Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States and for many of us it has many meanings. My earliest recollections were trips to my grandmother’s home and dinner with all the cousins. Later in life it was dinner at Mom’s. Still later it was turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing in US Navy chow halls. Those … Read more
Tonight I’m spending an overnight with our son & lovely daughter-in-law. They’re taking good care of the older generation. It’s my first stay with them since their recent marriage. I’m in the area for the 2011 NYSCATE conference. I had a great day at the conference a great meal at Dinosaur BBQ with friends and … Read more
It’s not winter by any stretch. It’s a lovely fall evening as I walk along the bike trail around Red House Lake in Allegany State Park. But, on my walk I thought of Robert Frost’s poem, “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening.” Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is … Read more
That’s Latin for “Thanks be to God.” I learned that years ago as an altar boy in the pre-Vatican II Catholic Church. Two years ago I began a course of study at St. Bonaventure University in Educational Leadership. Two years ago about this time I was still quite uncertain of that direction and what I … Read more
As I walked the woods today I am aware if my own transformation. I came to Mt. Irenaeus almost a dozen years ago. In that time I have slowly been transformed to a more loving person. I’m not even aware of it most of the time. That is not to say that I’m never irked … Read more
Still water is attractive to me. There is quiet there. This small pond at Mt. Irenaeus is so inviting that I spent nearly an hour there last Sunday. Today I’m hiking further up the Mountain Road. The stillness of Mt. Irenaeus restores my soul each week. I love people and I love solitude. I am … Read more
It’s Labor Day and tomorrow we begin another school year. I’m excited and frightened too. 30 new 7th Grade students some of whom I know some of whom I don’t. I have some ideas And direction this year but some still unsettled. Therefore I have come here to listen with the ear of my heart … Read more
Along this waterway my great-grandparents came in the 1880’s. They couldn’t speak English too well and they came in search of a better life. They came from Anglesey Island in North Wales. My Grandmother was their youngest. She was born after they settled at Henpeck near present day Sandusky, New York. Every time I see … Read more
Curiosity got the best of me and I had to see where our son will be married in a bit over a month. I pray a lot and especially for the children. When Devin first moved to the Rochester area a little over 5 years ago I prayed that Our Lady would watch over him … Read more
In the quiet of my favorite hermitage at Mt. Irenaeus I come for rest and renewal. In these quiet woods I have walked upon wet leaves and enjoyed the fragrance of peace that surrounds everything here. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28. Here at … Read more
