On a very positive note…I want to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to everyone—far too numerous to mention here—for their help in planning, executing, promoting, climbing up on the roof and covering the windows to block the sunlight which would have prevented us from seeing the presentation, greeting visitors, hosting the meal in Russell Hall, and our Confirmation students who helped others clean-up after the Shroud of Turin event last Sunday night. The event was a great success with more than 700 attendees!

The presentation by world-renowned expert Russ Breault was amazing! Captivating, historically accurate, humorous at times, faith-building and enlightening—this presentation only cemented my faith and the connection it has to the Shroud of Turin. Connecting actual historical events, the Gospels, even the Stations of the Cross and our Catholic Church teachings and traditions—Mr. Breault made a case for looking at the Shroud of Turin with eyes of faith and seeing that faith and reason—faith and science—are not opponents but rather “dance partners” in that science is the search for truth—and the Faith of Jesus Christ is the ultimate Truth. Learning that the pope is the owner of the Shroud we come to understand that it is truly a gift from God to help re-veal the mystery of His Divine Life to us. If you missed this presentation—it truly is your loss.

While I cannot thank everyone involved in making this event take place in our parish, I must highlight a few individuals without whose help it would not have been possible: Kathi Bonner for her planning and negotiating with Russ Breault; Tom Clarke and all of the Communications Committee members for their amazing work in promoting this in the local and regional media and in other communities of Christian faith; Mike Doyle, Ralph Chappano, and Tom Tanski for their technology skills in setting up the machinery needed—and for climbing high atop St. Catherine’s roof to cover the clerestory windows and side windows so that the sun of Daylight Savings Time did not prevent the showing of this multimedia presentation; Janet Fisher for the creation of our centerpieces at the reception; Mike Coutinho, John Dillon, Bill Tagliatela and lots of others in the kitchen and Russell Hall who set-up, hosted the meal following the evening; and the Confirmation students who helped others clean up afterwards.

A particular thank you to Julia and Myles McCabe, wonderful parishioners and gracious innkeepers at Simsbury’s own Linden House for hosting our guest, Russ Breault, and for the untold times they have both graciously and generously donated their inn and services to St. Catherine of Siena Parish needs. They are the ultimate hostess and host. Thank you all!