One of my Catholic neighbors suffered brain damage which presents a problem expressing herself. She comprehends everything but is challenged in finding the words to verbalize what it is she wants to say. Unable to find a RC priest to hear her confession, I brought her to my Maronite pastor. He was very amenable to working with her. (We lost our confessional when the shrine/church was renovated last year; we now have confession face to face in the sacristy.) I brought my neighbor to our Lenten Penance Service, she went in alone and emerged with a big smile on her face. It had been years since she went to confession and she was so pleased to have unburdened herself through this remarkable priest.
Sadly, our pastor has been transferred to Williamsville NY and will be leaving at the end of this month. His replacement is a young and spiritual priest. I have great faith that our Lord has sent him here now to draw lapsed Catholics back to the Church.
Today was the last day for my priest at our parish.
He is the facilitator for 3 churches that are merging in Bellmawr NJ.
I will miss him so much. Lots of weeping eyes after Mass.
A group of us are going in tomorrow, because he want the new priest to have a spick and span church to welcome him.
During confession yesterday I asked him if he could remain my Confessor. I have decided to remain at my present parish and attend Saturday Vigil, I will attend Sunday Mass in his new parish.