The days following Easter Sunday were special indeed for the canons and oblates of the Institute's U.S. Province.  Institute clergy from around the country reunited at St. Stanislaus Oratory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for several days of fraternity and rest after the ceremonies of Holy Week and the many trials of the past year.  

 

The highlight of the week's activities was the surprise birthday party for our U.S. Provincial Superior, Canon Matthew Talarico.  Upon his arrival, on Easter Wednesday, Canon Talarico was moved by the presence of so many of his confreres from around the province to wish him well and to celebrate his birthday together as brothers after Easter.  

 

The evening began with Solemn Vespers of Easter Wednesday, chanted by the canons and oblates within the beautifully restored sanctuary of the Institute's Milwaukee apostolate.  

 

The sublime melody of the Haec Dies reverberated gloriously to provide the only words necessary and adequate to summarize the evening's celebration: "This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

 

 

The day concluded with a festive dinner together in the rectory.

 

We give thanks to almighty God for this time together as brothers in Christ our King and Sovereign Priest, allowing us to find comfort, strength, and spiritual joy in the company of each other, so that the charity we cultivate for one another may be extended to the souls we encounter in our apostolates each day.  

 

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity."                    

Psalm 132: 1