The Beheading of John the Baptist

This feast has a special significance for the Curley family-it is our (my and Mrs. Curley's) wedding anniversary. For some reason the kids get very excited. Some years we have done nothing, some years we have done something.

On one anniversary many years ago, I rented a limo and we drove to Nantasket Beach (on the South shore near Boston, MA) where we had spent many hours in our summer of courtship. We went into the arcades across from the beach and played air hockey, ate fried clams and then went home. (As I recall we had everything possible turned on in the limo, and it broke down on the way.)

One year we went to see "Phantom of the Opera" when it came to Boston. One year we went to dinner and dancing. However, most years are simple. Hopefully (like this year) we will start with Mass. I am taking the day off from work, (even though the fall garden tilling is calling) so who knows what may happen.

Back to John the Baptist. When we moved to SC 13 years ago, the fact that the diocese of Charleston is under the patronage of John the Baptist, we took as a sign. (However, in the late '90's when we almost-but-didn't move to Front Royal, VA we almost took the fact that the St. John the Baptist Church is the Catholic parish in Front Royal as a sign-but didn't at the last moment.)

I have always been fascinated by the story of Elizabeth, Zachariah and John the Baptist. Just one speculation: how much did Christ and John talk growing up? Did they plot together, or did they not see much of each other?

But here is my dream: I would like to see the story of Zachariah dramatized on stage. I can see him now, dumb, but his speech released as he writes, "The name is John", and thus he begins: "Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel..." He praises God as family, friends, and the village stand in wonder. And then Zachariah goes to Elizabeth and snatches the babe John from her arms as he looks down at his down son and speaks, "And you my child shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way...."

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Upcoming events:

October 11, Kingstree, SC: Diocese of Charleston Rosary Celebration at Our Lady of Joyful Hope Shrine -details to follow.

December 6, Lancaster, SC: Folk Art Festival (1st annual). -details to follow.

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Finally, this morning, I find I have a sister (who is a Sister) who has a blog! Go check out Windows to the Soul.

Oremus pro invicem!