St. Catherine of Siena

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Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm
Phone: 585.624.4990
Fax: 585.624.4996
email: mstcathe@dor.org

This weekend is our Mother Day's remembrance. Who doesn't think about their mother no matter what relationship they may or may not have had with her? Thankfully, I have fond memories of my mother. I miss her presence, but I am so grateful to know she is in heaven enjoying her eternity with Jesus Christ.
This year I think not only of my mom but of my dear, dear friend, Sally Koen. Sally and I have known each other for 38 years. I met Sally when I worked one summer as a seminarian in Beverly, Massachusetts at St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish. Sally was the parish secretary. Right away we connected. Sally and her husband, Jerry, had five sons. It was quite an active household as you can imagine. I was so blessed to be welcomed by the Koen’s being away from my own home.
This was just the beginning of what would be a lifetime friendship of being friends and becoming “family.” As the years progressed and the friendship deepened, I would eventually, at the invitation of Sally and Jerry, be asked to stay at their home (the boys had all moved on) and “live” with them. From that generous moment, Rob, yours truly, had his own bedroom that would eventually always be referred to as “Rob’s room” from the children, soon to be in-laws and grandchildren. My closet to this day has four seasons of clothes in it. I never have to worry about packing for travel. Over these many years I have shared in countless joys, blessings, holidays, weddings, baptisms and funerals. Sally would always remark when something serous would come up, that by the grace of God, I would be there, or they called me right ways. We are family.
Over all these years from meeting sally, the family visited wherever I lived. They were at my Diaconate Ordination and my Priesthood Ordination (Sally was lector at my first Mass and her sons served the Mass). They visited when I was assigned to Immaculate Conception in Ithaca, St. John the Evangelist in Greece, St. Patrick’s in Macedon and of course here, at my beloved St. Catherine of Siena, Mendon. We have vacationed together, here in the states and in Europe. Of course, Beverly, their home is right on the Atlantic Ocean. I have always felt visiting them there was a vacation. And for as long as I remember, I am not a guest when I visit. Their home is my home, generously offered, with sincere and heartfelt love.
Mother’s Day. Many of you know, my mom had Alzheimer’s disease. Sally was very supportive to my father and myself during this cross. Several times Sally flew here to visit my mother and particularly when dad had his heart attack and then when mom moved from our home to the Fairport Baptism Home. Sally was 1,000% supportive and caring. She loved my parents. Sally did for them even some things I couldn’t do myself.
Why do I share this? Sally has Alzheimer’s. She is now residing in a Health Care Facility. My best friend (and yes, I’m sincerely fortunate to truly have many best friends) is now in a place I mourn and grieve. I always express I am still young, but not as young as I used to be.  Days move on quickly and I think how did I get here already?
Love rally makes a mark on our hearts, souls, and faith. Sally has done these very things with me over the years, and I am grateful. Today, at this point, Sally still knows me.
So, this Mother’s Day, I think of my own mom and all the wonderful memoires I have. And, knowing Sally’s love for my mom, I think of her and all the wonderful memories we have known for not long enough.
People say, “How long have you been at St. Catherine’s?” I say, “Not long enough.” When you love, know love and have been loved, is it ever enough? Not really. Yet, I know, in this Easter moment, still in His presence, love, even when it pulls at our heartstrings, will never end.
Happy Mother’s Day mom and Sally and to all of you, who are mother’s or act like mothers.
God Bless, Rob