Canon Law and the Pastor's Vacation - February 5, 2006
Thank you to our Family Life Committee (and the army of workers!) for the super Super Breakfast last Sunday. The crowds were amazing and everyone I talked to had rave reviews about the food (my taste buds particularly liked the potato pancakes!). It was one of those events that killed the proverbial two birds with one stone: it raised a nice amount of cash for our financially struggling parish and it afforded us the opportunity to share one another’s company (while working together or enjoying the food!). I relish those occasions that allow me to go from table to table chit-chatting with you getting to know you better.
The Code of Canon Law legislates that “a Pastor is permitted to be absent from the parish each year for vacation for at most one continuous or interrupted month; those days which the Pastor spends once a year in spiritual retreat are not computed in the time of vacation” (Canon 533). After Masses on Sunday I am leaving for a warmer climate for 11 days. I will be going to Brownsville, Texas, where my best friend – Monsignor Heberto Diaz – ministers. Monsignor Diaz and I met while we were in our last four years of preparation for the priesthood in Rome, Italy (1985-1989). We became good friends and have remained so despite the distance that separates us. Monsignor Diaz is the Moderator of the Curia and Chancellor for the Diocese of Brownsville as well as the Pastor of the largest parish in the city of Brownsville and administrator of a mission attached to that parish. Other than that, Monsignor Diaz has nothing to do!!?? Whenever I am tempted to whine or complain, I just think of Monsignor Diaz and all the responsibilities heaped upon his shoulders! Brownsville is on the border with Mexico, which has created a unique culture there. I enjoy helping out Monsignor Diaz by taking some of the Confessions and Masses at his parish. It is a good opportunity for me to work on my Spanish as that is the dominant language. Monsignor Diaz is an excellent cook and so I normally end up gaining a few pounds while in Texas! That in spite of taking for walks and playing fetch with his two Labrador Retrievers! Monsignor Diaz and I have a claim to fame that few people in the world share. During the summers of 1986 and 1988 this “dynamic duo” bicycled the entire Western coast of Italy – North from Rome all the way to Avignon, France, and then South from Rome all the way to Reggio di Calabria and over to the Northern coast of Sicily. Of course, that was a few years ago and a few (!!??) pounds ago! During my absence, Father Worzalla will be tending to your pastoral needs.
Saint Peter, pray for us! Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!