Welcome, Fr. Sam
Today our parish was blessed to have Fr. Sam from Nigeria presiding over mass. His warm heart and message triumphed over any troubles speaking in English. Today was the first time I saw a priest go down every aisle, shaking hands during the peace prayer. His humble nature and genuine enthusiasm was infectious. I noticed some people couldn’t stop smiling during his homily.
Too bad the church was half empty.
Fr. Sam comes to us from Italy, where I imagine he was studying. During my time in Bangladesh, it was common for priests to go to Italy for their studies and to learn other languages.
So how did he end up at St. Gerard’s for one month, you ask? Well it might be God’s timing, or perhaps being in the right place at the wrong time. Fr. Sam told me he was visiting a friend in Sudbury, when the Bishop asked him to fill in. He’s currently on “vacation”.
Fr. Sam’s willingness and generosity of spirit is a great example for all of us.
In return, I encourage each of us to help make Fr. Sam’s vacation in Sault Ste. Marie a pleasant and memorable one. Please consider taking some time to be with him so he isn’t too lonely. Those with some extra time might show him some of the sights around town, or perhaps take a drive up north of the Sault.
Or it could be something small to us but a big favour to him. I left him my phone number in case he ever needs something or has a question.
Just call the parish to arrange something. 949-0435
Maybe we could even arrange an informal gathering of people from our parish for a Sunday picnic lunch or a hike at Hiawatha.
Got some ideas? Please share them via comments.
