It was a late morning
on the tenth day of y2k September
the weather had a cool bite
heralding the advent of fall.
Something wonderful and unexpected
Occurred under the dome in St. Paul's
Leaving the mark deep and strong
So as to remain fresh as a dew in morn'.
In my memories forever and ever
Of the heartwarming event I faced
With trace of smile crossing my lips
Whenever I think of it even now.
At the end of the Sunday Mass
After saying my prayers
and wishing peace to others
I turned around to walk out.
From the calm and peaceful
precincts of my shepherd
who was to witness
to the noisy and vibrant world outside.
A charming lady appeared in front
Stopping me in my tracks in an instant
Asked me " How are you?"
I was astonished, I was surprised
I was excited and I was thrilled
I was filled with a radiant glow
my being started floating aimlessly.
Like the colorful quill of a parakeet
being tossed around by a gentle breeze
Laden with fragrance from the Far East
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
I was speechless for a moment
but then recovered and said,
"Thank you and you?" I continued
but she interjected and said,
"I am of this church and so I
Wish you keep coming here".
It was so nice of her to say that
But I was perplexed and couldn't figure out
was it an invitation to the Sunday Mass
or a chance for me to be reborn
to follow the faith and
to accept my witness as my Savior.
I was in joyous mood, felt the world at my feet
Brimming with exuberance unlimited
Reminding the line in the poem on Abou Ben
Which I had read as a kid in Indian school
"Making it rich like a lily in bloom"
And so I forgot to ask her name.
Finally she asked, " How are you called?"
It sounded so German like
"Wo heisen sie?"(how are you called)
"Srini, like the Irish Sweeney" I said.
We parted our ways, but her question
Kept ringing in my ears for quite a long time
Like Cardinal Newman's evergreen lines
"Like one candle lights another nor it grows less".
She was my candle, Lord's own angel
to fill my days with happiness and joy
There was a bounce, a spring in my step
as I came down the Cathedral's steps.
What more recognition do I need
than being referred a sheep of the Lord
Am Hindu by birth but
have done my novena to His divine mercy.
Now am a new parishioner, a new believer
in our Lord Jesus, am sure will accept me
Not as a prodigal son
but as a new sheep in the flock.
One thing I am sure, believe me,
I will take up the same seat
in twelfth row, center column, corner one
(For wasn't St. Paul one of the twelve
Messengers of the Son, Mercy Divine)
In the St. Paul's at Worcester Downtown
Every Sunday forever.
