I was made for Afternoons

Since I was received into the Catholic Church in 2002, one of the Easter traditions of our family is to make the journey to Holy Trinity Abbey, New Norcia, with some of our extended family, and our closest friends – aging from 2 to 70! We go to pray with our friends the monks and spend time together but most particularly to participate in the Great vigil of Easter. Now, at most parishes, the Vigil is celebrated on the Evening prior to Easter Day. Not so with the Monks. It’s early. 4:30 am to be precise. And the Vigil takes a while. Never much short of 2 ½  hours. We hear all the readings of our salvation history, light candles, splash Holy Water around and there is often a Baptism or Reception into the church as well. As with most liturgy, the Adults have grown into it through the years. We sing, read, play music and are involved in other ways with great thankfulness and privilege. Watching the little ones grow into the liturgy is a greater joy. None of our children can remember ...

Last night the ball The kids out in all their finery God-daughter to-be looking lovely (Dress by Aunty Pru, shoes courtesy of Maisey) Convivial conversation Much ooh and ahh   over dresses n suity attire I wander around A little lost A little amused Nice moment getting photos with a few kids Connection and moving on    all combined in a picture Real alpha and omega stuff My mind wanders about Hopes Dreams Past Present Future Mine and theirs Driving home, After watching them parade through for dinner then doof-doof, I suddenly felt Very old. Am I just carrying the old ways? how do i offer these bright young things hope n wisdom? questions too big for a Friday night i turn up Neil Young make my home through shimmering evening city lights thankful for the journey for love and my companions