Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Impending Departure

On Monday (May 16th), I arrived home at the end of the work day to find an unexpected package from Fr. Hattie waiting for me. Inside were two items (see below) but no note or letter.

1. March/April/May 2016 issue of "Our Daily Bread."

ODB is pocket sized.

As I was composing this post, I was surprised to discover that ODB is a non-denominational, non-profit organization headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. The reference on the cover to St. Joseph Mercy Oakland is to a Catholic hospital in Pontiac Michigan. As you may recall, Fr. Hattie is currently living in Michigan.

2. A softbound book, "God of Surprises" (Third Edition) by Gerard W Hughes.

Front Cover of 3rd Edition
(Note "SJ" annotation for author)

Although I am unfamiliar with this book and its author, I am that Pope Francis has used the term "God of Surprises" and it is something that irritates me since the Pope has condemned Catholics who are loyal to RC tradition. My thinking is that if you disagree with the fundamentals of Roman Catholicism, then find something else that is more amenable to your beliefs. One of RCism's strengths is its claim to faithfulness to the original teachings of Jesus.
---------------------------------------------------

Last time I received something in the mail from Fr. Hattie, an email swiftly arrived to explain. This time, though, there was no associated email. So this morning (Wednesday May 18th), I emailed Fr. Hattie to acknowledge the package, inquire about the books as well as his time table for returning to Africa. I was rewarded with the short letter (see below) received later today via email

As usual, my transcription also appears below the image of the original.

My Fr. Hattie page contains a list of Father's letters that I have received during this blog time period. It also contains contact information for Fr. Hattie and details on how to donate to help support Father's orphans in Nsumba, Uganda.

--------------------------------------------------

"Letter" from Fr. Hattie received via email Wednesday May 18, 2016.

---------------------------------------------------
My dear Rick:           Peace of the Living Christ!

      Yes, I am still leaving for Africa on the noon of May 24 & will arrive there the following night at 9 p.m.

     Glad that you received the God of Surprises. No I do not know him, but he is an Irish Jesuit from our English Province.  The book is eminently readable & has gone through 3 printings because of its popularity. Hope you enjoy reading it. It's precious.

Tons of love & gratitude,                            
              
Fr. Gene, S.J.                                 

P.S.  Another book you would enjoy reading is Between Heaven & Mirth, written by a good friend of mine* who has written many other interesting religious books. OR The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything & My Life With the Saints.
--------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Links:

No comments:

Post a Comment