I returned home on Sunday evening after spending last weekend in Jackson, Wyoming with the parishioners of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church. The seven hour drive home was beautiful, but I knew it was not the end of traveling for a while. I immediately unpacked my small suitcase when I arrived home and packed a larger one. I went to Denver, Colorado Monday afternoon to prepare for an early morning Tuesday flight to Anchorage, Alaska.
A four hour layover in Seattle allowed for some time to roam the airport and get some walking done to offset all of the sitting. The above photo was taken at the Seattle airport. From there it was on to Anchorage, Alaska. My group arrived late in the afternoon which afforded us just enough time to get something to eat and head to Holy Family Cathedral for Solemn Vespers. This is the evening prayer service in which Archbishop-elect Etienne would take possession of the Cathedral in his new archdiocese.
A four hour layover in Seattle allowed for some time to roam the airport and get some walking done to offset all of the sitting. The above photo was taken at the Seattle airport. From there it was on to Anchorage, Alaska. My group arrived late in the afternoon which afforded us just enough time to get something to eat and head to Holy Family Cathedral for Solemn Vespers. This is the evening prayer service in which Archbishop-elect Etienne would take possession of the Cathedral in his new archdiocese.
The ritual includes knocking on the door of the cathedral.
Tuesday evening concluded with a reception following Solemn Vespers. After a long day of traveling it was finally time to call it a day.
There was a little down time Wednesday morning before a luncheon at 11:30 A.M. prior to the start of the installation Mass at 2:00 P.M. I was grateful for a slow start to the day. A little time for souvenir shopping was welcome as there was no time for sightseeing or other activities. A walk in the cold and humid air reminded me of Missouri. It certainly has a different feel than the low humidity of Wyoming.
There was a little down time Wednesday morning before a luncheon at 11:30 A.M. prior to the start of the installation Mass at 2:00 P.M. I was grateful for a slow start to the day. A little time for souvenir shopping was welcome as there was no time for sightseeing or other activities. A walk in the cold and humid air reminded me of Missouri. It certainly has a different feel than the low humidity of Wyoming.
I had an opportunity to visit with priests and deacons from all over Alaska.
The Papal Bull lets us know the appointment is legitimate.
Mass was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage.
Many different cultures are represented in Alaska. I was told that there are over 100 different languages spoken throughout the state. We were given a glimpse into some of these cultures at the two liturgical services.
While we are sad to say good-bye in Wyoming, we wish Archbishop Etienne well as he begins his role as the shepherd of his flock in the Archdiocese of Anchorage.
An evening dinner on Wednesday was followed by an attempt to go to bed early. We had a 5:00 A.M. flight on Thursday to head back to Wyoming. We left the hotel at 3:00 A.M. to begin the trek home. I finally walked into my home about 8:00 P.M. last night. I am exhausted, but I am glad I made the trip. I have worked closely with Archbishop Etienne for the last seven years and will miss him. However, we wait with great anticipation to see what God has in store for us in the days ahead.
I am grateful to have missed much of the political discourse over these days. That probably would have wearied me more than the hours of traveling. We simply continue to pray for our country. As we approach the end of the liturgical year we are reminded that Christ is King of the Universe. It is good to always keep that in mind.
I tip my hat today to all of the military veterans. Thank you for your service to our great country.
Finally, I need to go pack another suitcase. I leave in a few hours to go to Casper for another weekend of diaconate formation with the men of our diocese discerning a call to the diaconate. At least I was able to sleep in my own bed for one night. After this weekend I hope to stay home for a while and catch up on the paperwork that never goes away.
Have a blessed weekend!
An evening dinner on Wednesday was followed by an attempt to go to bed early. We had a 5:00 A.M. flight on Thursday to head back to Wyoming. We left the hotel at 3:00 A.M. to begin the trek home. I finally walked into my home about 8:00 P.M. last night. I am exhausted, but I am glad I made the trip. I have worked closely with Archbishop Etienne for the last seven years and will miss him. However, we wait with great anticipation to see what God has in store for us in the days ahead.
I am grateful to have missed much of the political discourse over these days. That probably would have wearied me more than the hours of traveling. We simply continue to pray for our country. As we approach the end of the liturgical year we are reminded that Christ is King of the Universe. It is good to always keep that in mind.
I tip my hat today to all of the military veterans. Thank you for your service to our great country.
Finally, I need to go pack another suitcase. I leave in a few hours to go to Casper for another weekend of diaconate formation with the men of our diocese discerning a call to the diaconate. At least I was able to sleep in my own bed for one night. After this weekend I hope to stay home for a while and catch up on the paperwork that never goes away.
Have a blessed weekend!
RSS Feed
