Celebrating

Far away, in the Vatican today, thirty-four newly-appointed Metropolitan Archbishops received the pallium (a custom-made lambs' wool scarf) from the Holy Father himself, during the Mass commemorationg the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The text of the Holy Father's homily for this occasion was published immediately after it was pronounced today in Italian, but the multi-lingual translations are not yet available as of the time of posting.

Every year on this date, the pontiff invests some of his confreres with this symbol of authority as a sign of their unity with him in governing the Church, and of his presence with them in close unity with the people of their respective Archdioceses.

A little closer to home, today is also the wedding anniversary of some really good friends. I've known them for a little more than 16 years now, and we've indeed become rather close confidants.

How does one describe a friendship such as this? I do believe that people are changed, moulded and formed as a consequence of those they invite into their close circle of friends, and this couple is certainly among the realitvely few who have been sources of comfort, challenge and consolation for me and for others throughout their more than 55 years of marriage. Even today, they continue to welcome friends old and new to their home, and to share with them the gifts of their friendship and love.

When people of faith live lives of commitment, they don't need a pallium to convince the rest of us of their authenticity. By their mere being, they radiate the love that they have shared together throughout these years, the love they professed for one another, and the support they continue to draw one from another, even as they share these precious gifts with others who are privileged enough to count themselves among their circle of friends.