Taking Nico
After a few years of having Nico at home after entering the Carmelites, he had finally found a place where it appears God is calling him, a Benedictine monastery outside of Boston. He had visited a few different monasteries across the US (Southern California, North Dakota, etc.). After a week long visit to this one, he couldn’t wait to go back. After a longer second visit, he was convinced that this was home for him. A parishioner at our home parish actually asked why Nico seemed as if he was glowing. We had always asked for Nico to find God’s will in his life. Boston is further away than we had hoped, and yet, if it seemed as if this was where He was calling Nico, how could we not be happy?
After attempting to convince Nico to push off going back his entry, the second week of January was what he finally settled on. I was happy that our eldest, Giancarlos, was more than willing to go with us, as that gave us some time to travel as a family, something we had not done since the Carmelites, and even then, he almost needed to be convinced. Not this time, so the four of us would fly across country again.
Some of Nico’s goodbyes were more difficult than others, but he was more than ready to enter a monastery again. St Benedict’s Abbey seemed like a good fit. It is a smaller community (ten before Nico entered), with a charism of hospitality, and some younger postulants that were his age. The most important though was how he spoke about everything. You could just see the joy in his face. That was what gave me peace. It was actually quite providential the mass readings on the day before the left. The first reading includes the calling of the prophet Samuel. In it, Samuel learns the words from his mentor Eli, “speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” Nico was listening to the Lord. So, was I happy to see my son enter a monastery so far away? No, but I was very happy to see him enter a monastery to where he sense God was calling him.
It was a long travel day, driving to San Francisco early, going through security (shortest lines I’ve ever seen), long flight across the country, layover in Newark, short flight to Boston, getting a rental car, hour long drive before finally arriving at midnight at the monastery. At least there were good people to travel with and the plane for the longer trip was only half full. That allowed us, not-so-small individuals to move seat and allow a little more space. Much better than being packed in a row together next to other not-so-small individuals. Father Anthony, the novice master, greeted us, and then Nico gave us a quick tour of the guest house before we attempted to go asleep.
The day before we arrived, there was a severe cold front. In Modesto, we looked at the temperature and it was 52 degrees. At the same time, it was only 2 degrees in Harvard! And that is without the wind chill! We ended up taking boots, thick jackets, multiple layers, hats and gloves. They were definitely needed. It was warmer on our site seeing day (it got up to 39 degrees), but the wind was still very strong. Maria and Giancarlos aren’t fans of cold weather, but even Nico and I were making comments about how cold it was. That was nothing, as on the next day the high was 14 degrees, again without taking into account the wind chill! We decided on that one to have a retreat day and stay at the monastery, for some strange reason.
The four of us somehow all woke up in time for the 7 am mass, in spite of the three hour time change and the arrival after midnight. It was a lovely mass in the monk’s small chapel. It is open to the community, so there were a handful of others there, including some that have been there daily for more than 20 years. They do a novus ordo mass, but most of it in the original Latin and ad orientum (facing the altar). So, it had all of the solemnity of a traditional, extraordinary form masses with all of the participation of the faithful.
After finding parking, not cheap in a big city, we started our site seeing at the Shrine of St Anthony. Nico has always had a devotion to St Anthony, so it was his choice from the list of sites that I had put together. The shrine itself wasn’t overly impressive, looking more a like a small room with a statue of St Anthony, but the chapel and its artwork are very impressive. We walked around admiring the different statues and images. The Franciscans who run the shrine have created a nice environment to visit.
We didn’t really have anything set to visit next, and most of us LOVE espresso, so I used the power of Google to find a nearby place. Really good coffee, wonderful relaxing atmosphere (very bohemian with books, jazz, and a fireplace). It was a nice reprieve from the cold, and again good coffee which made us all happy.
No one had anything specific they wanted to see, so I played tour guide to some sites, I thought were important that were all walking distance. We stopped at Feneuil Hall, where some of the most important discussions were held before the actual American Revolution (planning of the Boston Tea Party, etc.). Later Frederick Douglas gave speeches there before the start of the Civil War. We walked down the Freedom Trail which connects many of the historical sites in Boston while walking to the Old North Church. If you don’t recall your American history, that is the site where Paul Revere road to tell them to light the candles in the window “One if by land, two if by sea,” to warn that the British were coming. That took us through the North End, which is the Italian section of Boston. Very quaint, narrow roads, with Italian shops and restaurants everywhere. We stopped and had some of the best cannolis I’ve ever eaten. The North Church wasn’t open due to the winter cold, but we at least can say we were there. Down the street was Paul Revere plaza which is halfway between the church and his historical home. That lead us to what is called All Saints Way. That’s a private alley that someone has decorated with multiple images to the Saints. I was sad that it wasn’t open, but it was still impressive to see that many different images of Saints in one location. It was obviously a work of love. What wasn’t listed on the “interesting sites to see in Boston” website that I had used to find things to do was the place across the street. That was labeled Nostra Senora della Cava “our Lady of the Quarry”. Maria noticed it first as there was also an image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Obviously some very devout people live on that block.
No one had anything specific they wanted to see, so I played tour guide to some sites, I thought were important that were all walking distance. We stopped at Feneuil Hall, where some of the most important discussions were held before the actual American Revolution (planning of the Boston Tea Party, etc.). Later Frederick Douglas gave speeches there before the start of the Civil War. We walked down the Freedom Trail which connects many of the historical sites in Boston while walking to the Old North Church. If you don’t recall your American history, that is the site where Paul Revere road to tell them to light the candles in the window “One if by land, two if by sea,” to warn that the British were coming. That took us through the North End, which is the Italian section of Boston. Very quaint, narrow roads, with Italian shops and restaurants everywhere. We stopped and had some of the best cannolis I’ve ever eaten. The North Church wasn’t open due to the winter cold, but we at least can say we were there. Down the street was Paul Revere plaza which is halfway between the church and his historical home. That lead us to what is called All Saints Way. That’s a private alley that someone has decorated with multiple images to the Saints. I was sad that it wasn’t open, but it was still impressive to see that many different images of Saints in one location. It was obviously a work of love. What wasn’t listed on the “interesting sites to see in Boston” website that I had used to find things to do was the place across the street. That was labeled Nostra Senora della Cava “our Lady of the Quarry”. Maria noticed it first as there was also an image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Obviously some very devout people live on that block.
By this point, we were hungry, since it was past 2 pm. No problem, there was a plethora of Italian restaurants to choose from. After checking out a few options and comparing the different prices (and seeing some wonderful Italian markets and a pasta factory), we chose one, Casarecce Ristorante, that advertised that they made their own pasta daily. What a great choice! The pasta was fresh. The toppings were even better. All was wonderful, especially María’s choice, the chicken piccata. Wow! We were all happily surprised how tasty everything was.
Next we decided to start walking back. We weren’t in any hurry however, so when we passed a sign that said, “first Roman Catholic Church built in New England,” we decided we couldn’t pass it up. I’m glad we didn’t as the collection of large statues inside were gorgeous. It lead to quite a few moments of prayer and was an unexpected addition to our wonderful day together.
So, again we thought that we had ended our day. I had really wanted, however, to go to Samuel Adams Brewery. Unfortunately, it wasn’t close and there were no open spots for tours when I had checked earlier in the day. As we were getting close to the car again, however, I took a chance and asked if the others wouldn’t mind indulging me with a different kind of pilgrimage, to the Samuel Adams Tap Room. We wouldn’t be able to take the tour that I was anxious to take, as I love learning different brewing techniques, but at least we could have some good beer before heading back to the monastery for vespers and dinner. We didn’t make it to Cheers Bar, but at least we were able to raise a pint together of good beer.
On Saturday, the temperatures dropped again, so we decided to stay inside and have a retreat day. It was 1 degree when we got up and climbed all the way to 14 in the afternoon! It was a good day to pray with the monks, read, and take a nap after walking so much the day before. Snow storms are the forecast for the evening tomorrow, so I’m glad we are leaving in the afternoon. They are expecting a lot of snow, and I keep getting text updates from the airline to watch for any possible changes.
It was a day of mixed emotions, as Nico formerly entered as an observer. That means that he is officially part of the community living with them and following their rule. He observes for like three months, dressed in black suit and tie with a white dress shirt. That will be his attire every day. After that, if it continues to be God’s will, he will be accepted as a postulant. After that, he would take temporary vows and would be dressed in the Benedictine habit. I would hope that we can make it out for then. One of the best things that Maria learned from Abbot Mark, was that he might be allowed to come home to visit us in California, as long as it is not close to any of the high feast days, like Christmas or Easter. Maria seemed very relieved to hear those words.
All in all, it was a wonderful trip. I pray that Nico continues to be able to do God’s will, and that we are able to see him often enough to keep Maria happy. He seems so at peace at the monastery, but even that could change, if it turns out that this is not God’s will. Please, keep both him and all of us in your prayers.
It was a day of mixed emotions, as Nico formerly entered as an observer. That means that he is officially part of the community living with them and following their rule. He observes for like three months, dressed in black suit and tie with a white dress shirt. That will be his attire every day. After that, if it continues to be God’s will, he will be accepted as a postulant. After that, he would take temporary vows and would be dressed in the Benedictine habit. I would hope that we can make it out for then. One of the best things that Maria learned from Abbot Mark, was that he might be allowed to come home to visit us in California, as long as it is not close to any of the high feast days, like Christmas or Easter. Maria seemed very relieved to hear those words.
All in all, it was a wonderful trip. I pray that Nico continues to be able to do God’s will, and that we are able to see him often enough to keep Maria happy. He seems so at peace at the monastery, but even that could change, if it turns out that this is not God’s will. Please, keep both him and all of us in your prayers.