An Encounter with New Friends

Fr. McCormick’s retirement celebration continues---
As we were leaving Fr McCormick’s party on Sunday evening two retired navy officers stopped us- Jerry and Stewart. Both were out-of-town friends of Father who had flown in for the celebration. “Sisters, what order do you belong to? How do you know Fr. Pat?” and so began their numerous questions about our life as sisters, our faith, and why we “do what we do!” The conversation continued as Jerry, plate in hand, sat down at a near by table to finally eat, and we joined him, as well as Stewart and now, Fr Pat. The conversation was not one-sided for we too, heard many interesting stories about the navy, like how they bury the dead at sea, celebrate Mass on an aircraft carrier on a Sunday morning between “take offs” and “landings,” -it was all quite amazing and fascinating, to say the least….I guess there are similarities between the military and religious life!
And the conversation continued when they stopped by our Bookcenter two days later to get some “food for the soul” in the form of books and CD’s for their journey home. Stewart stocked up on apologetics and Jerry, I forget what! But both of these men were “sincere seekers” with a thirst to know the truth and to follow the Lord. And for me, that means everything.