Greetings from Michigan:  the Great Lakes State; "Land surrounded by water," as named by the Ojibwe Indian tribe that first settled this region so long ago;  the Wolverine State and my home state.  The affection I have for this place is no secret to anyone at St. Nicholas.  We all love our home state.  I think that's a fairly safe assumption to make.  Michigan holds many memories for me.  In particular, my hometown of Detroit -- where I was born, raised, grew up and first entered into this love affair I have with Jesus -- is a most sacred place for me.  

When my parents married, they decided to settle in Detroit.  My dad was here already, having immigrated years earlier when he was only 9 years old.  On that boat from Malta, he brought only a small satchel that contained his worldly possessions.  In fact, he also had a shoe box that had two live pigeons in it.  He was told he could not bring them on board the ship...regulations, you know.  He was heartbroken.  So, he opened the shoe box and let the birds go free.  It was no surprise that years later, once settled in his new home, my dad raised racing pigeons.  He had found his passion in his love for animals, especially birds.  My mom on the other hand, immigrated after World War II.  She was on the island during the entire war, enduring constant bombing and shelling from both the nearby Italian military and the ruthless German Stukas that flew quite near to their intended targets, showing no discretion to what they bombed.  You see, the Italians would not bomb a church.  The roofs of the churches were red and the Italians knew this and showed respect to God.  The Germans, I am afraid to say, did not have as much regard for the churches and they let their bombs fly at will.   My mom's home was nearly hit.  Sadly, her youngest sister Naomi died during the bombings.  The reality of my losing an aunt I never had the honor of knowing is as sad as if I had known her and lost her.  Eventually, my mom came to the New World; stopping in New York Harbor and registering at Ellis Island along with millions of others who flooded this country's ports.  She migrated north to Toronto where two of her brothers and younger sister had already settled.  With the exception of my mom's mother and step sister who also came to live in Detroit, the remainder of the family lived out their lives on that beautiful island nation.  My maternal grandfather, for whom I am named never made it off the island either.  Unfortunately, he died shortly before he was to embark on his trip to America.  

My parents married in Toronto at St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church.  The church is still there, staffed by a group of Franciscan priests all of whom are from Malta, too.  You see, this parish sits in what is considered the Maltese neighborhood, complete with bakeries, restaurants, social clubs and of course, the parish church.  Finally, Mom and Dad came back to Michigan where my dad's entire family was living.  In the Motor City, my folks grew their roots, deep and lovingly.  Nine children were brought safely into this world, me being the second youngest.  

I share this brief bio with all of you because, like the family I was born into and love so greatly, all of you are part of my family, too.  My church family is as valued, cherished and loved as much as my family that God placed me with.  Douglas' family is my family, too.  His sisters are my sisters.  We are united in love for one another. 

This is my prayer, this is my hope: that all of us who call St. Nicholas "home," will warmly and with all Christian charity welcome others who come and wish to experience our faith, our church, our "unity in love."  Be assured that while I'm away, albeit for but a short while, you will be in my prayers and certainly remain very close to me in my heart.  See you all soon.  And yes, a trip home to Detroit is not complete without at least one Detroit style coney dog.  I'll take a bite, smile and fondly give thanks to the Lord. For I'll think of my family back at St. Nicholas, my family here in Michigan and my family that rests peacefully in Heaven.   

Amen.