It's not often that we have the privilege of celebrating a centinarian's birthday. I heard this sentiment echoed over and over yesterday afternoon while attending a birthday party for one of our oldest parishioners. He's a little guy, who walks with a cane and a stooped back, but who can still vault over fences (small ones) and makes sure to get out in the fresh air every day, even just to venture out to the neighbourhood.
His family organized a celebration for him, to mark his 100th birthday (which actually was dated for September 15, but which was observed publicly on September 17). Dignitaries from far and near joined the (not so little) celebration for this well-deserving 'young' man.
For his part, he welcomed all those who were present, and thanked them for their well-wishes. He was just happy to be able to spend some time with friends and family (many of whom don't get the opportunity to see each other too often).
Buon compleano Thomaso, e cent'anni.
***
While one was celebrating a birthday here on earth, another of our long-time parishioners was celebrating his birthday in heaven. As it happens, they both share the same birth date, so it was perhaps not by coincidence that these 'births' were to be observed together too. For the past week or so, he had been lying in hospitals, increasingly debilitated after a fall last weekend. His family and close friends by his side, he peacefully slipped from earthly existence yesterday afternoon.
Five years Tomaso's junior, these two often shared joys and sorrows together. On more than one occasion, I had invited them to break bread with me, and to share some of the stories that make up their memories of this place we call home. These were precious moments, and the past week has been no exception. An occasion for Al's family and close friends to spend some time with him, it has also been an occasion of great blessing.
Requiescant in pace!
His family organized a celebration for him, to mark his 100th birthday (which actually was dated for September 15, but which was observed publicly on September 17). Dignitaries from far and near joined the (not so little) celebration for this well-deserving 'young' man.
For his part, he welcomed all those who were present, and thanked them for their well-wishes. He was just happy to be able to spend some time with friends and family (many of whom don't get the opportunity to see each other too often).
Buon compleano Thomaso, e cent'anni.
***
While one was celebrating a birthday here on earth, another of our long-time parishioners was celebrating his birthday in heaven. As it happens, they both share the same birth date, so it was perhaps not by coincidence that these 'births' were to be observed together too. For the past week or so, he had been lying in hospitals, increasingly debilitated after a fall last weekend. His family and close friends by his side, he peacefully slipped from earthly existence yesterday afternoon.
Five years Tomaso's junior, these two often shared joys and sorrows together. On more than one occasion, I had invited them to break bread with me, and to share some of the stories that make up their memories of this place we call home. These were precious moments, and the past week has been no exception. An occasion for Al's family and close friends to spend some time with him, it has also been an occasion of great blessing.
Requiescant in pace!
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