First Stop - Father!
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Faith on Friday, February 27, 2009 12:00 PM
The Religious Education Congress officially begins today, so as you read this, I will be listening to a lecture by Mark Hart and dancing to Matt Maher’s lunchtime concert. But since Martha and I arrived on the scene early yesterday, we took an impromptu visit over to Seal Beach.
This quaint seaside village is a slice of the Orange County I remember from my youth. A walk on the pier and dinner at my favorite Mexican cantina “Taco Surf” were in order, but weren’t actually the main reason for my visit.
The real purpose was to spend a bit of time with my childhood pastor, Monsignor Michael Collins. Father Collins, who does not wish to be called by the title “Monsignor”, is likely one of the most beloved priests in Southern California. At 91 years of age, he still celebrates daily mass for his parishioners and hears confessions three times per week (or more frequently upon request).
Along with my parents, Father Collins is likely the person most responsible for my faith formation and my love of Catholicism. Whenever I come to Southern California, I absolutely must spend time in his presence - his infectious Irish brogue and unbridled love for our Blessed Mother are a balm for my soul. In his youth, Father Collins was a national rugby and soccer player in Ireland, and he’s always practiced his priestly vocation with the same energy and drive.
Father is beginning to slow down. He has seen so many of his brother priests move along to heaven, and at times he seems anxious to join them. Sharp as a tack mentally, his body has begun to slowly fail him and he’s largely confined to quick trips between his small home and the adjacent Church via his mobilized scooter. But his physical limitations haven’t slowed down his commitment to shepherding his parishioners. His door is always open to visitors like me, who wander in throughout the day and night seeking his spiritual wisdom and a taste of his Irish friendliness.
Father Collins has ministered to so many thousands of parishioners throughout his years of priesthood. He was present at every Sacrament in my life with the exception of my baptism, and has baptized both of my sons. He is our “family priest”, just as he is a part of so many other families. Being with Father is one of the best spiritual boosts in my life - I’m so happy that my visit him kicked off my weekend here at Congress. A close relationship with a trusted, holy priest is a precious gift from God - one I appreciate more every time I visit this special man.
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