This is a Birthday weekend of sorts.
Today, Saturday (December 16th), I celebrate my 70th Birthday. Life does pass by quickly, that is for sure.
I celebrate this Birthday in retirement from active parochial ministry in the beautiful State of Arizona, where I have resided for the past two years and 4 months. I am grateful for the gift of health which allows me to enjoy life in the desert Southwest, for the enthusiasm which I have for continuing to learn about my Catholic Faith, for the excitement which I find in sharing that Faith with all of you through this blogsite, and for the treasure of faithful and lasting friendships. How good the Lord is and has been to me always!
Tomorrow, the Holy Father will celebrate his 81st Birthday.
He does so in an enviable state of good health overall. And, while suffering occasional bouts of sciatica, he remains remarkably active.
As a teenager, doctors diagnosed a severe lung infection. Because they found three cysts, when his condition was stabilized and a prudent amount of time had passed, he had to undergo the removal of the upper part of his right lung.
Since then, however, the Holy Father has dealt with his pulmonary deficiency which, while it does not limit him seriously, still afflicts him.
The Pope's last surviving sibling, his younger sister Maria Elena Bergoglio, also told Associate Press reporters that doctors removed "a pretty big part" of one lung, but said her brother is "completely healthy."
She added that diminished lung capacity seemed to bother Francis less than other ailments that come with old age, such as lower back pain. That's why he wears orthopedic shoes and uses a cane at times.
We join with the millions around the world in wishing Pope Francis a truly happy celebration of his 81st Birthday on Sunday. May the Lord continue to bless His Holiness with good health and a gentle heart which delights in the goodness of God and the love of his fellow men and women, believers as well as non-believers.
God bless you, Holy Father. Many happy returns of the day.
I hope the Lord blesses both of us with many years of health and joy and many good people with whom to share both. I know the Holy Father still has many exciting and challenging messages of hope and faith to offer us. I would like to be around to hear and be encouraged by Pope Francis for years to come.
Viva il Papa ad multos annos!
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