The Washington, D.C., Routine in the Light of 250

 A family vacation is a wonderful time to be with people I am closer to and connect with places of great significance.

I always look forward to our annual family vacation in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Upon arriving, I feel like I haven’t missed a beat being in a place that touches the deepest parts of me.

I felt a great deal of anticipation throughout the day on Wednesday, May 6, especially as I began packing.

Shortly before 6 PM CT, I got in the car of Brian, a fellow parishioner, and he took me to Chicago Union Station.

The Floridian train #41 appears second from the top under Departures.

The train I was scheduled to ride was late being released from the yard, according to Amtrak staff.  It was around the scheduled departure time of 6:40 when boarding began. The train lurched forward around 7:20 PM CDT.  There was plenty of daylight still to take in the sights on the way to the first stop in South Bend.  (Please note that all times in this post are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) unless otherwise specified, specifically on the days I departed and then returned to Chicago.  And, as typical, I took all photos in this post unless otherwise specified.)

During the night, I stepped off the train to stretch my legs at Toledo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.

Daylight emerged on the morning of Thursday, May 7, as we departed Pittsburgh and headed into the Appalachian highlands.  It was foggy for a while, but then the sun shone brightly by the time we reached Connellsville.

Morning sunlight in Connellsville, PA

At the stop in Cumberland, from the platform

We picked up a minor delay heading toward Washington, D.C., and arrived there between 1-1:30 PM EDT.  At Union Station, there was a crew change and then new passengers boarded.  Around 2 PM, the train lurched forward and traveled through a tunnel underneath the US Capitol complex.  When it reemerged, there were great views along the south side of the National Mall and then over the Potomac River into Virginia.  About 2:30, the train arrived at Alexandria.  I detrained and walked about 5 minutes to the hotel, the familiar place where Mom, Dad, and I have stayed numerous times.

I detrained and walked down the stairs to King Street.

After dropping off my luggage, I began my journey to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception via the Metro system.  Upon arriving, I went to Mary's Garden outdoors for spiritual reading time.  It was soothing and refreshing to hear the sound of the water in the fountain, as is shown in the photo below.

Next, I went inside for quiet prayer at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for a few minutes before going to the Crypt Church for 5:15 Mass.

When Mass ended, I walked back to the Brookland-CUA Metro Station and returned to Alexandria.  At the hotel, I joined Mom and Dad for dinner.

The next morning, Friday, May 8, I departed the hotel shortly after 7:30 with Dad to attend 8 AM Mass at the Basilica St. Mary's, with so much in mind to celebrate with the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV's election and the 10th anniversary of my MLIS degree.

Then we returned to the hotel for breakfast.  Aroudn 10 AM, we dpearted for our day outing.  First, we rode the Metro rails to Capitol South and then walked to the Library of Congress Jefferson Building.  I thoguht it would be so fitting to celebrate my MLIS milestone anniversary by visiting the Library of Congress and getting my new Library of Congress reader card. Once I had it in hand, I went to browse the stacks of the main reading room.

Dad photographed me in the Great Hall.

We then wandered around a little more and went to the Madison Building to have lunch in the cafeteria that had great views looking toward the south--please see photo below.

Once we finished lunch, we walked to the National Archives Building on Constitution Avenue.  First, we headed to the rotunda to see the Charters of Freedom. As we walked toward the rotunda, we stopped to look at an exhibit about the Freedom Train.  We then entered the rotunda ahead of a sizable school group, which I found out was from Tucson.  Subsequently, we visited two of the other exhibits.  It's always profound to visit the National Archives and view the Charters of Freedom, and even more so in this 250th Anniversary Year of Independence.  I kept feeling this urge to go back and take one more look.

The front of the National Archives building showcases the new immersive exhibit.

To the side of the entrance to the rotunda are displays with rotating materials.  Here are materials from the Freedom Train.

Dad photographed me inside the rotunda.

Here is a special exhibit for the 250th Anniversary of Independence.

After I parted ways with Mom and Dad, I ended up at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, where I browsed some of my favorite parts of the museum, especially the Star-Spangled Banner from 1814, the Presidents exhibit, the First Ladies exhibit, and the transportation gallery.

I was back in Alexandria around 5 PM.  For dinner, we got pita sandwiches from Pita Pita, in keeping with the Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food we had 10 years ago to celebrate the 10th anniversary of my MLIS graduation.  

Above is our dinner collectively, and below is my pita sandwich.

Following dinner, I went down by the waterfront, where I bought postcards at a souvenir shop and got a scoop of ice cream that was enjoyable in the warm evening.  And I stopped by St. Mary's.

From what I remember, I got peach ice cream in a cone, or maybe mango.

The next day, Saturday, May 9, I went with Dad to 8:30 Mass at St. Mary's.  Following Mass, we met with Mom at the Alexandria Farmers' Market. Due to renovation work at City Hall and the adjoining plaza, the market was in Royal Street and in a plaza area to the west--please see photo below.  Visiting the market is a great experience because it has a storied past stretching back to the 18th Century, and still provides something enjoyable for people today.

Then we returned to the hotel.  A little later, I set out for my favorite bike ride.  I biked to Jones Point Park and then biked over the Potomac River on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge over to Maryland and then back.

Looking north from the path on the bridge

When I returned to the hotel, I had a light lunch.  Around 2 PM, I departed for a shopping center to meet up with someone I met in the National Catholic Singles Conference community.  After some shopping, we shared a meal at a Subway.  Just after 4 PM, I boarded a bus to East Falls Church.

Shortly before 5 PM, Mom, Dad, and I had joined together and arrived at the Westover Baptist Church for a concert of the Arlington Chorale, in which Naomi sang.  I especially liked hearing Sicut Cervus, which reminds me of the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil.  Following the concert, we went to Life Alive Organic Cafe for dinner.  I liked the falafel pita I got, accompanied by Greek lemon soup--please see photo directly below.

Our server photographed us right before we began eating dinner.

When Mom, Dad, and I reached Alexandria, Mom and I went to Casa Rosada for gelato, always a highlight.  I got a scoop of the MOM flavor, Mango, Orange, and Maracuya, which I later found out is passion fruit.

Someone at the shop got a photo of us with our treats.

The next morning, Sunday, May 10, Mom, Dad, and I went to 8:30 Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Alexandria.  It was special to be there on this Sunday as the parish marked 110 years since its founding.  The story resonates with me because St. Mother Katharine Drexel furnished funds to start this church. The rest of the morning was a relaxed time with breakfast at the hotel.

Around 1 PM, I departed for my pilgrimage outing of the day to the Catholic University of America neighborhood and the National Shrines therein.

It took more effort because part of the Yellow/Blue Line corridor service was suspended for construction, so I boarded a shuttle bus at Braddock Road, which went to Pentagon City, where I boarded the train.

Around 3 PM, I reached the Brookland-CUA station.  First, I went to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to briefly browse the gift shop. From there, I walked to the National Shrine of St. John Paul II.  I briefly passed through the exhibits, including a temporary exhibit on the Shroud of Turin and another temporary exhibit with panels from St. Carlo Acutis's website.  I even posed for a photo with him.  I also stopped for prayer in the main chapel and the Luminous Mysteries Chapel.

There were beautiful peonies in bloom outside the entrance.

Relic of St. Carlo Acutis

The special St. Carlo Acutis exhibit was on the second floor.

A fellow visitor photographed me as I pose next to St. Carlo Acutis.

I made a quick dash through a rain shower to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in time for 4 PM Vespers. This video of the livestream shows a glimpse of me at the 0:58 mark.  It was an uplifting, transcendent experience.

A fellow visitor photographed me inside the Great Upper Church of the National Shrine.

Once it ended, I headed straight for the Brookland-CUA Station and rode the Red Line to Union Station.  In an effort to expedite my return to Alexandria, by skipping the shuttle service I rode earlier, I booked passage on Amtrak train #99 from Washington, D.C., Union Station to Alexandria. It was actually the same train I rode from Philadelphia to Alexandria last May.  Furthermore, it was wonderful to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad by riding Amtrak.

Train #99 is fourth from the top on this display board.

I noticed a special design on the engine of train #99.

Train #99 is second from the top at the Alexandria station info board

It got me back to Alexandria around 5:30, and I walked back to the hotel and joined my family for Mothers' Day dinner.  Naomi and Eric prepared chili and asparagus.  Following dinner, Mom, Dad, and I watched The Andy Griffith Show.

The next day, Monday, May 11, we departed around 9 AM for our day outing.  After getting gas at Costco, we headed for Emmitsburg, MD, following the west side of the Beltway to begin. We arrived around 11:30 at the National Shrine of St. Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton.  There was a museum that told the story of her life.  After her husband passed and she converted to Catholicism, she left New York City where she had lived much of her life and settled in Baltimore.  Eventually, she went to Emmitsburg to start a school.  The shrine also includes a splendid basilica.  It was special to visit this place in the wake of the 50th anniversary of her canonization as the first US-born saint and the 250th Anniversary of US Independence.

Inside the main lobby

Looking toward the altar inside the sanctuary of the Basilica at the Shrine

St. Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton's tomb

Looking toward the back of the sanctuary

This image was on a banner that unfurled at her canonization

An image of Jesus that St. Elizabeth had

Apparel of St. Elizabeth

Exterior of the Shrine

The Stone House, built in the 1700s, which was the first place St. Elizabeth and other sisters inhabited on the property

The White House/Historic St. Joseph's House, built in the 1800s

By 1:30, we were on our way to the next part of our day outing, about 20 minutes away: Gettysburg.  We drove into town and found a spot for lunch, Newberg's Diner.  It was a fine place for a meal.  

I had a turkey meal.

The outside of the restaurant

Across the street was a great souvenir shop where I found lots of pins I like to don.  Then we retraced our steps and stopped at the nearby Gettysburg Military Cemetery, which we passed on the way into town.  There, we got to see the spot where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address, a profound spot.

Above and below are views of the entrance of the cemetery

The text of the Gettysburg Address appears at the spot where Abraham Lincoln offered this speech.

Dad photographed me by the monument at the site where Abraham Lincoln spoke the Gettysburg Address.

Marker for fallen soldiers from Illinois

View from the area by the parking lot at the cemetery, looking in a westerly direction

Next, we went to the nearby visitors' center to look at some of the exhibits.  

Dad photographed me with Abraham Lincoln by the visitors' center.

Around 4 PM, we headed back to Alexandria.  After crossing the Potomac on the Beltway, we rode the George Washington National Memorial Parkway back to Alexandria.  Once at our hotel, we had dinner. A little later, we played Scrabble.

The next morning, Tuesday, May 12, we were on our way for our outing around 9:45.  First, we rode the Blue Line to Foggy Bottom.  Upon ascending to street level, we waited for the Kennedy Center Shuttle Bus, which was delayed because there was a biking event that passed on the street by the station.

Around 11 AM or so, we arrived at the Kennedy Center.  Eric met us.  We walked around the upper-level terrace with its amazing views of Washington, D.C., and over the river to Virginia. Then he showed us around, even in one of the halls where there was a rehearsal for an Asian-inspired piece of music, and an annex building.  (Since the Old Post Office Tower was unavailable, I was glad to wrap up my vacation with the views from the Kennedy Center terrace.)

Dad photographed me on the Kennedy Center terrace.

Next, we rode the shuttle back to Foggy Bottom and rode the Metro to Federal Center SW.  From there, it was a short walk to the Museum of the Bible.  We spent a few minutes there viewing an exhibit on the Megiddo Mosaic. It was excavated from a site that was the earliest known church building.  It was profound to look at one part of the mosaic where an inscription declared Jesus Christ as God.  A volunteer named Linda was on duty to offer commentary and orient us to the various features of the mosaic and the displays in that exhibit room.

The Mosaic

The signage in the photo below indicates the spot on this part of the mosaic that declares Jesus as Lord.

Entrance of the Museum

A view of the museum from about a block away

Then we returned to Alexandria, returning to our hotel around 2 PM.  We had lunch.  I then went to St. Mary's to pray inside the church and view an exhibit in the parish office building.

Museum exhibit

Back at the hotel, I got everything packed.  Around 4:45, Mom and Dad accompanied me to the Alexandria Union Station.  On the way there, I stopped to get a turkey dinner from Bob and Edith's.  The train I was scheduled to ride was delayed more than 2 hours.  Mom and Dad waited with me until the call came for boarding passengers to wait for boarding on the platform for the train, opposite the station building.  

The Floridian train #40 is at the top of the info board.

Train #40 arrived at 5:45 PM--please see photo below.  

From there, I had one final opportunity to admire the scene from the railroad bridge over the Potomac River and the route paralleling the National Mall until the train entered the tunnel underneath the US Capitol.

This photo is from the crossing of the Potomac River.  A Metro train travels on the nearby parallel tracks.  The Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial are in the right half of the photo.

The top of the US Capitol dome appears toward the right.

The train lingered at Washington, D.C., Union Station while the new crew came on duty and then passengers boarded.  The train was on its way by 7 PM, and I enjoyed the dinner as we headed out of Washington, D.C., into Maryland, and then West Virginia.

My dinner

Sunset scene near Shady Grove Road Metro station

The special 250 design on the engine

During the night, I got off for a walk on the platform at Pittsburgh.  Daylight had emerged by the time the train reached Cleveland on the morning of Wednesday, May 13.  At Toledo, I got off for another short walk while the crew changed.

Sunrise, somewhere west of the stop in Cleveland

Then it was onto the Airline Stretch of track between Toledo, OH, and Butler, IN.  As the train passed through Bryan, I noticed the Spangler Candy Company's Dum Dum-themed water tower.

Farm scene in northwest Ohio

Spangler Candy Company in Bryan, OH

It was a wonderfully sunny morning heading through northwest Ohio and then through northern Indiana and into Illinois and Chicago.  The train arrived at Chicago Union Station around 11:45.  

The Floridian train #40 is at the top.

A few minutes later, I was in Brian's car, and he brought me back to Oak Park.

We, as a family, have developed a certain routine with these regular Washington, D.C. trips.  I have many familiar places I like to visit, and familiar opportunities I partake in each visit, just as I enjoy certain familiar surroundings, like the hotel in Alexandria.

Yet each trip also goes beyond the routine.  The 250th anniversary of US Independence made this year's 2026 Washington, D.C., Metro Area trip extra special.  Visiting many of the familiar and special places helped connect me with the founding principles, adding context to this year's celebration.  Indeed, when I was at the National Archives, I kept feeling drawn to take another look at the founding documents, because it felt so profound to look at what embodies the founding of the USA and to look at the Declaration of Independence and feel the power in a piece of parchment that's 250 years old.

Its power was present a few days later when we stopped at the Gettysburg Cemetery.  In the midst of a fierce conflict, Abraham Lincoln drew inspiration from the principles of the Declaration of Independence to summon a nation to take up the cause for which so many died.  I'm sure that is reason why the Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous speeches of all time.  While we drove to Gettysburg without a specific plan for what to see besides the Visitors' Center, circumstances unfolded so marvelously that we drove by the cemetery on the way to lunch.

Earlier that day, it was special to visit the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  She contributed so much to making the USA what it is today.  After struggling to find her place following her conversion to Catholicism, she settled in Maryland and laid a foundation for Catholic education in the USA.  Education plays a significant role in a society, and her work of starting Catholic schools became a robust part of this pillar of society.

On the subject of education, when I realized that the 10th anniversary of my MLIS degree would happen during the dates of our vacation, I was eager to visit the Library of Congress.  It's a true national treasure that houses a great wealth of resources that showcase who we are as a country.

Visiting Washington, D.C., always inspires me because it connects me with the heart and substance of the USA.  These vacations have also been a great chance to connect with family as we all get to be together. I was glad to see Naomi perform with her chorale group.  Then it was enjoyable to visit another restaurant in Arlington.  And then breaking bread together on Mothers' Day was a meaningful way to tap into the spirit of Mothers' Day.

In the midst of the Easter Season, I was glad to visit the various places in the Washington, D.C., Metro Area that are spiritually uplifting, most especially the National Shrine of St. John Paul II, the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, St. Joseph's in Alexandria, and St. Mary's in Alexandria.  I was especially stirred seeing a relic of St. Carlo Acutis, the first time since his canonization, and posing for a photo with him.  As something new, it was great to see the exhibit in the Museum of the Bible about the mosaic.  It's wondrous to look at a piece of art that proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord centuries ago.

Indeed, Washington, D.C., is a place that offers new perspectives even while connecting with this country and its storied past.  In this year of the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the USA, with principles as an important part of this celebration, it was marvelous to be in an area with places that speak those principles so eloquently.

Dad photographed me on the Metro on my last day in the WDC Metro Area, with my Metro sock, a US flag, and an America 250 flag.

Circling Back to Julian

When I finished my time as a Julian student 21 years ago today, on Wednesday, June 8, 2005, I was fully aware that something extraordinary had happened during the past three years.

I was wistful that it had to end because it was so wonderful.

Yet I never realized that I would have the chance to reconnect with it and live out what made it so special.

That dream started taking shape when I finished college and began my involvement in Religious Education.  Over the course of 13 years, I've had the opportunity to share the gift of faith that was shaped so marvelously during my Julian years and hand it on to the next generation with the students in my classes and also in the small groups I've mentored for Confirmation preparation.  Many of these students have been current Julian students.

The Holy Spirit has truly been at work in a wondrous way, and to illustrate that reality, my custom for class and the Confirmation meetings is to wear Holy Spirit socks from Sock Religious.

Back in March, following the afternoon Confirmation Mass, the mom of a student in my group handed me a bag.  Inside were several pairs of religious-themed socks.

This gift was so special that this student noted the unique nature of my socks and that her family offered me this gesture recognizing my role in the months of preparation and the particular way I sought infuse those meetings with a visual religious touch.

My Julian years were truly a defining experience in my life, especially in shaping my faith.  As I reflect on the journey in faith I've undertaken since then, I know that I am blessed beyond measure.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5

These socks say "Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14".

Celebrating Andy Griffith's Centennial

It's time to celebrate like it's 1926 all over again as today marks 100 years since the birth of Andy Griffith.

I find it fitting that my Dad introduced me to The Andy Griffith Show when I was growing up, because Andy stars as the Mayberry Sheriff and a wonderful father figure.  We had episodes of the show on VHS and then DVDs at home.  Eventually, Mom gifted Dad the complete series.

Throughout the episodes, he generally demonstrates a calm demeanor that helps keep circumstances in order.  One episode we watched frequently was Andy Discover America.  After Opie drew from something Andy said about history and told his teacher, Ms. Crump, that it wasn't worth studying, Andy masterfully set things right with Opie and his friends.

The show is a true American classic for how Andy conveys good character to support others.  That's why we have a good reason to celebrate today, especially with a whistling tune.

Dear 1036: Times with a Spread

Dearly Beloved 1036 Clarence,

On this pleasant spring day, I recall a cold winter's night back in January when I embraced an opportunity to warm up and enjoy artwork at the Art Institute of Chicago on a Thursday evening with extended hours and free admission.

In the Asian section, I saw a panel displaying peonies.  I thought of the delightful May days when the peonies would bloom in the side yard of you.

May brought a special occasion 10 years ago.  Earlier this month, I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my MLIS graduation from Dominican University.

After the ceremony at UIC concluded, there was a great dinner gathering back at you.  It was an immense pleasure that Dan and Ann Ruggaber came for the ceremony, because they basically invited themselves--which I was glad about--and they brought my friend Zach.

We got carry-out dinner from Grape Leaves, with a splendid spread of food.  I think it included shawarma, falafel, and salad.  I also baked some lime bread.  There was talk among those gathered about the speech that my Professor, Karen Snow, gave about cataloging, which helped shed some light on something that was a significant part of my studies.

It was so wonderful to see my family gathered there, Mom, Dad, Uncle Bernie, Uncle Brian, Grandma Dottie, Grandma Vel, Buddy the dog, Eric, and Naomi, who would become my sister-in-law in a few months, along with the Ruggabers and Zach.

Looking ahead, we'll soon be at the Centennial of Andy Griffith's birth.  We had various tapes and DVDs of The Andy Griffith Show.  Eventually, Mom bought Dad the complete series, in a container that looked like it was a picnic table spread ready for good times.

I take great joy in how these memories persist, just as your presence, 1036 Clarence, persists within me.  Memories of you bloom anew, especially as I behold the fresh peony blooms in May, and I am drawn back to you.

And so I declare that you shall not fade into the background, but remain deep in my heart as that dearly beloved place.

We remain ever connected: All my relations.

With gladness and gratitude, I say, Joyful, joyful, I adore You, Lord for the gift of 1036 Clarence.

God's blessings,

Paul

O God, Who are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in Trinity.  You reveal the Mystery of Yourself in Love, which we experience in all our human relationships.  I thank you for the love I experienced at 1036 Clarence Avenue in the relationships with family and others who came by to visit.  Indeed, I am touched in the heart as I celebrate the years at 1036 Clarence, and it is a revelation of Your heart and how You, as Trinity, Three Persons in One God, have been at work in my life.

Amen.

Paschal Mystery Version of 2026

There's a profound quality to the Mah Nishtana when a child poses the question of why this night is different than all others.  I've come to see every day as having a special quality that distinguishes, making that question constantly relevant.  Then there are days like the Triduum that have a special quality that gives meaning to all days.

We get to behold that special quality every year when we circle back to the days of the Triduum and recall the Paschal Mystery.  Yet rather than going in circles, we are on a spiral staircase, circling back to the Triduum each year yet ascending higher to God.

The weeks of Lent reach an important point on Palm Sunday when we acclaim Christ as our Savior, which becomes more apparent as the liturgy progresses from the Gospel narrative of the entry into Jerusalem to the Passion narrative.  Because He was willing to offer Himself for us, even to the point of death, He was worthy of praise as our Savior, just like St. Paul writes in the 2nding reading for Palm Sunday Mass in the Epistle to the Philippians.

Passover started in the middle of Holy Week this year, which set the tone for Maundy Thursday Mass, in which Christ would usher in the New Passover, a New Covenant in His Body and Blood, with the command to love.  When I attended Mass, one line in the collect stood out to me, that the Institution of the New Covenant at the Last Supper, which is commemorated especially on this day, is a sacrifice presented new for all Eternity.  While it happened in a specific moment in time, it continues to be present to us.

So we continue to partake of the offering that Christ handed on to us of His Body and Blood.  From it, we are sent forth to follow His commandment to love as He loved us.

The communion hymn was a hymn that we've sung at Ascension throughout Lent.  When I looked at the lyrics printed in the worship aide, I saw that the verses drew from the Latin words in the Pange Lingua hymn, and there was so much richness to the words.

Then came the very profound Pange Lingua.  This hymn is always a powerful experience as we solemnly praise Christ for offering His Body and Blood.  Once the Blessed Sacrament has reached the altar of repose, we enter into silence as we keep watch with Christ as we remember how He willingly entered into His Passion.

The side altar of repose on Maundy Thursday evening

The next day, Friday of Holy Week, certainly has a solemn tone.  In fact, at one point, it was regarded as such a holy day that it was called God Friday, which then ended up becoming Good Friday.  I prefer the idea of God Friday to emphasize the holy nature of this day.

I attended a Stations of the Cross liturgy at St. Bernardine.  The choir had some good music to accompany in between Stations.  Once again, we consider how the Passion of Christ speaks to our experiences and our world today, as we seek to enter into the Mystery and join Christ in dying with the hope of rising with Him.

During the Evening Liturgy at St. Edmund, Father Rex, in his homily, stated that we stand before the Cross.  Truly, as I see it, God's power is at work in the Cross, which He transformed from an instrument of brutal death to a means to life.  So we fix our gaze upon the Cross, seeing it as our means to salvation.  "Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung our salvation," we sing three times as the Cross is processed from the back to the front of the sanctuary.  Then we all go forth to venerate it, as a way of honoring Christ and acknowledging how we can unite our sufferings to Christ and they can be transformed by God's power into something that is good.

Above is the Cross inside St. Edmund's on God Friday evening and below is the Cross inside Ascension on Holy Saturday morning.

In the stillness of Holy Saturday morning, we gathered for Morning Prayer at Ascension.  There's a great hymn about what happened on Holy Saturday and how we wait for the victory of the Resurrection. We also prayed for and offered a blessing to the Elect and those who were set to be received into the Church that night.  I stayed at Ascension for a while to help decorate the church for Easter Season.

That night, I was at St. Giles a few minutes after 7 PM for the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass.  This Mass is such a spiritually rich experience because of how it incorporates natural elements like fire and water.  We started outside, surrounding the fire pit with a bonfire, from which the Paschal Candle is lit.  The priest offers a prayer as he places the decorative elements on the candle, acclaiming Christ as the Alpha and the Omega, and the One Who was wounded and brought forth our salvation.

The Paschal Fire outside St. Giles

Lighting the Paschal candle outside St. Giles at the start of the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass

We then processed back into the darkened Church, acclaiming Christ the Light.  Next came the Exultet, which is a great way for us to marvel at God's great work of salvation in seeking to deliver His people.

The readings then elaborate on how God created the world and then worked for its salvation.   After much time in darkness, the Church is brightened for the Gloria.  After the Epistle reading, when we hear about how we participate with Christ in death and Resurrection through baptism, we reached the glorious Kairos moment of singing the Easter Alleluia.  St. Giles has a different feel to the melody of its Alleluia than I recall from Ascension in years past.  Yet the playing of drums adds an exuberant tone.

Father Carl made a good point in his homily: "We are the Resurrection."  What we celebrate on this night is not just history, but rather is a reality that lives within us.  As I see it, encountering the Risen Christ again as the Triduum progresses to the liturgies of Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday is a way for us to embrace anew how God is at work in us.

After the homily, I stepped into the sacristy for my role in the Mass, which was to get water for the baptisms.  There were 17 people who were set to receive initiation sacraments on this night, reflecting a trend in society of record numbers of initiations.  One of those baptized at St. Giles was a student in my RE class this year, and so it was special to be part of getting the water ready that would be used for the baptisms and then to see her experience the Paschal Mystery at her baptism, along with her younger sister.  It was a glorious night.  Just as is proclaimed in the Exultet, it is the night when Christ rose from death.  He is the Light that breaks through the darkness and shines on humanity.  This reality lives in us, the people of faith, and we see it unfold anew with the multiple initiations.  A splendid spread of food and drink followed Mass.

The exuberant scene inside St. Giles after the Mass concluded

The next morning, on Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord, I went to Mass at Ascension.  The church was bursting at the seams, and it felt so alive.  The music during Mass helped set the tone for what we celebrate, particularly the African tune of "Christ the Lord is Risen", which is a staple at Ascension.  There's also a profound statement at the end of the Gospel reading from John 20:  The beloved disciple saw the empty tomb and believed.  Indeed, this great miraculous reality of the Resurrection is meant to lead us to belief in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, and to walk in the newness of Life.

The Paschal Candle lit inside Ascension

The church was packed on Easter Resurrection Sunday morning.

I got a wonderful view of the Ascension Church sanctuary from the choir loft after Mass.

A fellow parishioner photographed me inside the sanctuary after Mass.

Another view of the Paschal Candle

Inside the sanctuary looking from the back of Church

There's been much talk about the numerous conversions at the Triduum this year.  I sense that our society has reached an inflection point, and now people yearn for a transcendent reality that they find in Holy Mother Church.  These days speak to how mystery is real, because Christ invites us to join Him in living in this mystery, that we may experience death and Resurrection.

I thought about it in the days flanking Palm Sunday.  A quick errand run on Saturday evening became a prolonged outing when my vehicle wouldn't start; I later found out the starter wasn't functioning.  I got it towed to a nearby shop, and then Ubered to work, thinking the car would be finished while I was at work that day.  When I checked about it later, the service manager told me it might have to wait another day.  I was dejected as I faced the reality of another day without a functioning car.  As I went by Uber back to Oak Park, I got a phone call alerting me that the car was finished with the starter work.  In that moment, I felt a boost from this Good News, a sign of what God has done through the Paschal Mystery.

The Taize song "Be Not Afraid" has great power to it, especially on Resurrection Sunday, because, even with all the reasons we have to be afraid and downtrodden in this world, as people of faith, we also tap into a reality deep within us that beckons us to move beyond fear and live in joy because of our relationship with God.

This Easter Season is the first time I've worn my Alleluia socks from the Sock Religious Company.  When I show them to people, I invoke the famous quotations, "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song."  We go up the spiral staircase to commemorate these sacred days and then unpack the joy of the Resurrection in a way that renews us throughout the year, the reality that is our life.

Here I am posing with my Easter Alleluia socks inside Ascension Church.  Nicholaus McKenna, a fellow parishioner who was in my Confirmation group in 2005, photographed me after Ascension Sunday Mass.

Here's a meal fit for the Risen King at my Uncle Bernie's house on Easter/Resurrection Sunday.

Post-College 13 Years

As I mark another Valparaiso University graduation anniversary, I think about all the blessings I have experienced because, notably, I'm now celebrating the 13th anniversary of my ValpU graduation in 2013.  Talking with then-ValpU President Padilla at my 10th anniversary reunion 3 years ago, I mentioned that 13 is not an unlucky number for me.

I've been blessed to continue friendships with amazing people as we support each other in challenges and celebrate the joys of life, like new children born to my friends Roy and Zach.  I've crossed a large portion of the USA to spend time with Roy and Tyler, even enjoying some good laughs at AI-generated music while riding a Los Angeles freeway.  Months later, Matthew came to visit me when I told him about a Messiah Sing-along in Oak Park.

It's also been a blessing to connect back with St. Teresa's.  Twice during this past school year, I helped with the post-evening Mass meal, including the special Advent event back in December.  While there in December, I talked with Kayla, one of the FOCUS missionaries, about my St. Teresa's experience.  She was impressed to hear me say that I drove over an hour to be at St. Teresa's for that evening's event.  It was uplifting to help provide a wonderful, joyful evening of fellowship and a good meal for the students.

In keeping up with the latest on campus, I've been intrigued by the style of ValpU's new president Dr. Konkol, who shows himself to be very enthusiastic.  During a forum with alumni, he talked about leadership, and gave some insights about leadership I hadn't considered.  Sometimes, I've thought of leadership like someone who's a supervisor or a manager.  Dr. Konkol showed a Ted Talk that illustrated how a leader can be someone who gets people to follow behind an idea.

I think about how I've exhibited leadership in Religious Education, supporting the young people in my charge to grow in relationship with God.  Teaching RE has given me the opportunity to see how adult life has both responsibility and opportunity, especially in how I can be in a position to affirm and form these young people.

Perhaps that approach motivated me during one class when there was about 5 minutes remaining before it was time for closing prayer and the concluding parts of class.  I was eager to share about Theology of the Body, so following a plan I had used previously, I gave the students a 5-minute overview.

As February gave way to March and the date of Confirmation day at Ascension drew near, I felt a stirring at a great opportunity.  One of the FOCUS missionaries at St. Teresa's in Valparaiso reached out to supporters like me to ask if we had any prayer requests for them to take with them for their pilgrimage that included Rome.  When I saw that email, I knew that it would be a powerful opportunity to have prayers offered for the Confirmation candidates in Rome, at the heart of the Church.

Looking back on these 13 years, it's great to see how I have connected back to and built upon the amazing experiences at ValpU to edify others and see God continue to work by the power of the Holy Spirit, Who truly sent me forth on that Pentecost Sunday when I graduated.  I was inspired by this graduation occasion to start this blog so I could keep reflecting on life.  In doing so, I know that I am blessed in the presence of the Holy Spirit and in this mission in which I have found great purpose in life.

A St. Teresa's community member photographed me ready to serve the drinks at the event in December.  I asked for the ingredients ahead of time, and I got good at memorizing them on the fly so I was ready when asked what was in each. 

Here I am getting ready to serve Mexican food at St. Teresa's back on February 15, and I was excited because that day was in the midst of the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis's Apostolic Journey in Mexico.

Thank you all for reading my blog posts, and I look forward to sharing more.

Lifelong Learning at 10 Years

With gladness, I celebrate the 10th anniversary of my MLIS graduation today.  As I tell people, my degree doesn't give me all the answers to life's questions, but it has trained me in how to find them.

Even though I've been out of school for 10 years, I know there is so much to learn, and I'm in the business of lifelong learning, especially seeking greater Truth.

I also recognize the great wealth of resources in library, which is why it was great to visit the Library of Congress for my anniversary today and get my new Library of Congress reader's card.

One specific part of librarianship that piqued my interest early in graduate school was cataloging, in large part thanks to my professor Karen Snow.

Now I've been deep in the world of the integrated library system, working with the MARC records of items so that they can be accessed in the catalog.

Last summer, while visiting with my friends in southern California, we stopped inside the San Jacinto Public Library, where my friend Roy lives.  I pulled up the catalog and went to staff view to show them the MARC records, giving them an insight into my work.

I gave a similar inside look into my work 2 week ago when I returned to middle school.

I found out 2 years ago that Julian was hosting a Career Exploration Day, and I was eager to participate as a presenter on my library work.  Then I returned last year.

Back in January 2026, I saw that CED was expanding to Brooks, and I was excited about participating in both days.

So on April 22, I left work early and returned to Oak Park.  After gathering my materials, I walked due east from homebase to Julian, arriving around noon.  As I walked in, a fellow presenter noted the fire truck parked out front and said, "How can we compete with the fire truck?"

Following lunch with fellow presenters, I headed to the room for my presentation, B107.

Right around 1 PM, the first group of students arrived, a 6th grade group that was very well-mannered.

It has been particularly special for these three years to participate in Career Day and connect with current Julian students, especially when I mention that I was once a student there.

As I was setting up in my room at Julian, I noticed a sign near the door that said, "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card."  It immediately reminded me of the wonderful song in Arthur.  Toward the start of my presentations, I showed them my four library cards.

My 8 presentations over the course of the two days followed a similar format of introducing myself, sharing a little bit about libraries, and giving them an inside look at the catalog as seen in the Staff View available in the Aspen catalog display used by Addison and other SWAN libraries.  I also showed them the Library of Congress Authority Files website that has the standardized versions of people, places, events, and other subjects that are used in cataloging.  And I talked a little bit about the methods we use for organizing materials.

Toward the start of my presentations, I mentioned that librarianship is all about connecting people with information, which they can use in meaningful ways.  Cataloging is about using methods to make library materials and resources available to patrons.  MARC records compile information about a resource that is used to help patrons find materials in the catalog.

After telling them about my work, I gave them the chance to choose an activity to do in which they would think about these methods, just as I gave them the chance to tell me which Addison Public Library shirt I would wear during my presentation.

One activity was about organizing a random list of items, which I used as a way to explain how libraries organize materials, and two of the major classification schemes used are the Dewey Decimal System and the Library of Congress System.

Another activity I offered as an option was about determining a category for a book, based on two examples of books in which I had to think with extra effort when giving them a category, Mellon vs. Churchill, about the relationship of Andrew Mellon and Winston Churchill regarding money in the 1920s, and the cookbook Steak and Cake.

I gave four possibilities of categories and then assigned each category to a corner of the room and directed them to get up and go to the corner corresponding with their choice. Then I had them talk with someone nearby to discuss their reasons for their choice.  When I solicited responses, there were some interesting ideas about categories to use for the books.

At the end, I had time for Q&A.  I liked hearing questions from the students, seeing how they engaged with what I had presented.

During my presentation to a 7th grade group at Julian, we did the activity with the Steak and Cake book, and then a student got interested in the Mellon vs. Churchill book and even went so far as to ask if it was on shelf at the Oak Park Public Library.

One of my favorite parts of the two days was when I noticed a student at Brooks wearing a sweatshirt that said, "Reading is My Favorite Sport".

I'm glad that I was able to connect with the Brooks students so well, drawing upon the same content in my presentation.

It was such an energizing experience.  Part of what motivated me to be part of Career Day at Julian 2 years ago was my connection to today's Oak Park middle schoolers through RE.  I am so grateful for all who organized and faciliated this amazing opportunity for me and the other presents.  I also am grateful for the students who volunteered to help and even escort me around Brooks.

I take great delight in imparting to others what I have to offer from my knowledge base.  While I keep learning, I know that I have so much to share as I strive to fulfill my life's vocation.

Above and directly below are photos of my presentation at Julian, taken by one of the teachers with the group that came.

Above and below are photos of when I was presenting at Brooks, taken by Ms. Fillyaw.

Dad photographed me inside the Library of Congress.