The amazing thing was that he never seemed to age. In fact, the older he got, the younger he looked. His appearance and energy reflected that of a man in his sixties and yet most people realized that he must be well into his eighties if not more. Was his secret to the fountain of youth his detachment from the pursuit of worldly possessions and his total commitment to serving the Lord? Father Engelmann had achieved what most people failed to achieve: to become Christ-centred; not self-centred.
“Mr. Pederson,” said the receptionist, breaking into his thoughts, “the Archbishop will see you now.”
“Oh, thank you, Diane.”
Archbishop O’Neil greeted Henry at the door, wearing a long black cassock. The close-fitting vestment accentuated his tall, rather lean frame. He wore rimless, round glasses which fell towards the end of his rather long nose. His sparse white hair was combed from one side to the other looking flat and unnatural in its bid to conceal his baldness. He wore a broad smile and extended his hand as Henry walked through the open doorway.
“So nice to see you, Henry, sorry to keep you waiting, I had an urgent call.”
“Not a problem, Your Holiness, it gave me a little time to reflect on things.”
“Well, we all need time to do that. Come, sit down.”
There were two chairs in front of his large oak desk. Instead of seating himself in the chair behind the desk, he sat in one of the chairs in front and motioned for Henry to sit down next to him.
“So, tell me, how is the art gallery doing?”
“We’re as busy as ever, the café continues to do very well, too. With spring coming so early customers want us to open the patio already.”
“It was a long hard winter and many people I’m sure developed cabin fever.”
“Yes, March came in like a lion and out like a lamb and most of April has been so mild that most of the snow is gone. Anyway it’s the middle of May and the weather continues to be so nice that we are thinking of opening the deck this weekend.”
“Well, you certainly have created something which the city is proud of and gives so much joy to all of us.”
“Thank you, Your Holiness.”
“Please call me, John, Henry, it always makes me feel a little uncomfortable to be referred to as, your holiness. It’s quite a title to live up to.”
Henry smiled.
“And how is the art coming along? Are you working on any new paintings?”
“As a matter of fact I am, John. I have two commissions which I should have completed a little while ago. One is a valley scene and the other a prairie sunset landscape.”
“You do such beautiful work, Henry. The Lord has certainly blessed you with a gift. Like your shop, your paintings give us so much aesthetic pleasure. It’s amazing how when I look at your work, you are able to capture the prairies in such a way that it makes one stop and look at what we see all the time and, yet, the composition, the colours, the light…well, you make what seems ordinary, extraordinary.”
Warmth rushed to Henry’s face at the Archbishop’s comments.
“Thank you again, John. I appreciate your kind words very much.”
The Archbishop smiled revealing his protruding front teeth. Perhaps braces when he was young would have straightened them, yet, the apparent flaw added to his friendly, approachable character.
“Well, John, as you know, Father Engelmann is celebrating his 25th anniversary as a priest.”
“Yes, how the time does pass. I’ve tried to get him to retire, but he just refuses. He is in such good health and he seems to thrive on it. Frankly, I don’t even see him as old, and almost forget the fact that he should be retired!” The Archbishop chuckled and his eyes twinkled.
“Yes, I know what you mean. I was thinking about that as I sat in the reception room. He doesn’t celebrate his birthday and he’s never told me his age. Do you know how old he is?”
“I do, Henry, but I know he doesn’t like to reveal his age. He simply says that he is as old as he thinks and that at the present time he thinks that he is still in his youth for the Lord. I think that’s how he wants to be perceived by the parishioners not as a number that may portray him as old, but as a man that is still ready and raring to serve his parishioners.”
“Yeah, see that’s just another example of the remarkable man he is. In fact, John, I consider him a saint.”
“Yes, Henry, I would have to agree with you. In all the years of my priesthood and work in the dioceses, he has been a beacon of light for me and to all those whom he touches with his love for Christ! A very holy man, indeed!”
“I swear that when he comes out to the acreage to do his mini-retreats in the prayer house at the bottom of the valley, at night it seems to just glow.”
“Yes, David told me how much he enjoys the prayer house, or rather the Poustinia.”
“Oh, you know of that do you?”
“Yes, a few years back when I was visiting Madonna House I used one for a day. That’s all my time allowed, but it is a beautiful holy place. I can see why David enjoys his time there. And he tells me it’s beside a pond fed by the valley creek.”
“Yes, it’s a very peaceful and beautiful setting. Unfortunately I haven’t made much use of it myself.”
“Well, we must make time for the really important things in life.” The Archbishop winked at Henry.
“So, I understand,” continued the Archbishop, “that the members of the parish council would like to do something special to honour and recognize Father.”
“Yes, John,” Henry replied, beginning to feel a little more comfortable with the first name. “We are planning a surprise party for Father after the twelve o’clock mass on the last Sunday of July, and were hoping that you could attend and if you would be so kind as to celebrate the Mass in his honour.”
“It is I who would be honoured to do so, Henry. How do you plan to keep it from him?”
“We thought we could let him come in, assuming he is going to say Mass and perhaps once he starts you could come in from the entrance to the church with some of the other priests who would like to participate?”
“That sounds wonderful. It certainly will be a pleasant surprise for David. I’m excited already just thinking about it.”
“Yes, we are all excited about it, too. And there has been another development. Eddy Zeigler who was my best man when Julean and I married has also wed a girl in Jamaica. He called a couple of weeks ago and I think he has already contacted Father Engelmann to see if he and his wife could re-enact their vows in the church and invite their friends. This is going to happen at the nine o’clock Mass and will also act as a diversion from his planned anniversary.”
“Yes, it certainly will.”
“Eddy and most of his friends also know Father, so they will join in on the party after the twelve o’clock Mass. It should be fun.”
The Archbishop paused for a moment, stroking his sharp chin and looking into Henry’s eyes he asked, “Is there anything else I can do?”
“Well, if you could stay for a while after Mass and join the party that would be great.”
“I would be more than delighted to do so, Henry.”
“Well, that’s just great, John. The parish council will be so pleased to hear that you will be there.”
“It really is my pleasure, Henry.”
“Well, I know you are a busy man and I appreciate your taking the time to see me.”
“Not at all, it’s always nice to see you and members of the parish council, you all do such good work. Priests would not be able to run the church without your help and assistance.”
As Henry stood, the Archbishop did the same and extended his hand, once again.
“It was so nice seeing you again, Henry. Thank you for coming.”
“Thank you for seeing me.”
On his way home to the farm, Henry w
ent to Lumsden to pick up his mail at the post office. He was glad to receive a letter from Gary. He had written Gary just after Christmas to see if he could make it home for Father’s anniversary. Henry couldn’t wait to get home and read to see if his friend could come.
Henry made himself a cup of tea and took it and the letter out to the deck. The sun was still high and a warm breeze filled the air. He knew if Julean were there she would have been out for most of the day. She loved the outdoors and the valley view.
Henry sat down, rested the cup on the table beside him and opened the letter. “Oh good!” he exclaimed, Gary would be coming home. His friend Jane would be staying as she had decided to join Mother Theresa’s Sisters of Charity. Henry was also surprised to read that John McBryne was there working in the centre as well and that they had become good friends. Once again, Henry marvelled at how God worked to heal the relationships in our lives and draw us to Him.
As Henry laid the letter down on the table beside him he felt moved by Gary’s continuous plea for the western world to help their brothers and sisters abroad. So many of us, he thought are blessed with so much and yet we fail to think of those who are suffering and starving, and those without medical attention, water, or even the basic essentials of life.. We fail to realize, and for the most part aren’t even aware, that it is our responsibility to reach out to others. We are stewards of all of God’s bounty and are asked to use it for the benefit of others and not just ourselves.
Henry knew that he gave of his money, but what of his time? What could he do to help Gary? How could he make others including himself more aware of our brothers and sisters both abroad and at home who are in such need of help?
Chapter Twenty-Two
Even after so many years had passed, Jenny still celebrated her daughter’s birthday on May 24. She had just finished putting the icing on the cake she had baked earlier that morning and put her usual single candle in the centre of the cake. It was her intention that when they were finally united she would put the exact number of candles on the cake.
Today, Jenny was not only celebrating Camilla’s 30th birthday, she was also celebrating that her daughter was somewhere here in the very same city more than likely celebrating with her family! It would be so easy to pick up the phone and call Henry at the gallery and ask for Camilla’s phone number. The very thought of speaking to her wildflower and wishing her a happy birthday sent an overwhelming surge of excitement through Jenny’s body.
Jenny had already checked the phone book for a listing under Jeremy and/or Camilla Pederson, but it wasn’t there. If she knew their address, she would have already driven by to see their home with the hopes she would be outside and the chance she would see her daughter at long last. Stan had told Jenny Camilla was married and had a small child, a boy. Oh, how Jenny would love to meet and hold her grandson!
Just as Jenny was thinking on these things the phone rang.
“Hello.”
“Hi Jen, this be Matti.”
“Oh Matti, it’s so good to hear from you! I was just celebrating my daughter’s 30th birthday!”
“What? She be there with you?”
“No, Matti, I am still pretending she is. I made a cake and was about to blow out the candle and sing her happy birthday.”
“Jenny, why I would have thought you’d be in touch with that girl of yours by now. This ain’t no good, Jen. It’s not fair to her or to you to be separated by this any longer. What’s the hold up?”
“When I initially contacted Mr. Breckhart, Camilla’s adoptive father last fall, he was planning on going to Regina for a staff re-union where he worked before his retirement. At that time he was going to speak to Camilla and explain that she was adopted and that her biological mother was looking for her.’
“Well, did he tell Camilla?”
“Would you believe it, Matti when I called him a week or so later to discuss how best to tell Camilla, I learned he had died—”
“Good Lord…”
“And guess who answered the phone? Camilla! I was so shocked over learning of Mr. Breckhart’s death and then talking to my daughter, I didn’t know what to do!”
“Did you tell her you was her mama?”
“No. It would have been too much of a shock for her. And with her father just passing away…that would not have been a good time to break the news of her adoption to her.”
“I see what you mean.”
“It’s all so anxiety provoking, Matti. I’m just so worried about disrupting their lives. If only her adoptive parents had explained it to her, but I don’t know if her father had a chance to tell her before he died! Just think, Matti, if you got a call out of the blue by someone saying that your parents were not your real parents and that I am your real mother. You would think this to be some kind of a crank call. And even if I could convince her, just think how upsetting it might be. She might end up hating her adoptive parents for not being truthful with her and me as well for giving her up. The girl might feel in limbo not knowing who she is, who she belongs to…Oh, Matti, don’t you see how upsetting this all could be? It has to be handled just right.”
“I see your point, Jen, but how on earth are you going to tell the woman? She has to know at some time!”
“Well, right now I am still getting settled here in my new home. I have so much to do and know I’m going to be busy for the next few months. I have so many plans for the front and backyard that I have already started. I thought I would wait until fall when I’m better established here and then call the Social Welfare agency in Ottawa to see how this situation can best be approached.”
“Well, I would do it sooner than later, Jen. You have wasted enough time over the years living apart. I’m sure the good Lord will light the way for a reunion that be filled and blessed with joy.”
“I suppose you’re right, Matti.”
“Well, another reason I be calling besides how much I enjoy talking with you was to let you know my sister, Coreena, done married that man she’s been seeing for years.”
“Yes, I recall you telling me that she was going out with a man named Eddy Zeigler.”
“You got one good memory, child, that be the same man alright. Coreena be head over heels in love with all five feet one inch of him. She says he be the kindest man she ever knew…”
Jenny wondered if it was the same Eddy whose friends it was that took her to the park that night? Eddy was short too…but he wasn’t very nice…
“They called to let me know that they got married on Eddy’s yacht, but Coreena wants to be married in the church and so they decided to come back to Regina where Eddy lives and be married again. Now here’s the best part, Jen, and I hope you be sitting down…they sent me a ticket to come there for the wedding!”
“No way!?”
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll be there the last week of July and staying in what I hear is a pretty ritzy hotel…the Hotel Saskatchewan!”
“That’s unbelievable, Matti. Oh, that’s wonderful news! Now I really will have to get things into high gear and have my home and yard all finished before you get here.”
“Yes, I be looking forward to see your new home, Jen, but I won’t be staying long. Only three days, that’s all Mr. Hamilton gave me off. He is moving back into the estate. I already spent several days there cleaning everything spic and span from top to bottom, including his modern furniture.”
“So, James is moving back? That’s a surprise. Is J.J. moving back too?”
“No,” Matti hesitated, “I guess they never told you I jus’ learned the other week myself that J.J. got married to that young girlfriend of his. Apparently she gave birth to his baby boy last fall and just after Christmas the two young one’s got married.”
Jenny was flabbergasted. She had seen so little of James and her son the last few years that she really didn’t know what was going on in their lives. But for J.J. to marry
and not let her know stabbed at Jenny’s heart.
“Sorry to be telling you about this, Jen. But thought you best know if you didn’t already.”
“No, I didn’t know,” Jenny said, slowly still trying to grasp the news. “I met Nora for the first time just the other night when J.J. brought her to dinner. She’s a pretty young thing and the baby was crawling around and getting into everything.”
“Oh, Matti, it breaks my heart to learn of this in this way. How old is the boy and what did Nora and J.J. name him?”
“Mr. Hamilton’s mother was there as well and I believe I overheard her say how well co-coordinated James the 3rd be for being only seven months old.”
“They named him James, too!?”
“No, they named him James three!” Matti joked, but then realized Jenny wasn’t laughing. “Yes, Jenny. I guess they love the name and want to be sure it goes on forever.”
Once again Jenny fell silent, still trying to absorb the shock that her son was married and had a child already and that she was never told.
She was just thinking how good it would be to hold Camilla’s son, and now J.J. had a son, too! It just seems so cruel that she has two grandchildren and hasn’t seen either of them!
“Oh, Jen I’m sorry to be the one to have to tell you all this. I can feel how you be hurting through the phone. Maybe I should have waited until I got there so I could tell you in a more gentle way and give you a hug at the same time.”
“No, I’m fine, Matti. It is a little hard to take in all at once…Oh, Matti, I don’t know what to say… but it will be good to see you.”
Jenny wiped away a tear and continued, “Now, you said you were coming the last week of July?”
“Yes, Friday, July 24th, and my younger sister, Coreena be marrying the man of her dreams at St. Mary’s church in Regina at nine o’clock in the morning and on the Sabbath Day to boot! Sunday, July 26.”
The Angelic Occurrence Page 24
