, so I could come to the office, get some work done and then go. I'm dragging, even after breakfast, a diet coke and now I'm drinking an Iced Chai-- hoping to wake up. Today there will be some serious napping and quite possibly some yard work.

Today's Parish was Our Lady of Guadalupe. Father said something in his homily that I wanted to remember so I could comment but I'm tired. His homily was about the underground church, he didn't mean so much about the Church in China, North Korea or any of the other places where the Church is persecuted, but here, in our every day lives, in America where we cast it aside from our daily lives for whatever reasons. He also talked about how it is an offense when our mothers are insulted, which he related to the ulitmate offenses and insults to the Blessed Mother. He mentioned that his parish will be traveling to Mexico to pick up a statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It will be a pilgrimage of sorts as they're going to take the El Camino Real. he hopes to get some dirt from the shrine from the srhinre there where Our Lady of Guadalupe is kept. It sounds glorious.

Anyway... the Mass was nice, pretty subdued. It needed trumpets. Tomorrow's will probably be as nice as yesterday's. (I don't want to believe another Mass could top yesterday's as it was my parish's turn yesterday.) It will be the Cathedral Basilca's day and the Cathedral has the most amazing choir in the world. Even if only part of the choir shows up, the music will be fabulous.

And now for the pictures. Eventually, I will do a slide show.

Today is another white day. Most days she wears the most beautiful crown but it seems to blend in with the relief behind her. Much of her jewelry was made because of the donations of parishioners who felt it was a good thing and an honor to give up their precious jewels for her.

After this morning's Mass there are three more left. Two tomorrow and one on Monday. Tuesday, sleeping till 6 is heavenly.