Photos of Bishop

Processing out after Mass with Bishop O'Toole.

Dear Friends and Family,

A blessed Gaudete Sunday! Please find below some photos of the Mass with the Bishop and accompanying celebration. Feel free to skip the photos (these are the types of things that mothers love to see, so for the sake of my mother, I'm posting them here, but many of you may wish to skip over them....).

At the celebration after Mass.

Bishop kneeling during the Holy Mass.

Anniversary cake they very kindly made for the occasion. Off to the left, you see a glimpse of a second cake, shaped like an altar with steps leading up to it.

Bishop Preaching (note: the old altar is in this side aisle, so that's where we have Mass each Sunday).

Incensing the altar.

With Joseph, after Mass.

Bishop O'Toole talking before blessing the food. In the center is Father Hasey, our pastor, who has been a priest for over 60 years!

Decorations, and Fr. Helier (to left), who came to wish me well in spite of his very busy Sunday.

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One of many babies--baby Jacinta, whom I baptized a few months ago, and her mother Claire.

Some photos of Lanherne after yesterday's quiet Mass:

Door into the chapel.

Part of the main altar.

Time of thanksgiving after Mass (Blessed Sacrament is in tabernacle off to the right (not visible), so that the sisters can look directly at this tabernacle while they pray).

This past week was full of blessings. Today had, of course, the wonderful blessings of Masses and Confessions. In addition, I joined a young couple and their baby boy in their home for lunch. It was very good to have this time with them. Then, upon arrival back in the village at 5:30, I went down to the village's annual outdoor "Christmas carol gathering." The predominant activity seemed to be everyone milling about and visiting with each other. 

In the background, a youth band was playing some carols, while someone spoke occasionally on a microphone (with no one seeming to pay much attention to them), and occasionally people sang, while others (the local "St. Mawgan's Eccentric Gentleman's Association), served hot dogs and drinks. But people seemed happy to be mingling with each other. It was a nice atmosphere. The first thing that actually happened to me when I arrived was that a man said, "You've just arrived! Have you had any whiskey yet? No? Then come with me, I'll get you some." I couldn't tell if he was just trying to play a joke on the priest arriving in a cassock, (or get him tipsy), or in earnest. But he seemed to be trying to be courteous and was so eager as he took off into the crowd calling me to follow him, that I felt I should at least oblige him by walking with him a bit. Sure enough, he came to a few of his friends, one with a bottle of whiskey and some shot glasses, and poured me one. "Here, this will do you good." They actually turned about to be a group of young guys who run a local restaurant and this was their way of being friendly to people at the evening event. I thanked and him, took a sip, and walked off to greet others (eventually pouring most of the whiskey out on the ground and returning the empty glass to the man). 

In the course of the evening, I was able to visit with a devout local Methodist and their wife, and should soon be coming by to come by their home for a meal, visited with a few other people, and got to know a few more of the Eccentric Gentlemen. By 6:30 I was back here, had some dinner, am now typing this, and will soon be praying vespers, compline, and heading to bed.

Another blessing of this past week was setting up a simple outdoor nativity and various strands of Christmas lights (all of which were obtained thanks to your generous donations--thank you!). But I will save those photos for another day.

May Jesus and Mary prepare your hearts this week--this last penitential week before Christmas--to receive all the joy that Jesus is preparing for you (the true joy that this world cannot give)., and above all to receive the Lord Himself at Christmas.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,

Fr. Pillari

A Blessed 10th Anniversary Week

Sunday morning dawns at Lanherne.

Dear Friends and Family,

I had quite a blessed anniversary week, celebrating my 10th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. Thank you for all of you who sent prayers, or cards, or who helped me celebrate. All of this was quite unexpected! I had planned to just have some extra prayers of thanksgiving for the many beautiful graces of these past 10 years. It is truly so wonderful to be a priest!

The heart of the anniversary is hard to convey in words: thanking God in quiet prayer, or while celebrating the Mass of the Immaculate Conception (which I am blessed to do for 8 days now since at the monastery we celebrate an Octave of the Immaculate Conception). So I'll try to at least describe some other parts of this week's blessings.

This Thursday evening, after Holy Hour, some of the parishioners wanted to have a little celebration--with a baked chocolate cake and some other goodies. It was a simple but thoroughly heartwarming celebration. At one point, they wanted to take turns giving thanks for aspects of my priestly witness. The patriarch of the family--a very good man--was eager to speak up and talked about a day in which he had been particularly grateful for my priestly witness. He said: "even dealing with jetlag he carried on peacefully and humbly," and proceeded to recount the following event, which took place just about two weeks ago:

Having flown in from the States Saturday evening and had a full day of ministry Sunday, I had no troubles falling asleep Sunday evening. Monday morning I awoke to hear a bell ringing.

"Why is a bell ringing?"
"Where am I?"
"Oh, that's the sisters ringing their bell to call me. Why is that?"
"Hmm, there's light coming through the window. Uh oh... (turn and look at clock). It's 8:00 AM. Mass is supposed to be starting now..."

Hurriedly get out of bed and downstairs to apologize to the sister for still being asleep when they were all in the chapel waiting for Mass to begin. 

Then unlock the doors to let in the parishioners, who had been standing outside since 7:30 AM, probably wondering what was going on.

Go to the sacristy, still half-asleep, and prepare for Mass. Celebrate Mass, trying to get my mind to wake up sufficiently.

According to David, I carried all this out in a peaceful and humble manner. Well, if this is how I can edify the faithful, and how I will be remembered, I suppose I could do worse!

It was a wonderful evening with the parishioners. More importantly, the Holy Hour was particularly nice because at the end of it I renewed my consecration to Our Lady, offering Her once again my priesthood, to dispose of as She wishes. The consecration I first made 23 years ago, on Notre Dame's campus in 1994. In addition, I consecrated all the parishioners here and in Plymouth, and whatever God has in store for future ministry here.

The next morning it was really wonderful to offer the Mass in honor of Our Lady, with God "speaking to me" through some particular texts in the liturgy, especially the introit.

Fast forward to today....

Bishop O'Toole chose, in his very busy Advent schedule, to attend my Mass and preach, and to stay visiting with people afterward. It was humbling to have a Bishop kneeling a few feet away from me as I offered the Holy Sacrifice. I was surprised by how nervous I felt. But it was a wonderful blessing. His sermon was very good to hear--focussing above all on the Mass as the Holy Sacrifice of Calvary, thanking and encouraging the parishioners, saying some kind words about me.

It was a particular joy to introduce him to parishioners and the altar boys, to ask for his blessing after Mass, to be able to thank him publicly, and it was humbling to hear his kind words about me as a priest. Quite a blessing to have such a supportive bishop.

The parishioner's wanted to have a celebration afterward. The Mass was attended by close to 100 people (a big deal for our tiny congregation here in England), almost all of whom came to reception. Tables were carefully decorated with balloons with American flags. They even planned to sing the American national anthem, though in the end there wasn't time. However, they did find time to perform a few things--some boys did some Irish dancing, an opera singer, accompanied by a pianist, sang some beautiful songs, and... two parishioners performed a song that they had written about... me.

It was one of the more embarrassing things I have had to endure. But it did make me laugh a good deal and was touching. One strummed a guitar (to a tune I can't remember), while they sang the lyrics they had created. In the hope of making you laugh, here are some lines from the song:

First lines. Some of the history is a bit altered... artistic license?

Last line.

Fr. Hahesy, our 90-year-old pastor came over to join in the celebration, I got to speak with a lot of people, and left thoroughly exhausted but happy. The altar boys, sacristan, and our organist and cantor did great jobs and I was perhaps above all happy that it was a good visit for our Bishop. Beyond that, it was touching to receive the gratitude of so many people.

In one sense it seems to me a bit strange or awkward to have people thanking me/celebrating my priesthood in this way because for me it is such a privilege and gift to serve as a priest. I feel that I gain far more from this than anyone else. But then, I suppose that what people are celebrating is really God's gift and the graces He pours out, not myself per se, and God is indeed bountiful, wonderful, and worth celebrating, as is the priesthood.

Well, I am quite worn out from all this celebrating and need to clean a few things up here, pray a bit, and then head to bed.

Thank all of you who have made my priesthood such a joy these past 10 years. You are all in my heart, and will be so throughout the rest of this octave of the Immaculate Conception.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

PS Someone took photos of the Bishop's visit but wasn't able to email them to me just yet. I'll try to post them next week.

The Joy of Silent Adoration in the Morning

Early morning prayer in the Chapel of St. Thomas More (with flash used for photo)

This is closer to what I actually see in the early morning (no flash used for photo).

Dear Friends and Family,

A blessed first Sunday of Advent! This past week was quite full here--among other things trying to shake jet lag. These past few days I was finally able to begin rising again early and having those blessed early morning hours alone with my God. What a wonderful, wonderful joy... As I prayed and thought about what to share with you this week, these quiet early morning hours were the main thing coming to mind. But that leaves me with a bit of a challenge for a blog post because.... it is not easy to say a lot about these early morning hours. They are very simple: quiet times of adoration, alone with Jesus Himself. Silently adoring Him, talking to Him, reading some of His words from Scripture, or from other spiritual reading, etc. (fighting off distractions is also part of this time!). Perhaps the best thing I can say about this time is the fruits afterward. After giving Him these times of prayer, there is more peace, joy, hope, and so many other things in my soul. At any rate, it is a real joy to have these quiet times once again.

And it is a real joy to begin Advent: a time for penance, preparation, and hope. Though shorter than Lent, Advent is a great time to do some "house cleaning" in my own soul (and also hopefully in my room). This first Sunday of Advent began as usual for me: prayer, Confessions, Mass, breakfast with the congregation, but then it took a different turn by... the playing of Monopoly and a charity dinner. How are these two things connected? Well, today was an annual charity dinner for St. Magwan village (the village where I live). They had been after me a year ago to attend and offer a blessing. I wasn't able to attend last year but felt I should try to go this year. Hence, thanks to a kind priest filling in for me in Plymouth, I spent the afternoon at the charity dinner here. That left me with a two hour gap between breakfast and the beginning of the dinner which is where Monopoly comes in.

I had planned to play some soccer (though we'd say "football" here in England), with the altar boys this morning. However, that got switched to Monopoly which the guys are big fans of. It was a fun game--four teams of two. I had to leave when the game was just heating up, in order to make the charity dinner. I left my team in the capable hands of my teammate, a 6-year-old. I'll find out this week how things turned out.

In just a moment I will pray Compline, and then turn in for the night. This week, Friday, Dec. 8th, will be the tenth anniversary of my priestly ordination. A day on which I have so very much to give thanks for. Thank you to so many of you out there who have been a big part of me becoming a priest: first of all my good parents who raised me with so much love and taught me more than I can say, then so many of you who helped me learn to be a priest by allowing me to work with you and your children. And then those of you now who are continuing to help me learn to become a priest (hopefully a better one!), by allowing me to serve you here in England. May Our Lady, to whom I offered my priesthood at its beginning, receive it once again and dispose of it as She wishes.

Lastly, if you have an extra prayer this Sunday, please say a prayer for my bishop, Bishop Mark O'Toole. Some of the congregation in Plymouth invited him (unbeknownst to me), to come to the Mass there this Sunday to celebrate my 10th anniversary. He accepted and will be assisting at, and preaching at the Mass. May God bless him and guide him.

May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

One constant source of entertainment at the charity dinner was people blowing up these balloons (a stack of which we were each given), and then letting them loose such that they flew across the room. Here you see this man who has just blown up his balloon and is getting ready to release it. The next picture shows you...

His balloon flying across the room.

Children and the Joys they Bring

A young parishioner shoveling the snow at St. Clement's in Canada.

Dear Friends and Family,

This past week brought many joys from young children. The above photos were taken last Sunday morning in Ottawa, Canada (at the FSSP parish which kindly hosted me for several days). This young fellow was smiling and laughing while shoveling the snow. I was blessed to see a bunch of children in Canada, and then a bunch of children at my parents' home in Cleveland, where I spent Thanksgiving week--which was wonderful!

Not only did I get to see most of my nieces and nephews, but I also heard the wonderful news that my little sister Elizabeth is pregnant with her 2nd child. Here are a few photos of one of our meals together (not picturing many of the young children, but showing you at least a bit of my family).

My brother Andy and I at the kitchen table. Both of us have grey in our beards--me more than him!

My Dad, sister-in-law Quinn, brother TJ, brother Andy, and nephews Leo and Joseph in foreground.

From left to Right: my sister Elizabeth, her baby Thomas, her husband Pat, and my niece Lucy.

Brothers.

Brothers and little sister.

The family visit included such fun moments as playing with the kids "Pizza Topper" where you attempt to put more and more plastic pizza toppings on top of a plastic pizza dough (that is carefully and delicately balanced in its center); without knocking the whole thing over, holding little Thomas and watching him laugh and smile, tickling him, playing with him on the ground; hearing from my niece Lucy about an elaborate game of fort that she plays with her friends (which includes such complex rules as a test you have to pass to join a team, the giving back of sticks stolen from the other team's base (at the end of the game), boundaries and special rules for movement, etc.

Having arrived back in England last night and then had a full day of apostolate today, I'm too exhausted to write more at the moment, but am very grateful for the wonderful joys of last week.

May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

More Texas Blessings

Processing in to begin the Holy Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral, Austin, TX.

Preaching at the same.

Speaking to families after Mass--lots of little kids! (many off-screen in this photo).

With a family after Mass.

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for so many wonderful blessings this past week in Texas. I miss you all already but you've also given me a heart full of joyful memories! It was a real joy to see so many of you in Austin. Father Tim Nolt, in case you read this, thank you for being such a gracious host--in the midst of all your many duties as rector of the Cathedral--and for taking time to visit with me personally. Thank you especially to all the children who served the Masses, sang, gave me pictures that you had colored, played games with me, or helped in so many other ways. May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you.

In case any of you felt it helpful to hear this again, or in case anyone out there has insomnia and needs something to help them fall asleep, or for those who were not able to come, I uploaded Saturday's sermon, which can be found here:  https://philomena.sermon.net/main/main/21052075

To all those in England, thank you for your patience in letting me make this trip, and for your prayers. I'll be back in England this Saturday so I look forward to seeing you soon!

These past few days have found me in Ottawa, once again hosted by the very kind priests of the FSSP here at St. Clement's, where they have invited me to chant the tomorrow's High Mass.

I had the opportunity to spend some time praying in Ottawa's Cathedral, dedicated to Our Lady, to ask for Her intercession and Motherly guidance for some decisions. It was a beautiful place to pray. And, to my surprise, the first class relics of St. Anthony of Padua were brought in for veneration this afternoon, so I was able to also ask St. Anthony's intercession. Here are a few photos of the Cathedral.

Side altar of the Sacred Heart.

Main Altar

Side balconies.

Stained Glass in Back.

Side Altar to Our Lady.

Each of you will be in my prayers at the altar tomorrow morning here at St. Clement's. Then I will travel home for a few days with my parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews, for the celebration of Thanksgiving.

May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Texas Blessings

Praying in thanksgiving after offering the Holy Sacrifice in Shiner yesterday.

Dear Friends and Family,

The past week has been a whirlwind of blessings. It has been so good to see so many of you here in Texas! So much to be grateful for as it has brought back so many memories of the grace and blessing of working with you as a priest in the very first years of my priesthood. In a little while, I will need to leave the house to begin journeying to St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin, where I will offer the Holy Sacrifice and then spend the evening with the families there. So I only have a few minutes to write this blog (especially as I still need to finish some details of my talk for the reception after Mass).

Here are some pictures:

A discussion as we prepare for games of football and soccer. 

Gathering in to choose teams and then begin the games...

Football and soccer with the homeschooling boys was a real blessing. I caught a touchdown pass and scored a goal--clear signs that God was blessing the day!

Preparing to take off on a hike with the homeschooling young women.

Mid-way point of the hike with the young women.

After sports with the guys, I took a hike with the young ladies. The opening question I asked was "If you were advising a young woman your own age as to how to become a saint, what would you advise her?" The answers were quite good!

After Mass in Shiner, with the Servers of the Immaculate, my old group of altar boys. The Bearded man on the right is a seminarian for the Diocese of Shiner.

The Maidens of the Immaculate, who chanted beautifully a the Mass.

I think this image is the appropriate one to end on, as I have so very, very much to be thankful for from this week. I'd best be off now to get ready for the day's apostolate!

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,

Fr. Pillari

All Saints, All Souls, and a Cow...

A devout cow, created by one of the children I'm preparing for First Holy Communion. Hopefully, the cow will be ready too...

The Lanherne bonfire to get rid of branches these guys (one pictured) generously cut down this week. Unlike Texas, where the challenge is getting anything to burn. You don't worry about fire spreading.

Dear Friends and Family,

It was a blessed week, with All Saints and All Souls highlighting the week. Other blessings included the visit of a couple from London, who proudly told me of their many children, and many grandchildren, of whom a great many boys serve the Latin Mass at St. Bede's in London. Though on vacation in Newquay, they made a point of taking a taxi each morning to attend the 8AM Mass at Lanherne, so as not to miss Mass for a single day!

Another blessing was the visit of Fr. Reginald from the Dominicans of St. Vincent Ferrer (see here: https://www.chemere.org ). He very kindly is covering for me here during my trip to North America and arrived a day early so we could visit. It was nice to spend the day speaking French again, and particularly interesting since he recently obtained his doctorate in canon law from Rome, and is also quite interested in the contemplative life.

But since I have to catch a plane tomorrow and still need to finish packing, I'd best sign off.

For some of you... see you soon!

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari