I wasn't following the whole Pope selection gossip while the news pundits were so eagerly sharing it. I was keenly aware that history had been made with Pope Benedict's resignation; a point I earnestly tried to share with my 7th and 8th graders who were less than impressed. Regardless, I am very pleased with our new Pope Francis. He's so stinkin' cute! I'm sure people generally don't refer to the Pope in such a manner but I'll bet his mother did. She was Italian, after all.
His selection and new found fame brings to mind our favorite Francis and his alma mater St. Bonaventure. So, here's a rolling run down a lane that starts with the selection of a new Pope and I honestly don't know where it will end.
Here's a man who helped me understand the Franciscans to the extent that I do. Although I would also note that it's difficult for me to separate Franciscans from St. Bonaventure as an institution and culture. Father Crispin looks so happy in this picture and I loved that he would come to Walton to perform family weddings. They must have maintained the friendship through letters and perhaps some phone calls as I don't recall him visiting otherwise. It saddens me terribly that he died so tragically due to smoking.
And, of course, there's Francis P. Flynn. I always felt loved and cherished by him and I miss him to this day. He's the reason we all know how to spell Francis and the difference between that and Frances.
This is Mom's graduation from St. Bonas. Weenie looks a little stilted in this picture, not his usual self. Perhaps because his daughter will be getting married within a few months?
Playing cards is one of my favorite memories, even with the cigarettes and Genny!
Easter on Olive St in Silver Creek. I imagine Nanny took the picture which I don't remember her doing very often but it's obvious that she must have taken her turn behind the lens with the movie camera as well as with the Brownie.
I hope you all have a good Easter--I'm sure it will be well covered for Pope Francis by the press but I'll just be happy remembering our Francis. But here's another Easter memory for you--
This is a great picture of Chris "only" 55 years ago! It must have been his first Easter. I'm guessing Easter from the sharp duds. These days we would never put a balloon in a crib but I guess we all survived.
Happy Easter. We will be hugging babies in Gloucester.
1 comment:
I'm not going to comment on the Pope, other than to say that when he chose "Pope Francis" I certainly thought of Weenie!
Easter, hmmm what memories does it bring up? I remember coloring eggs, counting jellybeans, and Mom's wonderful cinnamon danish! Oh, yes, and the long church service, easter dresses, and hats! I recall we had our picture in the paper at least once all lined up outside of the Catholic Church in Silver Creek in our Easter best.
Does anyone remember us having a quiet time on Good Friday, where we weren't aloud to play loudly, or run around outside? I have memories of having to sit a read or do something quiet for a couple hours on Good Friday afternoon. Mom said it was the time that Christ spent on the cross and we needed to think/reflect on that sacrifice. The weather always seemed beautiful during those two or three hours. I wanted tob e outside playing, but we weren't allowed.
I have since thought that was a great way to teach a child about sacrifice. It was hard to stay inside, and quiet, at least for me it was. Imagine hanging on a cross!
Do any of you remember that? Happy Easter to all, I will be in Albany watching my John enjoy his Easter!
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