For I Shall Not Pass this Way Again

Dear Friends,

Today we celebrate Mother’s Day, the brainchild of Anna Jarvis from Grafton, West Virginia. It was there at Andrew’s Methodist Church, that the first Mother’s Day was celebrated. The church presented each mother with a carnation to honor her. West Virginia was the first state to officially observe Mother’s Day after the bill was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. I have fond memories of visiting Anna Jarvis’s church on two occasions.

This Mother’s Day I continue to reminisce about my own Mom who went home to the Lord two and a half years ago. The greatest gift my Mom gave to me was the gift of life, always nurtured with concern and love. The second most important gift my Methodist Mom gave to me was her marriage to Dad, a staunch Irish Catholic. From her Protestant background and her side of the family that consisted of Lutherans, Universalists, Episcopalians, and a Jewish uncle, I learned the meaning of ecumenical long before any Ecumenical Church Council (1962). Add this to Dad’s Irish roots that included, Fr. Ed, a cousin and five aunts who were Sisters of Mercy. Mom taught me to be open to different faith groups which have enhanced my ministry as a priest to this day. I recall this Mother’s Day the words of an old Irish song: “A mother’s love is a blessing, take her wherever you go. Love her as in childhood when she’s feeble old and grey…” Mom never became feeble, however, and always had blond hair- thanks to her friend and hairdresser right up to 95. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t think of Mom or Dad and for me that IS a blessing. I wish all of our Mothers a happy day. And to our young folks and teens, thank God for the gift of your mother, for she truly is just that – a gift. Sad that it takes so long for far too many children to see and appreciate all of the sacrifices that these women have made for their children.

Tomorrow, May 14th, is another special day for me personally as I celebrate my 46th anniversary as a priest, and 26 years of holding the office of Pastor. Anticipating my ordination back in 1966 seems like just a few years ago, but the white hair reminds me otherwise. In little over two years, I am required by Canon Law to submit my letter of resignation from the office of pastor ( one never resigns from being priest). Bishops and pastors must do this on their 75th birthday. I hope to remain an active and engaged priest for many more years. Hopefully the longevity that seems to run in the Martin clan will be the same for me. Two thoughts come to mind as I observe my 46th anniversary this week. The first is the words of my ordination card: “I am the Good Shepherd”. I have tried, and will continue to try, to always live up to those words. I believe strongly that the one way to lead is through love, kindness and genuine concern for all. My thoughts also have me glancing at a plaque that my brother Jack gave to me as an anniversary gift back in 1973 by Stephen Grellet:

“ I expect to pass through this world but once.
Any good thing therefore that I can do,
Or any kindness that I can show to any fellow human being
Let me do it now.
Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

There certainly have been ups and downs, peaks and valleys during these past 46 years, as may also be said of any marriage. But I would do it all over again. The peaks have always been more than the valleys.

I thank my parents for always being there during those peaks and valleys along with my sister, Madeleine, and brother, Jack. As you know from my mentioning them from time to time in my homilies, family is very important to me. A sincere thank you to all of you, my parish family, for your continued support. I continue to try to live the message on that plaque. I ask for your continued support through prayer. And hats off and congratulations to all mother’s on their special day. It’s fitting that we honor our mothers at Mass since it all began in a small church nearby. Thank you Mom.

Have a great week!

Ft. Martin