April 28 is not only a special date for me, but also for Father Edwin Pacocha, who baptized me, because that is the anniversary date of his priestly ordination. This year is an especially fitting time to party like it's 1962, since he marks his 60th anniversary.
While I haven't had much close contact with him during my life, there's no doubt that he played an important role by baptizing me. And he has had quite a wonderful priestly ministry, especially at St. Cornelius, where served for at least 20 years before his retirement. One time I remember seeing him again when I was older was the summer of 2005, between middle school and high school, when he offered a post-Mass blessing for my grandparents on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary, and then offered a prayer at the banquet dinner that followed the Mass.
A few weeks ago, I thought about how he marked his 50th anniversary back in 2012, and I wondered if there were any plans for celebrating his 60th. So I inquired at St. Eugene Parish on the Northwest Side of Chicago, where I last heard he was serving as a retired weekend Mass assistant celebrant. I then learned that there was a special Mass and reception planned for April 23 and I set my sights on attending. (Notably, April 23 is the Feast of St. George, my confirmation saint.)
So on that summerlike day, I left work and drove 30 miles to the Northwest Side, where I picked up my Abuela, and then we went to St. Eugene for the 5:30 Mass. My timing was tight, but we walked in just as the opening hymn was announced.
It was a lovely Mass, fitting for the Easter Season, which is when many priests are ordained. Father Pacocha shared some good insights about Divine Mercy Sunday in his homily, and then reflected on his time as a priest: He talked about the changes that have happened in the liturgy, the priests he's collaborated with, and the faithful laypeople who have been involved in church.
Following Mass, Abuela and I went to greet him. I introduced myself as someone he baptized 31 years ago. Once he heard my last name, he instantly remembered my Dad.
There was quite a spread of food at the reception that followed, with sandwiches, veggie trays, fruit trays, dessert tarts, and then fine cake. It was also interesting to look at the displays celebrating his anniversary, including photos from back around the time of his ordination.
Right before Abuela and I departed the reception, I approached Father Pacocha again and thanked him for baptizing me, acknowledging that it started me on a journey that's led me to some amazing experiences. Forefront on my mind was my experience teaching Religious Education. He told me he was glad to hear of where I'm at in life, as he often wonders whatever happens to the babies he baptized. Indeed, he made an impact on my life by being part of handing on the faith to me, and my journey has led me to take up the work of handing it on to others, especially my students.
It's wonderful that our respective anniversaries intersect as we celebrate the gift of faith and how we put it into action. Two days ago, I concluded another great RE year with another awesome group of students, during which I shepherded them in their walk of faith, which is why it was fitting that my class aide Kim Tanner gave me a gift of Christ the Good Shepherd socks to compliment my Holy Spirit socks. Deep within me, I rejoice at the ways I gave of myself to them and how we together encountered God.
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| Father Pacocha offers his homily at Mass. |
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| Abuela took this photo as Father Pacocha and I talked following Mass. |
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| Today, on April 28, I wore the Good Shepherd socks I got at the last RE class earlier this week. It was fitting to wear them to recognize Father Pacocha's ministry of shepherding others to God, just as I have lived out my baptism doing so for my RE students. Thank you, Mom, for the photo. |
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| Photo from my baptism: Father Pachoa is to the left and my Dad, at the center, is holding me |
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