THE BEST PROCESSION

By Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.

On May 28th, as I processed down the main aisle of Saint Patrick's Cathedral, it took some work holding back the tears. My throat was tight, my face flush, my back bristling. As I walked on the polished marble floor I could feel the vibration of the massive organ under my feet. I tried to sing, but could only hold the music booklet in my hands. The pews on both sides were packed with people, friends, relatives, religious, young and old. Everyone was beaming, brimming over with joy, many craning their necks and clutching cameras.

As the procession made its way towards the sanctuary steps, I found myself reliving my ordination fifteen years earlier. It seemed like a lifetime ago I was lying prostrate before the main altar. Although I will never forget my ordination, I knew deep inside me that this day was far greater. This day was a day not only for myself but for the entire Church.

On May 28, 1999, the Community of the Franciscans Friars of the Renewal was officially established as a Diocesan Institute. Twelve years ago, in the Marian Year of 1987, eight of us Capuchin friars presented ourselves before the Cardinal Archbishop of New York seeking the benediction of the Church. Cardinal O’Connor warm received us as we described our dilemma. We desired to begin again, to more evidently embrace our vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. We deeply believed then, as we still do now that the vision the values of our early Capuchin confreres would young, vigorous vocations for the Church. Time has proven this true.

Like most births, there was blood, sweat, and tears. Leaving loved ones is always difficult. Yet, almost immediately, this baby began to grow. As predicted, we would in time experience our own set of growing pains. Setbacks and disappointments seemed more frequent then. The Lord has His own kind of calendar and clock, and after twelve years, Rome wrote. Examining our steady growth and development the Holy Father has deemed us seaworthy. So we now have permission to push out into even deeper waters. ‘While we are grateful to the Holy Father, we know He has no control over the winds and waves. Only God does. So we proceed in confidence knowing He is with us.

Processing through cavernous cathedrals is a moving experience, but in time, would become quite boring. Why? - because you know exactly where you're going - every step of the way. Life with Christ, however, is different - it's an which lasts a lifetime. If the Christian life was only a procession own incensed aisles, we would have little need for faith and hope. No need to trust God, to seek support from others, or be immensely grateful for both. 

For all of you who have walked with us, and for those who continue to walk with us, please know how grateful we are. We could have never reached this point without you, and don't desire to enter the deep alone. As new young vocations come, we are acutely aware of our responsibility not only to feed them but to form them. The Church needs saints! 

Inspired by Our Holy Father Pope John Paul II, we now are even more committed to move forward with confidence into the new millennium. May Our Lady and Saint Francis keep us faithful to God down every dark valley and up every rocky road. Yes, to trust God during this earthly adventure, right to the end. Really, to heaven's doorstep. That's when the best procession begins!