I feel much more license than usual on this day to ask dear St. Patrick to extend his blessings over our ZAGS, thanks to this priest.
He would be Fr. Kevin McNamara, who is pictured here outside his pulpit at St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney but preaching nonetheless.
On this day in February a story in the Irish daily featured this photo of Fr. McNamara and the giant posters promoting Irish civic duty outside St. Mary's.
Ireland had a nationwide election shortly before we arrived there, and while we were there, the country seated its new taoiseach/prime minister Enda Kenny and his cabinet.
By the way, I spoke with Niall, a geocacher from Northern Ireland's Sligo on Saturday and asked him about the term taoiseach (teee shak). He did his best to teach to me the proper pronunciation but I'm still not sure of my accuracy.
Niahl told me it seemed strange to him whenever he has visited other countries that news outlets would refer to Ireland's prime minister rather than its taoiseach.
Anyway, Fr. Kevin McNamara was forthcoming in his thoughts on the importance of his flock at St. Mary's exercising their right and responsibility to vote.
He is also the priest who granted this sinner absolution and finalized that act with "Welcome home." I don't know if I've behaved enough to retain the officially cleansed soul since, but I've been doing my best.
And, because of that effort, I'll keep sending mental messages via Fr. McNamara and to St. Patrick imploring God smile on our ZAGS today as they take on St. John's in Denver at the opening round in the NCAA basketball tournament aka March Madness.
There is much to be mad or disturbed about in the world this morning, and we do not take any of it lightly. Hearts are heavy for many reasons, especially the uncertainty that prevails over the natural disaster in Japan and the fighting in Libya and other countries.
We won't know the outcome of of those complicated situations or of the many other complex conflicts that affect people, friends or family all over the world. And, we'll pray for a satisfying outcome for all individuals involved.
In the midst of turmoil comes our March Madness, and I think St. Patrick would approve of some levity rising out of the heaviness that so pervades our world.
We shall know the outcome of the upcoming clash between two college basketball giants when the final buzzer sounds tonight. In looking forward to that moment, we are filled with expectation and a feeling of supreme exhilaration.
We'll temporarily bow out of the personal responsibilities that go along with our daily trials and tribulations and will sit, filled with tension and hope that our ZAGS will prevail and move on to yet another day of pleasant distraction for their loyal followers.
When the buzzer sounds, we'll go back to the shadowy reminders that it's a tough world out there.
Furthermore, we'll, no doubt, act as best we can as humans to do our part in supporting efforts to revive a sense of hope in those burdened with much heavier concerns than a crazy basketball game.
Furthermore, we'll, no doubt, act as best we can as humans to do our part in supporting efforts to revive a sense of hope in those burdened with much heavier concerns than a crazy basketball game.
So, amidst the worldwide weight of this day, there is a frivolous air and a sense of celebration.
3 comments:
So, Gonzaga, a mid-major, Jesuit school is going to battle St. John's, a mid-major, Jesuit school. Does God choose the mid-major school or the Jesuit school?
MJB
God and Gonzaga both begin with "G."
That bond should do it.
You did well with the pronunciation but I would say it more like "tee shock". Maybe my harsh Northern accent isn't so clear to your foreign ears ;]
Anyway glad someone actually listens to what I say and Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and your friends :D
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