By cindy
Cindy Bradford
The next day after he called and asked if he could see her again, he stopped to buy bread and wine along with a hanging basket of fuchsia. As she met him at the door, he kissed her and followed her in. [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 15 Part II
By cindy
Who fails finds later triumph sweet
Who stumbles once walks then with care,
And who knows the place to cry “Beware”
To other unaccustomed feet…
Maine, September, 1977
Patrick’s search for a new beginning took him to the far reaches of Maine. Remote and beautiful, it reminded him in some ways of East Texas, though it was not as hot. The trees were just as predominant and he loved the lush landscape. Throwing himself into his studies, he went to classes, studied and worked in the campus library to help with expenses. Although he made few friends, he impressed his professors. With the credits accepted from Rome, his taking heavy course loads, and writing his thesis in the spring, he was able to graduate in August with his master’s degree. A week before graduation, his favorite professor, an older gentleman who had taught for almost forty years, called him to his office. [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 15 Part I
By cindy
And looking back along the past
We know we needed all the strain
Of fear and doubt and strife and pain
To make us value peace, at last…
Boston, December, 1976
Like the title of Eugene O’Neill’s book, Patrick’s flight home was a long day’s journey into night, both literally and figuratively. He didn’t know how he was going to break it to his parents, the quintessential Catholics, the unquestioning, undoubting followers of this doctrine. How could he explain without explaining? He would just have to do his best and leave the rest unanswered. [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 14
By cindy
Cindy Bradford
In November, Patrick called Stefano and Carmella.
“Oh, Patrico, it is so good to hear your voice,” Carmella said excitedly.
“Carmella, I know it’s the busiest time of the year for Stefano, but I was wondering if I could come up tomorrow and talk with you for a short while.”
“Patrico, is something wrong? Are you all right?” [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 13
By cindy
Cindy Bradford
Spring came and so did new doubts. Patrick’s studies were not going as he had thought. The more he learned, the more he questioned. One night over dinner while Father Shaun was telling him a story, the inner battle took full control.
“Patrick, I know that it is the obligation of the priest to keep complete confidence about confessions. I won’t reveal names, but I must talk about this to someone because it is heavy on my mind.” [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 12
By cindy
Cindy Bradford
By the end of September, Patrick was thoroughly immersed in his studies. When the phone rang, he jumped. It rarely rang and he had considered not even having it connected, but decided it was a good idea in case someone from his family needed to get in touch with him quickly.
“Patrico, how are you?”
He recognized Stefano’s voice immediately. “Very well, studying hard.”
“Can you take a break and come to the opening of crush this weekend? I would like for you to do the ‘Blessing of the Harvest.’ It would mean a great deal to Carmella and me.” [Read more…] about Keeping Faith Chapter 11 Part II