I have no idea what this image is promoting but is served my purpose regardless. I have this very dear friend, Leon, who is a priest (finally). I admire Leon for being a bit of a gadfly when it comes to mendacious structures of power and authority - he is not afraid to call things the way he sees them in front of dozens of individuals, even to the CEO of the hospital himself. I've watched him do it. The man has chutzpah and it is awesome indeed.
Leon was raised Roman Catholic and was (is?) a Benedictine brother when, many years back, he began the slow and arduous journey to the priesthood. As part of the process, one has to have a psychiatric evaluation and the priest who performed this function for the RCs at that time was located in Washington, D.C. He was located there because he also was working for the CIA. Leon departed Michigan and traveled to D.C. to meet this man as scheduled.
However, Leon being Leon, he felt the need to question this man's "calling" to be working with the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States government. I'm not exactly sure of the time frame here, but it was either right around or in the years that followed when nuns and priests were being assassinated in Central America by right wing death squads. Some how I'm sure that is what came to mind when Leon learned of this man's association with the CIA.
Well, power being what it is, Leon didn't pass his test and was sent back to Michigan no longer to be on the the fast track to the priesthood. Many years passed, and Leon became a nurse, got married and had some kids, and was working in pastoral care in the health care system when he once again began the process towards ordination - this time in the Episcopal Church.
His ordination was held in the conference room here at the hospital - the same room in which I watched him call out the CEO - and it was an awesome day. We celebrated Eucharist and, as this diocese practices open communion, everyone was invited to the table. Another friend of mine who was attending wouldn't partake in communion - she was a Roman Catholic.
Prayers to all my friends with spirit, backbone, and mouths that stir the pot. Peace.
Leon was raised Roman Catholic and was (is?) a Benedictine brother when, many years back, he began the slow and arduous journey to the priesthood. As part of the process, one has to have a psychiatric evaluation and the priest who performed this function for the RCs at that time was located in Washington, D.C. He was located there because he also was working for the CIA. Leon departed Michigan and traveled to D.C. to meet this man as scheduled.
However, Leon being Leon, he felt the need to question this man's "calling" to be working with the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States government. I'm not exactly sure of the time frame here, but it was either right around or in the years that followed when nuns and priests were being assassinated in Central America by right wing death squads. Some how I'm sure that is what came to mind when Leon learned of this man's association with the CIA.
Well, power being what it is, Leon didn't pass his test and was sent back to Michigan no longer to be on the the fast track to the priesthood. Many years passed, and Leon became a nurse, got married and had some kids, and was working in pastoral care in the health care system when he once again began the process towards ordination - this time in the Episcopal Church.
His ordination was held in the conference room here at the hospital - the same room in which I watched him call out the CEO - and it was an awesome day. We celebrated Eucharist and, as this diocese practices open communion, everyone was invited to the table. Another friend of mine who was attending wouldn't partake in communion - she was a Roman Catholic.
Prayers to all my friends with spirit, backbone, and mouths that stir the pot. Peace.
3 comments:
The World and Christ need more Leons.
I should clarify that Leon's ordination took place a few years back, but I thought a friend of mine facing similar frustrations would appreciate Leon's story.
What a fascinating story!
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