September Soliloquy

September comes and trees are heard

     Sighing at Summer’s farewell.

Each wooded glade and highland glen

     Echoes this parting knell.

Purple shadows fold the night

     ‘Pon the shortened day.

Elephants trumpet and donkeys bray.

     Election days are at hand.

Mothers air woolens, pack cottons,

     Measure larder, freeze-dried ‘n’ canned.

Beaching and boating are memories.

     “Batter up” is replaced by “End Run.”

Eiders and goslings fly southward,

     Escaping chill clime for warm sun.

Rosy cheeks, wood-smoke rising, tang of Autumn!

     Ruby apples, golden cider, Summer‘s forgotten!

Ø      In the aptly-titled “Good News” (Summer – publication of the Sisters of St. Francis, Aston, PA) Holy Trinity’s own Sr. Frances Will, OSF (formerly Sr. Emily Leo) and Sr. Rosemary Matt (formerly Sr. Xavier) were featured in the article “The Remarkable Retirement of Two.”  These “cover story nuns” who were multi-pictured in their various busyness were described as “retirees”(?) who live and “volunteer” (translate as “work”) at their loved Blessed Sacrament Church and School in Walpole, MA.  (For them, the word retirement must be a synonym for retread or rejuvenation.)  These now octogenarian daughters of St. Francis continue to fulfill their life commitment.  As a portion of their Order’s Mission Statement avows: “mutual service to the needs of others.”  We, who are privileged to know these dedicated Sisters, send sincere salutations and prayers for your future accomplishments.

Ø      On August 5, 2006 the wedding vows of Ricardo Maciel and Adriana DeSouza were exchanged at Holy Trinity.  In Boston and in Brazil the wedding bells rang out with the joyous news.  May this newlywed couple enjoy God’s special gift – a long, happy, health-filled, fruitful, shared life! 

Ø      Recently, Holy Trinity mourned the deaths of several parishioners.  Our prayerful sympathy to the families of Jean (Kuhner) Moroney, a H.T. Roxbury alumna and the late Mary (Krim) Veradt’s best pal; Rose (Wolfert) Merrill-Fougere, surviving sister of the late Julia; Beatrice Pink, widow of John, and her sister-in-law, Mary (Vaas) Pink, widow of George.  Thus, these German-tradition matriarchs pass into cherished memory.

Ø      Especially saddened were all of Holy Trinity to learn of the tragic deaths of two young Latin parishioners: Dominic Thaddeus Davulis (17), an acolyte who succumbed to mortal illness on August 9 and William Joseph Davulis, Jr. (26), eldest and loving brother to his 9 siblings, who died in a motorcycle accident just hours earlier on August 8.  To their parents and all members of the Davulis Family, we offer our prayers for courage and acceptance at this very sorrowful time. Their uncle, Rev. Domenic Gentile, FSSP, was celebrant of the Latin Requiem Mass at Holy Trinity on August 14.  Memorials and condolences may be sent to:  The Davulis Family, 3 Oyster Bay Rd., #36, Dorchester, MA 02125.  May their souls and those of all the faithful departed rest in peace!

Ø      Todd Gallagher, son of Susan Gallagher Long, is recovering at home after a long stay at Walter Reed Hospital.  He received severe wounds while serving his country in Iraq.  However, at his own request, Todd will return to the armed forces as a computer engineer.  Talk about brave determination!  We offer special prayers for his complete recovery. 

Ø       Pat and Peter Cooper were both seen and heard during August in the picturesque Berkshires.  Pat was the “compleat tourist” (a thorough Thoreauvian) and Peter was the attentive voice student at the Berkshire Choral Festival “singers’ camp”.  Both were refreshed enough to travel to Cooperstown afterwards to take in a couple of operas before driving home.  We’re happy you went but we’re happier that you are back!

Ø      The Catholic Women’s Guild greatly appreciates all who participated in its annual fund-raiser drawing.  It netted $1,800 for the Guild’s charitable efforts.  Congratulations to the following winners: Joseph Quilty, Barbara Bridge, Doreen Miller, Michael Mulhare, Mary Ramsbottom, and Mr. & Mrs. George Kelly.  Disbursements of the drawing proceeds will be discussed at the Guild’s meeting on October 15.

Ø      Jim McCloskey, a dear and dedicated member of the sacristan staff, will honor the 40^th anniversary of the death of his father, James, and the 10^th anniversary of the death of his mother, Mary, with a special Requiem High Memorial Mass on September 16.

Ø      “Congraduations” are in order for two of Joe Grueter’s sons, Joseph Jr., who begins medical studies at Georgetown University, having received his sheepskin from Holy Cross; and Daniel, an alumnus of B.C. High and Assumption College, who is starting an accounting career.  A third son, Robert, is currently a junior at Boston University.  Honorably holding up the distaff side is daughter Kathleen who attends Boston Latin and is co-captain of its swimming team.  We think Dad and Mom should also be included in our congratulations to their ambitious, dedicated student Kinder!.

Ø      On September 8 we humbly proclaim “Gratuieren zum Geburtstag, liebe Maria, Mutter Gottes!”  Congratulations upon your birthday, dear Mary, Mother of God!  How thrilled Sts. Ann and Joachim must have been at the arrival of their beautiful baby girl and how blessed are we to call upon her and to call her “mother” also.

Ø      September ushers in many special events and birthday honorees.  Many happy returns of their natal day to: 1) Richard Remmes; 3) Mary Rose Geiger; 6) Sr. Frances Will, OSF; 7) Jasmine Robinson; 9) Jonathan Cooper and Michael Roberson; 10) Pauline Smith; 20) Louise Woodyatt; 29) Catherine Warren.

Ø      Of particular note among the celebrants is the September 20^th centennial of Louise (Oberle) Woodyatt’s arrival on planet Earth!  Louise is as pleasant as ever, enjoys her family visits, friends, bridge, the Ratskeller camaraderie and other activities at her residence, Deutsches Altenheim, (2222 Centre Street., West Roxbury, MA 02132).  May she and all enjoy a Frohe Geburtstag!    P.S.  Mary Geiger’s address, as is her sister Madeline’s, is Mariana Bay Assisted Living, 4 Seaport Drive, Quincy, MA 02171.

Ø      In the Summer edition of the “Bridge Newsletter” we learn: “The Traditional Living Program at Trinity (their name for our rectory) housed 28 residents; 16 obtained employment, 18 attended high school/GED and 4 graduated to cooperative apartments.”  We are proud to mention that this dedicated staff has uplifted and aided so many young people.  May you continue to be successful in this most necessary program.  We, meanwhile, are proud also to have you as tenants!

Ø      If George Krim’s vest seems a bit snug, it’s his “Grand-popping” over his first grandchild’s graduation from Blue Hills Regional.  Robert’s parents, Mark and Sue, and his sisters, Angela and Maria Rose, join us in applauding his accomplishments and offer best wishes to him in his future.

Ø      It’s never too late to say “Thank You” – is it?  Dankeschön to Father Naughton for having the loose, rickety and broken flagstones – steps and landing – to the lower church repaired.  Thanks also to the members of the Parish Committee who recognized the importance of this task.  Both parishioners and the Cardinal Medeiros Center clients greatly appreciate it.

Ø      Plus, our appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who tend the garden and tidy the grounds around Holy Trinity constantly.  Patti Strom wears “green thumbs”, Genevieve MacLellan sports “yellow rubber gloves”, and Barbara Bridge and Joe Grueter rely on the anti-bacterial “soap ‘n’ water”.  This quartet may also be dubbed “the official greeters (no-pun intended, Joe) as they “stoop to conquer” the weeds and trash abutting “God’s House.”

Ø      On September 9 and 10 it’s Oktoberfest at B.S.V. in Walpole.  Days filled with family fund, food and musik!  Join the merriment and browse among the shops.  (We hear that the G.L.A.S. has some unique “white elephant” offerings!)