But for a few out-of-town guests at the seminary, it was business as usual for most of us during the first part of the week while the conference was taking place, but today was the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, which is the titular feast of the congregation and observed as a solemnity by Oblates. Thus we were dismissed from afternoon classes and gathered with all the professed members at the retreat center for grand vespers and mass (in Italiano e Latino), renewal of the dedication of the congregation, and an asado (traditional Argentinian super-barbecue).
Frs. Dave (USA), Steve (Austria), and John (Nigeria/Italy) provided stimulating dinner conversation.
All the Spanish-speaking postulants with the Argentinians, Brazilians and Italians at the equally animated table
The Rector Major, Padre Sergio (seated center). There are pictures of me with him somewhere on the phones and cameras of priests from Illinois and Italy; not sure how to track those down yet.
It was very different from the usual Wednesday dinner in the refectory: I was treated like an honored guest and spent most of the evening trying to convey my autobiography repeatedly to priests who speak as much English as I speak Spanish. But the reunion was much more personal for most and the vino was shared generously, so after a couple hours we were all gathered around exchanging anecdotes in broken English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese with the help of a few competent translators. I was only able to take leave after lots of blessings and having to promise to visit Brazil.
Also featured was a rousing rendition of the Oblate anthem Salve Mater Misericordiae, which I learned for the occasion. Here is a more sedate version if you like mode VII chant:
R. Hail, Mother of mercy, Mother of God and Mother of pardon, Mother of hope and Mother of grace, Mother full of holy joy. O Mary!
Hail, honor of the human race. Hail, Virgin worthier than others, for you surpassed them all and now occupy the highest seat of honor. O Mary! R.
Hail, Blessed Virgin yet bearing child: for he who sits at the Father's right hand, the Ruler of heaven, of earth and sky, has sheltered himself in your womb. O Mary! R.
Become, O Mother, our solace: be for us a source of joy, and at the last, after this exile, unite us rejoicing to the choirs of angels. O Mary! R.
It was a great experience I wanted to share right away, but I still have a Latin quiz tomorrow so I will have to post exciting LOTR tidbits later.
