A Year Measured in Love...

Hello Everyone! As promised here is an update from the past eight months in San Antonio! That times was filled with many excited and memorable moments, below describes a few of them.

Below is a picture of Brothers Ray and Juan from the OMIs (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) after they renewed their vows on September 4, 2009. Along with Ray and Juan, Daniel, Gabriel, Sydney, and Emmanuel also renewed their vows. It was a blessing to be able to witness their renewed commitment to their vocation, to God, and to the People of God.

Next is a picture of the students from the house of formation with Marcel, a friend of the friars from Germany via Wayne, at the river walk.

Next is a picture of me in my Halloween costume, can you guess who I am??

I am St. Maximilian Kolbe, OFM Conv. St. Maximilian was arrested and sent to a concentration camp in Auschwitz in 1941. I am wearing the identification that he wore with my father's old stripped pajamas from Egypt. St. Maximilian eventually chose to die for a young husband and father while in the concentration camp and was killed by lethal injection on August 14.

Above is the San Damiano Friary Group Christmas picture (2009) and below is a picture of the post-novitiate friars living in formation houses with our formation directors and our retreat director (Adam) taken during our Mid-Year Retreat in San Antonio.

The following two pictures are of Fr. Andy's visit to San Antonio. First, is a picture of Andy and I at Chacho's and he is imitating me! Imaging hearing us say "Parteee!" Second, is one of Andy presiding at Mass at Christ the King Parish, this was my first time being at a Mass where he was the presider.

Next we have pictures that are entitled Laborare Et Ludere "Work & Play" The work picture comes from one of our workdays where we washed cars. The play picture comes from when we went out to play miniature golf later that day. (If I remember correctly, I won the mini golf game we played.)

Above is one of my favorite pictures that I have taken and let me tell you it took work to take. On Tuesday, February 23 San Antonio received it's first measurable snowfall in six years. I know that is not a lot, but it was all I needed to feel like I was home on the East Coast.

Below, is a picture of the friars praying during our Solemn Evening Prayer with Benediction on a Saturday Evening.

Next as photo take at a Spurs Game, I do not remember which one at the top of my head, but I do remember that many things were given out to the crowd though.

And last but not least, is a picture taken in Schulenburg, TX; which is halfway between Houston and San Antonio. In this picture is a former classmate of mine from Oblate - John - who is now studying for the diocese of Lake Charles. Below friends from San Antonio and I made a semi-surprise visit to him and this picture was taken in the infamous Frank's Restaurant.

I hope to make another post tomorrow with more information about me and my new found intolerances to Lactose and Fructose.