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From the Pastor: Confirming Rumors!
The rumors are flying. On July 16, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, something either very wonderful or very terrible, depending on one’s point of view, is supposed to happen. What is that? You don’t pay attention to rumors? Good for you! Far be it from me to chastise you for keeping your nose to the grindstone instead of sticking it into other people’s business. But there comes a time when the rumors are so large and so widespread that even those who are trying to just keep their head down and pray get at least a whiff of whatever is coming off of the rumor mill. This is the latest case of which I now write. The rumors are growing. The rumors are spreading. The lips are flapping and the ears are itching. “More, give us more,” the people are crying. And so, with that as the introduction, I will put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and confirm the rumor. Yes, it is true. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, it can be told that it will indeed happen. The Jesuit who is at the heart of all of these rumors has made it official, at least to some, that he will indeed continue what he started a while back. And, due to his plans, which I have seen in writing with my very own eyes and so can confirm without hesitation, I will be relieved of my duties as pastor after that feast day of Our Lady. Now, now, wipe your eyes. I can’t tell if you are crying tears of joy or of sorrow. As for me, I can honestly admit that I am happy that it is happening. As a matter of fact, it would have pleased me if it could have happened a bit earlier. I don’t know how I will fill my time. I suppose I will just go into exile somewhere. Maybe I can find a place in the mountains and find a bit of respite from the heat. Or maybe go visit friends and family for a while. I really don’t know yet. But I am open to suggestions if you have any for me. I won’t have to sign checks, worry about the A/C not functioning properly, attend meetings, lock up the church at night, or even answer the doorbell at the rectory. I won’t have a care in the world, or at least not quite so many. Yes, the rumors are true and I will enjoy myself because of that fact. What’s that? You still don’t know the rumors of which I write? Why, the rumors that the most notable Jesuit priest, the one and only Father Vincent Capuano, is returning to Tampa on July 16 to take my place for a short stint. Yes, the rumors are true. He will be here, relieving me of most of my pastoral duties, for nearly two weeks. Just as he did last year, he will come for a few days of vacation and for a week of retreat, during which time I will be able to get away for a break. He will take the Masses and perform any necessary tasks while I am gone. I can rest assured that the parish is in good hands while I read a book, go fishing, or just sleep for a few days. So, weep for joy that Fr. Vincent is returning and that I get a break. Weep in mourning that he will only be here for a short visit and that I must return so soon. But...but...but... some of you are spluttering right about now, that’s not the rumor I thought you were writing about! Ahh, yes, the other rumor. The one that just happens to be associated with the same date, the same feast day, and may, perhaps, even have the effect of me being sent wandering off with nothing much to do. I really don’t have much to say about that one. I don’t have any inside information so I will learn of the veracity (or lack thereof) of that rumor as it plays out in real time. I write about this today because of that strange coincidence of the date, for what comes out in writing from a particular Jesuit on that date could very well lead to all sorts of other rumors if people assume that my “disappearance” was somehow related to that rumored document when it, in fact, has absolutely nothing to do with it. Those rumors (of the document) may prove to be either better or worse than expected or may prove to have no basis of fact whatsoever. I may not know until then what is fact and what is fiction. But, either way, I still hope to take a few days off and enjoy myself to the extent that I can. For those of you who have been scratching your heads and wondering “What the heck is he writing about?” and still don’t have a clue even though the article is nearly done, count yourself blessed, for you have truly been spared the rumor mill anguish that is keeping so many people awake at night and will continue to do so for at least a few more weeks. And to all of you still reading this, I simply remind you of St. Padre Pio’s famous and very helpful advice: Pray, hope, and don’t worry. With prayers for your holiness, Rev. Fr. Edwin Palka Comments are closed.
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