Sometimes in our naiveté we wish we could know what the future will be. Yet in many cases it is just as well we do not know. We would be deprived of the thrill that the God of wonderful surprises has in store for us.

There is the undeniable reality that life is fragile. Our plans are exercises in folly. Yet our fragility allows God to hold us in the gentleness of His arms and close to His heart. His love is that of a parent who cradles and cares for a child. 1963 is vastly different from 2008. Our world, our society, the Church, each one of us is different. Some were not here in 1963. Some who were are not here now. The one constant is God and His faithfulness to all of us.

We live in wonder and gratitude to the God who has called us to be His own. God has blessed us, here I must speak for myself, with the gift of years, the love of family, my parents and brothers and their families, my relatives and friends. We all travel through the years with companions who reflect the goodness of God. I have been blessed in multiple ways. The patience and compassion and love of so many have made this a joyous journey. The parishes, the priests and the staffs who have taught me and by whom I have been formed are a constant evidence of God's walking and guiding me.  St. Emeric, Holy Name Cathedral, St Christina, St John of the Cross, St Athanasius, and Our Lady of Hope.

God surely knew my needs since He called me to the very special parishes. I now begin the next phase or chapter of this adventure. God has been faithful. God is always faithful. To God and to all who read these words peak into my heart and know the depthless gratitude and love I have for all of you. All are in my prayers. I trust and depend on yours for me.

Our future is guided and companioned by the God of wondrous surprises. We need no more.