When You Wish Upon A Star. . .

Yes, I am That Girl; the one who scoured the woods looking under leaves and rocks for frog princes. When I found them I would kiss and kiss them some more, wishing and hoping they would transform in front of my very eyes into Prince Charming. Having grown up on classic Disney fairy tales I distinctly remember believing that it was possible.

From my earliest memories fairy tales have shaped my view on the world. I can remember standing outside of OLQM in Detroit staring up at the first twinkling stars in the early night sky and wishing with all my might, "Star light star bright first star I see tonight. I wish I may I wish I might get the wish I wish tonight." I closed my eyes and asked for a tabby kitten. I doubt I would have done that if I hadn't believed Jiminy Cricket. A few years later after moving to Greenville my grandmother brought me to the side of the road where I resued a little tabby kitten, Tiger. I had kept that secret wish to myself and yet it came true. From that moment on I never doubted a wish made upon a star.

Classic fairy tales were and still are my favorite. Give me Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, or Cinderella any day. I have several versions of the books and movies. I couldn't seem to get enough of them. But then again, I have always been a traditionalist. I have always wanted to find my Prince Charming. I have always wanted the big "Cinderella dress". I have always wanted a white picket fence. Sometimes I would find it hard to believe that it could happen to me, but I never once doubted that true love existed: not once.

Then along came an adventure. It really is amazing how much my life has mirrored the fairy tale story arch. I came of age and left my home on a grand adventure, leaving everything behind to find myself in a whole new world. And then when I least expected it love managed to find me. When you strip away the castles and evil nemesis you are left with a reality even more wonderful than any tale that could be told. Why? Because for the first time the tale becomes real. I became the heroine and the frog prince magically transformed into the fraternity brother across the poker table... and it hit me like a hurricane. (Please forgive the cliche.) Everything I had been dreaming of and waiting for and wishing on stars for was possible. Because I realized that he was set on this earth as a gift just for me. He is my other half. And even though he may not wear a golden crown he is Prince Charming.

I think Disney was on to something. Hope: and an eternal truth more wonderful than I could have imagined.

The second star to the right
Shines in the night for you
To tell you that the dreams you plan
Really can come true
The second star to the right
Shines with a light that's rare
And if it's Never Land you need
It's light will lead you there
Twinkle, twinkle little star
So I'll know where you are
Gleaming in the skies above
Lead me to the one who loves me
And when you bring him my way
Each time we say "Goodnight"
We'll thank the little star that shines
The second from the right
~ Peter Pan

Gloria

For the first time in my life I attended the Easter Vigil. At the start of last week I had no intentions of actually going because in all honesty, I had no idea what it was. All I knew: it was long....
Something must have sparked my curiosity for I found myself all over Wikipedia looking up the Easter Vigil; its traditions, rituals, practices around the world. You name it I was reading about it. Naturally, with my flair for the dramatic, once I read about churches in darkness, candle lit processions, unveiling of draped statues, Latin hymns, and climactic lighting I had to see for myself this mysterious mass.

I invited the two women who have been the most pivotal in my faith journey. (I am so happy the attended with me.) I don't know why I was so nervous. I had butterflies in my stomach the entire way to the Cathedral. (I like to attend all the major masses at the Archdiocese: The Cathedral of St. Andrew.) I knew this was the place to be if I wanted to witness something spectacular in terms of Catholic ritual and tradition. Unlike many modern churchgoers, I absolutely love and in many ways need the traditions of Catholicism. Electric guitars and laser light slide shows do absolutely nothing for me. I need my service to be separate from my everyday life. I need it to feel reverent and special, like something grand and bigger than the day to day.

I was not disappointed. We began the mass outside in the piazza congregated around the Easter fire awaiting the lighting of the Paschal Candle. I don't know why but the image of our bishop in his funny hat and his shining silver shepherd's hook was striking. There was something about it. We then followed the processional into the darkened cathedral for the Service of Light in which the the candle is carried by our bishop through the sanctuary, itself in complete darkness, stopping three times to chant 'Christ our Light', to which we responded 'Thanks be to God'. We then all light our own candles from the Paschal Candle, each symbolically receiving the light of Christ. We now held the first part of the mass in candle light.

The readings were sung Gregorian chant style, something I particularly appreciated. And then it was time for the Gloria..... my favorite piece of music written for a Catholic mass. This time it was one of the most moving and inspiring moments I've ever had.

Refrain: Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
1. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. (Refrain)
2. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. (Refrain)
3. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God, the Father. Amen! Amen! (Refrain)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P45LGcOFsPs

The entire congregation joined three choirs, a brass section, strings, and percussion sections in singing. Each time we sang "Glory to God in the hightest" the lights in the cathedral got a little bit brighter until the very end when we sang it for a final time. The lights brightened to their max, the timpani, other instruments, and voices crescendoed. . . It was powerful. I wish I could better describe the feeling I had. The absolute peacefulness and contentment that filled my mind and body.

The remainder of mass went similarly for me. Each time another sung prayer or ancient ritual occured something in me stirred. I haven't had that happen to me all that often and I can't wait for that to happen again. I spent most of the hour carride home in silent cintemplation and prayer. Not the formal Hail Mary or Our Father but mostly just exhistance with God; relfection on the service I was just a part of, reflection and thanks for all the wonderful things and people in my life, gratitude for the birds and budding trees.....
I hope this wonderful feeling lasts.

Kate and I are going to attend the cathedral at least once a month. And we are going to make a point of going for special occaisions/holidays.