Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: December 08, 2019
This past week has been interesting, but more so for Bishop Michael Duca than for me. He was not in Baton Rouge. Rather, he and the other bishops of our region were in Rome, making their periodic formal visit to Pope Francis! The last time they went, in January 2012, Bishop Duca was the chief shepherd in Shreveport, and retired Bishop Bob Muench headed our diocese.
Traditionally this formal visit is called the ad limina visit. The Latin words mean “to the threshold,” and refer to the duty of each bishop every so often to go “to the doorstep” of Christ’s Vicar on earth, the Pope. Some months ago Bishop Duca sent in a report about our diocese; the actual visit is an opportunity not only to offer any clarifications that might be requested but also to hear the concerns of the Holy Father and those who assist him about our life of faith. I am sure that they will have lots to talk about!
Still, while very much a prayerful, religious time, every bishop I’ve ever met has said that the ad limina visit is also a most enjoyable time for the little “flock of shepherds” who make the trip together. They really enjoy becoming a bit more familiar with the people and offices (and restaurants!) which they only read about occasionally! Before Bishop Duca left last week I did suggest that he bring his iPhone with him, since getting Pope Francis to record a brief “Geaux Tigers!” video message would be the crowning touch to the visit! We’ll have to see if he can do it!
The week for me was spent partially over in Mobile, Alabama, at a canon law conference and partially at the stove making turkey stock and then some gumbo. Years ago a lady of my acquaintance sniffed that she didn’t like gumbo, since it was usually made the same way year after year, with leftovers! Well, that’s never been a problem for me. In fact, gumbo is a bit like Christmas: the most familiar parts are the best! I like the traditional ingredients like Thanksgiving turkey meat, real Louisiana andouille sausage, a “made from scratch” roux, and the “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper and celery. I get skeptical when people start wanting to get too creative, adding fennel or kale or something weird like that. And as far as I’m concerned you’re a heretic if you add tomato to any kind of gumbo!
I prefer traditional gumbo, just like I love traditional Christmas music, recipes, prayers and Bible stories, and oft-repeated family traditions. Gumbo is a “comfort food,” and our Catholic religion comforts the soul in much the same way. Yes, there’s a time and a place for novelty, but the best things are the ones we know are valuable and don’t have to discover and figure out how to work every year. Please join me in thanking God for both our beloved gumbo and our timeless faith!
And finally, as I mentioned in my last column, this week’s Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 9, this week is not a holy day of obligation this year, since it isn’t observed on its usual date. Yet we will still have noon Mass that day, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary as the sole human ever who was preserved from sin from the first moment of her life. I hope you can come.
In the coming Christ,
Very Rev Paul D. Counce
