Jan 31 Aidan d. 626 and Adamna d. 680

Thommy and John

Good morning
I love you

Happy superbowl weekend! I’ll take the cardinals and seven, being a reflexively anti-Pittsburg sports fan, both by my NYC roots and the long term boss I’ve had who’s a pittsburg native and fan….

I turned on the computer this morning and had two problems - one with linking to the internet and a message telling me about an error because the computer was trying to connect to something it shouldn’t. being as inept as I am with the wonders of the software, such happenings simply emphasize my ineptness; as well as my lack of resources to ask for help. That’s what friends and family are for - my greatest lacks. Obviously, I overcame the lackness and whatever it was that the computer was/is? doing.

Other than that, no news here abouts. One of the advantages of being buried in my burrow: much more than putting my head in the sand.

I watched the Nadal semifinal against Verdasco - five sets, more than five hours of power tennis. Extraordinary.

Tony Dungy is hawking his book, Uncommon. I recommend the book to you. The book reflects the man. And one would think he were Catholic….



January 31
Aidan d. 626

Catholic on line gives us Aidan’s geography: born in Connaught: educated in Leinster: died Ferns monastery in Wexford. There’s something to be said for knowing your geography - formative factors. Aidan had a few - not unlike you two [so far; though you have one more geography than you should have]. Unlike Aidan, your place of birth does not speak to heritage, clan, or collective unconscious but more to circumstance of the wanderings of your parents. Nashville is formative for you; not nearly so much as NYC and Ireland [or your being moved subsequently to GSO].

Tradition tells us that Aidan’s birth was heralded by signs and omens. Your births were signs and omens for me/us but I did not notice any heralding. That you were born in Nashville - - - who woulda thought such a thing possible in 1982 or even 1986? Certainly, nothing that happened before 1982 would have predicted Nashville. What was the sign and omens of your births? And how do you assimilate them?

Aidan showed evidence of piety as a small child. I wish I knew how. The stories of formation, the how, the process are more meaningful and helpful than the result - how is it that Aidan became and sustained saintly? Pious? You two, too showed signs of piety in your youth - less and less so as your youth was taken from the Catholic home and school and church. Two of my cherished remimnders of those days are an egg with praying hands and a picture Thommy drew of the Christmas crèche with the mound and crosses of Calgary above it. Faith was well planted in your souls; piety came from such seed. [the seed of faith implanted….]

Aidan went to St. David monastery [in Wales] to further his education and immerse himself in the study of scripture. The study of scripture in the Irish monasteries was to learn and live the Word of God. The pursuit of one’s vocation can often take you away from your ensconced home-base. Often for your betterment as well as the home you grew up out of and left. You might first discern your vocation and then see where it takes you for its/your fulfillment.

Saxon [think English] war parties attacked the monastery. Aidan miraculously repelled them. You know there are wondrous Bardic stories about Aidan’s saving the monastery from attack. What stories are told about your repelling the spiritual [et al.] saxons who attack the monastery of your soul?

Aidan returned to Ireland. Yes, you can go home again - just like you can step in the same river once, right? Where Aidan returned to was obviously not the same - if only because he returned. So, to leave home to pursue your vocation does not preclude your return.

Aidan founded a monastery at Ferns in Wexford. Aidan also was chosen bishop of the region. To lead is to serve; and to serve in one capacity not uncommonly results in service in other ways. Serve.

Aidan is known for his miracles. E.g., he made a beautiful stag invisible to save it from the hounds. To be invisible, to be unseen, to leave one’s home, to accept exile, may be one way to be saved from the hounds…. Aidan’s miracles drew many to the Church. We have our faith and Church, the people who have come before as well as our personal relationship with Jesus, Father, and Spirit. What other miracles, what other wonder works will turn your head back to the fold? We wait and pray and reach out to you….



ALSO




January 31
St. Adamnan of Coldingham d. 680

Adamnan was born in Ireland and took a series of penitential pilgrimages. Penance and penitential pilgrimages are not a common part of our upper middle class American Catholicism or spirituality in general. ‘I am sorry’ is taken as sufficient by too many. And even that much is not offered to God or man enough. The principle that we should first eliminate sins from our lives and whatever/whoever is occasion for sin is no longer a priority for too many. Imagine the conversations we should/could have around this theme.!

Adamnan met St Ebba at the monastery at Coldingham, Scotland. He stayed with her as a monk. Saintly women are a mainstay in the celtic tradition - catholic celtic woman saints: I suggest you know something about these so that you can better find the best woman for you.

Ebba. Her father was king Aethelfrith. Her brothers Oswald and Oswy - knowing about this royal family and the connivings of their court adds some flavor to our knowledge of Ebba, why she removed herself from public life, and how she was able to establish a monastery. Ebba is described as a wise and holy woman, a woman honored for her nobility and piety - - better credentials you could not find in a woman. Actually, you should find these as part of the basic core of any woman in your life. Ebba was respected enough to be given a queen to train/educate; and bold enough to challenge a king. This royal lady helped spread Catholicism - another quality you should expect in any woman you bring into your life.

At Coldingham, Adamnan lived a life of severe austerity. Try it for a day or a couple of days or maybe an Ignatian long [30 day] retreat. Make austerity a part if not the core of your life.

Adamnan was known for his gift of prophecy throughout his life. We are baptized and confirmed in our role as prophet as well. A prophet interprets the voice of God; a herald sent by God to communicate God‘s will [read Amos’ accounts of his vocation as prophet]. The gift of prophecy requires a knowledge of scripture, of the Law of the Word. Prophecy has the obligation to lead others to God, to prepare the way for His Kingdom.




I love you
dad