This morning we went to a church we hadn’t been to for the Easter celebrations. You think the catholic church is universal. Well, next time you go to Germany, or even Hamburg, I’ll point you to the church to prove you wrong. It was packed and a completely different experience from the one we had at Christmas in our parish church, where we had been almost on our own. As part of the celebrations, a baby was to be christened. Leroy Kilian (before you ask: yes, the priest did have a hard time finding saint Leroy, which is why he always referred to baby Leroy Kilian during the ceremony.) The parents were a not-so-young-anymore couple who obviously had never assisted a christening before. When the priest asked them, what they wished for their child, they said “Na ja, die Taufe, nicht?” and were immediately corrected by the priest “Die Taufe Leroy Kilians”. At this stage, he was still sharing the microphone with the parents, so that all of us could clearly hear the parent’s answers. He then asked them whether they renounced evil (Widersagen Sie dem Bösen, um in der Freiheit der Kinder Gottes !eben zu können?) and they responded: “Ja sicher” to which the priest said “Ich widersage”. When he asked them whether they believed in God the Almighty… (Glauben Sie an Gott den Vater, den Allmächtigen, den Schöpfer von Himmel und Erde?) and they said: “Auf jeden Fall” – he lost his patience and told them to say “Ich glaube” or he would stop the whole ceremony altogether. That was also the end of him sharing his microphone with the parents…
The mass took an hour and a quarter in total, had a dozen altar boys and girls, a phenomenal organ performance, at least two dozens of holy songs, and would most definitely not have been possible in Ireland. But we shared with everybody the joy of the risen Christ, the joy of the resurrection and victory over death.
Later and back in the hospital, we were reading the news from some websites for Pádraig, as we do every day, including thejournal.ie, his and many young people’s favourite online news channel. We found “The week in quotes” (Our worst fears and a lack of editorial judgement: The week in quotes) and started to read the news out to him, starting with Sean Fitzpatrick who was found not guilty of providing unlawful financial assistance; second piece was on Garda whisteblower John Wilson who revealed that more serving members of the force may come forward with new revelations; and then – the third piece of news of the week:
Completely unexpected!
Completely unexpected was also the really nice fruit and cheese one of Pádraig’s could-not-be-nicer carers brought in to him today. We had tried to let him taste an Easter egg – but the fruit was definitely the healthier option. While Pádraig cannot eat (yet), we think he is well able to feel that there is something in his mouth. His tongue and his nose were definitely picking up these ‘goodies’. It’s all stimulating his senses.
He also went back on his exercise ‘bike’. We’re getting better at it and so is Pádraig! It’s amazing: you would think it to be exhausting – but it really seems to relax him, bring up his oxygen levels and keep his heart rate down. Of course, it only for about half an hour, it’s slow, and his legs are moved for him by the ‘bike’. What a difference that will make to his overall condition if we continue with it over the coming weeks!
We were looking at the coverage of the 1916 commemorations today at the GPO. The rising that laid the foundation of what is Ireland today. Those who gave their lives then had ideals, they really believed in a better future. So do we. And we will work hard with Pádraig and his friends to make it happen! A better future. Another Easter Rising!!
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Frohe Ostern!
Twitter: @forPadraig
http://www.caringforPadraig.org
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Hello, Reinhard. Very good to hear from you, as always. I was at the Easter Vigil Mass in Palmerstown, a place where a number of people who don’t know Pádraig personally none the less are aware of his circumstances and hold him in their thoughts and prayers. This lovely ceremony (which was long – 1 hour 55 minutes) also included a baptism – less dramatic! than the one you describe, though the baby was less than fully impressed by the feel of water on her head. (Would not have been a good candidate for the Snámh, so.) Great to see that Pádraig’s devoted friends continue to get the recognition they (and he) deserve. With best wishes, Louise.
Thank you Louise, for always keeping Pádraig in your mind. And thank you for staying with Pádraig, his friends, and us on this long camino. – Reinhard
Would not occur to me not to, Reinhard. Best wishes, Louise.