Greetings to all of you!
Last week I had the privilege of giving the Invocation and Benediction for one member of our parish family to the awesome responsibility of Judge here in Hillsborough County. Jennifer Gabbard who is a team member of the RCIA here at the parish was invested with the robes on Thursday, October 4, on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt remarks along with quite a bit of humor as Judge Gabbard was honored by her colleagues and superiors alike. State attorney Mark Ober was quite the comic as he presented into evidence of the overworked Jennifer in her office of prosecuting attorney mired knee deep in books and papers. He presented another picture into evidence of JUDGE Gabbard sitting at her desk with absolutely nothing on it! Funny stuff! As a real treat, State Attorney General Pam Bondi was also there as a close friend to Judge Gabbard and I had yet another privilege of being allowed to sit right next to her! She was a delightful lady and although she has gone on to higher realms, she continues to maintain that humble, non-pretentious disposition about her despite the fact that she can be a tough prosecutor when the situation calls for one. In addition, she was so easy to speak with as we chatted on occasion during the event and I am so glad to have met her OUTSIDE of the courtroom! I was also taken back by the "fraternity" of the judges here in Hillsborough county as many of them came to the investiture. It seems that they exhibited a kind of family aura and I was impressed by their care and concern for each other. But, the day belonged to Jennifer who was an outstanding prosecutor and an exceptional faith-filled woman! Her entire family was there and I could see the how proud they all were of her and probably a little overwhelmed by the accomplishments of this great lady who is also a humble Catholic Christian, Jennifer, on behalf of our entire congregation, we all offer you our prayers and support as you begin this awesome path. Congratulations Judge Gabbard! May God be with you!
After the Investiture, I was able to visit those from our parish picketing at a women's center against abortion during these 40 days of prayer. Despite the heat, parishioners from our parish stood for hours trying to change minds and hearts. As I stood there with them, some cars came by beeping their horns in support of what they were doing. It is such an emotional experience for those ladies who decide to have abortions and we are here to let them know that there is another way. I was so proud of our people for taking the time and effort in promoting life and I hope and pray that more individuals will understand the importance of human life and safeguard it against all those who wish to destroy it. Let's keep up the effort!
Finally, sometimes in this column I feel compelled to speak on matters that might seem simple and inconsequential but I feel are very important when it comes to living a Christian life. The first matter I would like to bring up is: WILL PEOPLE USE THEIR BLINKERS WHEN CHANGING LANES AND/OR TURNING INTO ANOTHER STREET! One of the things that makes someone Holy is being conscientious when it comes to others. When driving, it's a matter of courtesy and drivers in Florida seem to lack a lot of it! It's also a matter of safety too. So please:USE YOUR BLINKERS! There, I said it! There will be others, just stay tuned.
Well, that is all for now. May God help us in all we do!
Peace,
Fr. David
