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Father Patrick Michael Doyle was a diocesan priest of twenty-seven years tenure. Father Pat, as he liked to be called, had seen many changes in the church, some good, some which he devoutly wished hadn't been made; but for the most part, he was a happy man living out his vocation with a modicum of problems. St. Teresa parish was a modest church, built in the style of many built in the early 20's; solid brick, with ornamental niches containing the statues of St. Francis, St. Joseph, The Blessed Virgin, etc. There was even a Way of the Cross leading down to a small grotto at the back edge of the property. The setting offered a serene place to come and pray on a nice day, or to just sit and think, even if the grounds had suffered from the ravages of time and weather.
Today, he had chosen to tend to the accumulated leaves. Financial circumstances forced him to relieve Ben Walston of his caretaker duties, so the upkeep of the building and grounds fell upon him. Plus, since Father Turner had died, he was also responsible for St. Augustine's, in Randolph, 12 miles to the south. He had just about given up his prayers for some help, he knew that there was a shortage of priests, and it didn't look like the trend would change any time soon. For that matter, had it not been for the kindness of Ben's wife, Elsie, the rectory would be a disaster area, too. Father Pat smiled as he leaned against his rake, realizing that he was pitying himself again. Things could be worse. When he heard the car engine in his private drive, he looked at his watch. He wasn't expecting anyone this afternoon, much less Michael Black.
"Afternoon, Father, this is Manuel Veracruz. Mr. Veracruz has a problem that he'd like to discuss with you. Would you have the time to speak with him?"
"Pleased to meet you Mr. Veracruz, certainly I'll speak to you, if you don't mind, though, I'd like to continue my raking as we talk. Would that be all right?" said Father Pat, reaching out to shake Manny's hand.
"Gracias, Father, I appreciate it very much.", Manny said, lowering his head in deference to the priest.
Michael called Manny aside and said, "Manny, I think the good padre can help you, he's a good, caring man. Tell him what you've told me. If you need anything else, Father Pat knows how to get in touch with me." With that, he handed Manny a folded up card, walked back to his truck and drove away. Manny placed the card in his pocket with no further thought, and stood in the driveway holding his hat. He briefly watched the priest take a few pulls of the rake, then walked up behind him and touched his shoulder. "Father, may I rake for awhile? It would help me to feel useful."
"Please, call me Pat, and, yes, I'd love to have some help. Thank you."
The two men raked and cleaned the area, stopping to gesture or make a point, as they talked. The conversation started with background information about Manny's past, his foundations in the Church, his travels, etc., and Father Pat gave Manny a short history of St. Teresa's. After awhile, they leaned the rakes up against the building, and walked down the Way. They were silent for a time, and upon reaching the grotto, Father Pat gestured for Manny to sit on the flagstone bench. "It's a beautiful day, today. It's a shame, but hardly anyone comes down here now… not even me. Everyone is just so busy. Modern society puts so many time constraints on people that the really important things get pushed aside, wouldn't you agree?"
"Well, Father, as I've told you, my life is different. I can usually find time for prayer or meditation, but I must confess that I don't always use that time properly. I prefer to keep moving, to see as much of God's earth as I possibly can. Father, I need to know, what does a man do when he suddenly starts to see things which make no sense, things which make him wonder if his time on earth may be very short?"
"That is very difficult to answer, Manny. Sometimes things that make no sense just aren't being looked at in the proper way. God has many mysteries, and some are so deep that mortals may never understand them, but there are some that can be explained, even if not totally understood. Why don't you tell me more."
Father Pat and Manny sat on that bench until almost 5:00, discussing the events of the preceding days in many different contexts, both theological and general. Father Pat's skills were obvious to Manny, and he was grateful for the opportunity to form a relationship with a priest again. Suddenly, Father Pat checked his watch, explained that he had a meeting to attend, and the two walked back up the path. Back at the church, Father Pat asked Manny if he'd please stay for a day or two. There was, he said, a lot of work that Manny could help with in return for food and lodging, if he wouldn't mind, and it would give them more time to talk. He helped Manny carry his belongings into the rectory, and showed Manny to the small bedroom. Manny lay down on the bed and within seconds, sleep overcame him. This time, the dreams were not there.
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