Happy Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday is more than the commemoration of the Last Supper. For the Catholic Church, it is also the "birthday", if you will, of the priesthood. We hold that Jesus established His priesthood at the Last Supper, starting with His Apostles, and carrying all the way down the line to modern times.

As my Facebook friends know, I purposely use a picture of me on my 1st birthday as my profile picture. However, depending on the season or on current events, "Baby Steph" gets a makover from Photoshop. Above is my profile picture for today, honoring a few of the good "Men in Black" that have affected my life for the better.

Yes, I know the Church has been plagued with scandal - but there are those priests who remain true to their vocation and provide outstanding pastoral care to their flock. They deserve recognition on this day.

I have met many wonderful priests, but let me give a shout out to four here (from left to right):

Fr. John Moneypenny. He is, after my husband, my closest male friend and is the brother I would have been happy to have while growing up. Johnny, I know you got my back and I got yours. Love you, man.

Fr. James Coyne. Fr. Coyne was one of my teachers at Cardinal Spellman High School. He was brilliant, he treated us like adults, and challenged us to think. He wrote a recommendation for me that got me into New York University. We kids loved him.

Monsignor Tom Boyle. Longtime priest and pastor at St. Brendan's Church in the Bronx. He was a good friend of my folks and occasionally came over to share a cigar and Scotch with my Dad. I still remember in 2nd grade how for several weeks, he came into the classroom one day a week to read a story book to us, and how excited it made us all. In fact, I still remember the book - "Topsy", a story about a little angel.

Fr. Erik Richtsteig. I value his friendship, born here on the Internet through Catholic blogging. Plus I know if the zombies ever do attack, he'll provide safe haven in Utah. And ammo. We need more protectors of the faith like this man.