First, First Saturday!

This past Saturday was a remarkable night. After months of hiatus, we welcomed our friends to the new homestead and everyone positively thrived. There was plentiful food, good company, a resounding sense of deep faith, a wonderful enjoyment of the kind of music that is simply good for the soul, and the weather was perfect. Little and big people alike gathered in groups here and there - or ran freely through the fields and woods - talking, laughing, shooting an arrow or throwing an axe, striving for victory at tether- or gaga-ball. And the leisure in the fresh air was a balm for all hearts, with a graced pinnacle in the prayers we offered before the feast, bonfire, and singing. Indeed, we prayed a Rosary around our statue of Our Lady of Fatima in an evening filled with birdsong and with a backdrop so naturally beautiful as to seem heavenly. The sun setting through the pines on a soft October night witnessed our humble homage to the Virgin, who asks us simply to offer a Rosary daily for her sake, for the sake of our own souls and for the souls of those who most need mercy. After satisfying our appetites on various delicious dishes and sweets, we gathered in the gazebo around a happy little bonfire and shared old songs and new, with friends old and new: Amazing Grace, South Australia, Dona Nobis Pacem, Carrickfergus, and other songs brought smiles, joyful noise, and good cheer. The bell called everyone at last for the Salve Regina, and soon children looked for ways to extend their stay - pears must be picked, lost shoes must be found, another game of chase in the dark must be attempted. Late in the evening a yellow moon veritably glowed its blessing from above the lovely clouds upon our guests as they made their way homeward, and our family felt grateful. We hope in all sincerity to host another such gathering and look forward with full hearts to November!