“How Many?”
By Deacon Rod Knight
How many phone calls have been received in the middle of the night? How many trips have been taken in extreme weather? How many personal plans have been canceled? How many prayers? How many visits to a hospital? How many times a shoulder to cry on? How many times has a question been answered? How many sacrifices were made? How many baptisms? How many marriages? How many funerals? How many confessions? How many anointings? How many times a source of spiritual advice? How many times a guide with discernment? How many times an interpreter of sacred scripture? How many hosts were consecrated? How many holy hours of adoration? How many homilies said? How many needs fulfilled? How many intercessions offered? How many times a quiet comforting presence? How many acts of love? How many times a conduit of peace? How many acts of service? How many examples to follow? The answer is 954,840 hours’ worth, which equates to 109 years. The 109 years is the combined service to God and His Church of Father Dave Oberts and Father Dennis Mullen. Father Dave was ordained 24 May 1969 (55 years ago) and Father Dennis 13 June 1970 (54 years ago). How many things have they given up for God and neighbor? I love going into churches, I should say Catholic Churches. In most cases it is obvious that one is in a Catholic Church. The Crucifix, the Altar, the Tabernacle, the Stations of the Cross, the Icons, the candles, the confessionals, and the stained-glass windows. How wonderful that Our Lady of Lourdes Church has two windows in dedication and honor of Father Dave and Father Dennis. The window is symbolic because it allows light in and protects us from the elements, especially the storms. These two Holy Priests have allowed the light of Jesus Christ to shine through them, and they have stepped between us and the storms of this life. The windows in the Church are opposite one another not as opposing one another but surrounding the flock and protecting it from the outside evils of this world. Just as these good shepherds have and will continue to do. As I come up the steps and enter the doors of Our Lady of Lourdes and proceed down the narrow aisle toward the Altar or Adoration Chapel between the these windows, it is a comforting reminder of the guidance I have received (by word and deed) from these men of God. These Priests in the name of Christ have faithfully helped build the Church and guide her. They have done everything within their ability and the grace of God to keep us on the path to sanctification. A young Adam Laski used to catch Father Dave prior to Mass and seek confession, not the best timing. Father Dave was always available for young Adam Laski. Young Adam is now Father Adam, I know how much Father Dave means to him. I can only assume how influential Father Dave was to Father Adam’s own discernment to the priesthood. Father Dennis used to facilitate the Diaconate program for our diocese. I cannot tell you how many of our more experienced deacons have credited their ministry and love of God to Father Dennis. We are fortunate to have Father Dave and Father Dennis! How many times have they had a positive impact on you, your family, or your faith journey? We should tell them. Pray for our priests and offer thanks to God for many more.