Old and New

This past weekend was an "open weekend" at the seminary, meaning that we were free to go home. Even though it was odd going home only two weeks after starting the school year, I'm glad that I had the opportunity to do so.

One of my friends from seminary came home with me, and so naturally, I had to give them the "full tour". As the guys at the seminary know, I absolutely love continuing to learn more about the history of my Archdiocese, which began as the Diocese of Bardstown on April 8, 1808. One of the coolest things, at least to me, is that every diocese represented at my seminary was once part of the Bardstown diocese. So, I took my friend to see "our" Catholic roots.

We began at the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral, the first inland cathedral in the United States, completed in 1819. I went to high school right across the street from the Basilica, so it was kind of like "coming home". However, for the first time, I got an "official" tour of the Basilica. We were able to hear about how it was built, when the paintings were stolen and then found again, and how the original limestone altar piece, with crosses carved by our first Bishop, Bishop Flaget, made its way back into the cathedral. Being in there and hearing about the hard work of the Bishop and the people made me very thankful of all that they did back then that allowed our faith to spread and grow, and made me proud to be part of a moment in that continuing history.

After the Basilica, we went down the road to Saint Thomas, where our diocese actually "started". Bishop Flaget's house still stands next to the church he built. It is very peaceful there...you can almost imagine all the activity that has taken place on that farm, from building the church to a seminary operating, the foundation of a new religious community, and all that has happened since.

Our last stop on our mini tour of the "Kentucky Holy Land" was the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, the home to monks of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, otherwise known as Trappists. Even though I have been there several times, I had the chance to pray with the monks for the first time, which was a very moving experience. It was awesome being in what I think is the oldest monastery in the country, and being in a place where the monks have been praying for us and for the world since the 1800s.

After seeling all of the "old" stuff that makes up the great history of our diocese, we had the chance to welcome something new, at least at my parish. Archbishop came down to celebrate Mass and to install our new pastor. Getting to be back in my home parish was great. Even though I only started going there when I was in high school, it feels just as much like home as the parish I grew up in does. The Mass was beautiful--great music, an excellent homily from the Archbishop, and moving words from our new pastor at the end of Mass. After Mass, we went over to the new rectory, which the Archbishop blessed, and then out to dinner. Although our former pastor was fantastic, I think he is going to do amazing things at the University he is chaplain of now, and I think our new pastor is going to pick up right where he left off and continue to make Saint James a great place, and help us on our journeys to heaven.

As an Archdiocese, we also experienced something "new". One of our priests ended his time as Vocation Director. I'm very thankful for his hard work and his example, as well as his advice and help. He has done great things, and I am confident that our new vocation director will continue to do great things.

This past weekend, there was a lot going on--a lot of old mixed with a lot of new. A look at our past, while recognizing our developing role in history and looking toward the future. It was one of those weekends, where, I can't exactly explain it, but I felt affirmed that I am doing the right thing.

In all things, may God be glorified.

Amen.