A SPECIAL 2008 TRIP
FOR
50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO
THE CARMELITE NUNS OF SANTA CLARA
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Carmel of the Infant Jesus
1000 Lincoln Street
Santa Clara, California
by
Helen M. Collins
INTRODUCTION
In 1958, our family was separated when my Dad lost his job with North American Aviation in Fresno and found new employment in San Jose at FMC. For several months he commuted once a week to the new job and stayed in a boarding house near his place of work. We were all excited when he bought a house in Santa Clara so that he wouldn’t need to commute and the family could be together again.
My Mom immediately found a map of Santa Clara. I remember her excitement when she saw that our new home would be near the Santa Clara Mission and a Carmelite monastery. It turned out that my new school, W. A. Wilson Intermediate, was next to the monastery.
We moved into our new home just before Easter. A few days later, my Mom introduced herself to the nuns at the monastery and volunteered her services. Before long she was scrubbing monastery floors, picking up donations from San Jose and Santa Clara businesses, and running errands for the nuns.
When I entered the Salesian Jr. Seminary in Richmond that fall, my Mom continued to volunteer at the monastery. On vacation I would speed walk with her to St. Claire’s for morning Mass. Later, we would run errands at the monastery. After attending Vespers we would head home to clean house and prepare dinner.
From that time until 2008, my Mom continued to help at the monastery. Whenever my wife, Barbara, and I would catch up with her, Mom was answering phones for the nuns and meeting visitors at the monastery door. Our conversations were always between phone calls and door bells. Mom would have it no other way.
As the anniversary of Mom’s 50 years of service approached I brainstormed a celebration and surprise gift with Mother Irene and Mom’s close friend and Carmelite volunteer, Alicia. We decided to have a celebration after the 7:15am Mass on April 12. After coffee, cookies, and donuts, the nuns would present her with a special gift. We brainstormed gifts but couldn’t decide on anything.
Somehow EWTN popped into my mind. Mom watches EWTN programs every day and wished that she could have joined Barbara and me when we visited EWTN and the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in 2006. I did a quick Google search on EWTN pilgrimage and noticed an upcoming pilgrimage/retreat. A few phone calls later, Mother Irene and Alicia agreed on the gift. I think the Good Lord was leading us. Now that we have returned from the trip, I am convinced that this was the gift He wanted for Mom.
DAY ONE
The happy and excited early start from the San Francisco airport quickly yielded to welcome sleep...
...followed by more smiles and excitement in Atlanta.
A few hours later the van arrived at EWTN in Irondale, Alabama...
...at the chapel where Mom watches Mass on TV every morning...
A little later we joined the audience for a live production of Threshold of Hope, then took a picture with the host, Fr. Mitch Pacwa. Then, after a short ride, we arrived at the Casa Maria Convent and Retreat House for some rest after a long day.
DAY TWO
Early the next morning our van took us to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. Soon we were strolling the piazza in front of the Shrine where Mom posed by the statue of Gesu Bambino (the child Jesus).
After Mass celebrated by Fr. Miguel, we headed to Castle San Miguel, the gift shop, for a short talk and some shopping.
"...built to complement the architecture of the 13th Century Temple.."
Then it was time for lunch, Mom's favorites: mashed sweet potatoes, fried okra, turnip greens, and southern fried port chops.
That evening we returned to EWTN for another show, EWTN Live, hosted again by Fr. Mitch, with a special guest, Grace MacKinnon who talked about evangelizing others with special needs.
DAY THREE
The breakfast hosted by these wonderful nuns was a little early so that we could attend the televised morning Mass at nearby EWTN. Mom has a copy of the tape for the memories.
After Mass and a special talk about St. Peter by Brother Pascal, we headed for some more fine southern dining at the
highly recommended Hamburger Heaven.
The hamburgers were so good that several of us pilgrims bought the special Hamburger Heaven Sauce.
A while later we visited the Ave Maria Grotto where Brother Joseph had built many miniature replicas of famous religious shrines.
Then the van took us back to the Shrine where we visited the chapel of the Nativity.
That evening we returned to the retreat house for some rest followed by Benediction and night prayers.
DAY FOUR
On our last full day, the nuns treated us to some more excellent meals...
...and Fr. Shaughnessy preached a great retreat...
...and posed with Mom for a picture after Mass.
REFLECTIONS
We had a great time on our EWTN pilgrimage. Thank you, Dan, our tour director, and Michael, his assistant. Thank you, Mother Irene for this wonderful gift. Thank you, Mom, for your dedication and service to all of us.
