From the Desk of Deacon Tom: “Ave atque Vale!”
So, what is this expression that I just used above, and what is it all about? “Ave atque Vale” in Latin simply means “Hail and Farewell;” however, it is used when someone is leaving and may not be seen again for a very long time, if at all. In other words, it is used as a final good-bye.
First, let me say how thankful and grateful I am to all of you parishioners for the farewell party on May 31st and for the many, many wonderful gifts I received on that date and beyond. The outpouring of love and affection that has been shown to Nancy and to me has been overwhelming at times, and very much appreciated. I am sorry that I have so far been unable to write individual thank-you notes, and I hope that these meager and inadequate words will suffice to let you know of my feelings for you and for all you have meant to me over the past 9 years that I spent as your deacon and the 26 years that I ministered alongside you as a fellow parishioner. The expression “Ave atque Vale” is probably incomplete, for instead of leaving you forever or for a very long time, I shall be taking you with me, in my heart and in my prayers. From this day forward, as part of a special spiritual bouquet, I shall include a prayer each day for the parishioners of St. Boniface; that is my promise for as long as the Lord gives me the ability to remember.
Our new home in Waterford, NY, is now ready. By the time you read these words, we will have already closed on it, or we will close very soon. As soon as possible after that, the moving people will be coming to take our possessions away from Rockland County, to our new home. We still have the matter of selling our current home to bring to a conclusion (anyone interested?), so you may see us around again from time to time until that’s completed. However, this weekend, August 2nd and 3rd, I am assisting at all the Masses here at St. Boniface in order to finally say good-bye. With all the people who have so willingly come forward to do what I have been doing for the past 9 years, I trust that my departure will be a smooth transition. From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who has stepped forward to make St. Boniface a better place for all the parishioners.
As you already know, my successor as deacon of the parish is also my predecessor: Deacon Peter Venezia. Deacon Peter was ordained in 1993 and was assigned to serve the pastor and parishioners of St. Boniface from 1993-1997. Please join me in welcoming back to St. Boniface Deacon Peter and his wife Joanne. I know that you will work with Deacon Peter as willingly and as warmly as you did with me. Nothing would make me happier than to know that the parish is in good “diaconal” hands, with generous assistance being given to the pastor and to the parishioners.
I hope you all know what a jewel of a pastor you have here in Fr. Grace. You would have to go far to find someone more compassionate and loving towards his parishioners than this very charismatic priest who has been sent to labor among you. I am very glad to report that, from the time that I leave forward, Fr. Grace has agreed to be my Spiritual Director; this means that I will be returning to meet with Fr. Grace at least once a month for the spiritual guidance that is required of all clergy to receive. Thank you, Fr. Grace, for being such a good friend as well as a fine mentor. I pray that all parishioners will rally around Fr. Grace and around his vision for what St. Boniface should be as a parish.
Recently, I read a portion of the biography of a very holy woman who died this past March: Ms. Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement. In Chiara’s last will and testament, she says: “Are some moving to another place? Do not let them leave without filling their hearts with a single inheritance: the sense of a family, so that they may take it with them wherever they go.” Nancy and I both have that feeling of being members of the family of St. Boniface. No matter where we go or to whom we minister, we are always members of the parish of St. Boniface; you are our extended family.
And so we say: “Ave atque Vale!” But not too much! Love you all!
Deacon Tom
Deacon Tom & Nancy Colton
6 Widgeon Way
Waterford, NY 12188
(845) 608-4713 (Tom)
(845) 608-4712 (Nancy)
