Spiritual Reflection

One of the great blessings of this year is that our Religious Community wanted Bob and Dick Gielow to take some time off. In 55 years as priests, we have never taken a sabbatical or time off since we have Parish Missions scheduled every year.

So, we took some time off to revisit Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Last time we were there on a Mission Cruise, we celebrated Mass on the main altar. Now we were blessed to see the Cathedral redone and more beautiful than ever. We also visited the Miraculous Medal Shrine and the motherhouse of the Vincentians where St. Vincent de Paul and St. John Gabriel are honored.

We then went to Rome for an audience and the amazing opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV! We have been to Rome a few times but will always remember being there for the canonization of St. John Gabriel Perboyre, CM. We were privileged to be Eucharistic Ministers at that Mass. When we conduct a Parish Mission and say our special prayer at the end of Mass, we think fondly of our presence at the canonization.

My reflection is one of supreme gratitude for all the blessings we have.