Happy Birthday!

Well, yesterday was my birthday, and I turned 40! I really don't feel any different, but I do know that it will be the beginning of a great year. I started off the day by enjoying some delicious cake that was baked for me by one of the volunteers at the church I work at; and yes, it was absolutely delicious, and being able to share it with the people I work with made it even more special. I then attended the 12:15 mass with my friend Chris and then went out for a nice lunch. It was nice to be able to spend some time in the afternoon to just relax and watch a movie. I ended the day by having dinner with three friends of mine, it was a nice evening of watching The Journey Home on EWTN, and watching a movie on St. Fautisna. The movie was a great end to a wonderful day. I did not know allot about St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy before watching this movie. I realize how much I still have to learn about my faith when I don't know much about the Saints who marked our faith.

I also decided to start reading the Bible every day; even if it's only 5 pages . This is something that I never really took the time to do before. This will be a challenge for me, because most of you may not know that I really have difficulty taking time to read a whole book. I am slowly preparing myself because I know that in July, I will be in the Franciscan Community, and will be expected to read allot of books. The Lord will give the energy to do whatever is necessary. I am starting to count the days until my big move, and looking forward to a new beginning in my journey with my brothers in Cincinnati.

Many people have told me that since I have begun discerning with the Franciscans; they have seen many changes in my behaviour, especially since my acceptance into the postulancy program. I had achieved my goal to become a friar and to live a life of service to the Lord and to those in need. At the end of June, I will leave many dear friends and my family; who are very close to me, and who I will miss tremendously, to begin a life of helping others in the church and the homeless, the sick and people who are just lonely and need someone to talk to. As St. Francis gave all his possessions to the ones in need, I also am getting rid of my material possessions and giving it to those in most need. The Lord will give whatever is necessary for me to live on.

God Bless

Pax