Delegation to include Archbishop Flynn and KSTP-TV
From Left to Right: Jason Hanson, John Frey, Jane Letourneau, Louise Jankowski, Dr. Ron Jankowski, Gayle Mattson Anderson, Rev. James Cassidy, Linda Tally, Mary Mitchell, Arbye Oberg, Harris Faulkner, Pat Murphy (Jim Graves and Archbishop Harry Flynn not pictured)

A few weeks ago my husband, Jim and I received a lovely invitation to attend a special blessing for a group of people traveling to Guguletu, South Africa to visit AIDS afflicted children there beginning October 27, 2003.  

While our friend Pat Murphy, one of the group, had been there three times before, she was very excited to be going again and this special blessing to be held at Archbishop Harry Flynn’s residence on Summit Avenue added a special spiritual element to the preparations.  

This time, Archbishop Flynn will also be traveling to Africa along with Father Jim Cassidy and other interested and brave souls – some seasoned and some headed there for the first time.  

It is not an easy trip and it means hard sacrifices on the part of each person dedicated to join Jim Cassidy and the archbishop on this trip. This particular trip will be shorter than those of the past and shorter than another trip planned for February of 2004.

There has been much interest shown by the media resulting from former trips. This time KSTP-TV will accompany them. Recording live from Africa will be two members of the Channel 5 news team, Ms. Harris Faulkner, KSTP Anchor, and photojournalist Jason Hanson. Other dedicated persons besides Pat Murphy, Jim Cassidy and the Archbishop will be:

We arrived at Archbishop Flynn’s residence for the scheduled 4:00 pm blessing ceremony and were ushered into the lovely marbled vestibule and into the open doors of the small chapel where small gatherings meet for services. Interested friends and relatives of the travelers had been invited to participate in the blessing. We entered a room where 14 crystal standing crosses approximately 8 to 10 inches tall, each stood next to a small glowing vigil candle. They were placed upon an altar in the center of the room. The effect was stunning and yet sobering as each set of crosses and candles was near an individual picture of some of the scenes and pictures of children from previous African visits and represented the fourteen persons preparing for this trip.  

The purpose of the trip is two-fold. It is to be able to bring interested people from America to a place seldom visited, and to interface with these children dying from AIDS, spending time with them and their parents and caretakers to let them know that someone really does care about them and is aware of their dreadful situation. Most of all, it is to let them know they are not forgotten.  

Father Jim Cassidy began the blessing by welcoming everyone in the name of Archbishop Flynn who could not attend the ceremony. We all then stood to sing a favorite hymn, “Come and Journey With Me”, whose lyrics portend the prayer that followed: “…Bring all you are, all you can … and love just love and walk with each other…leave all behind and calm your mind. Come and journey with me”  

Jim continued the prayer begun with the song, now asking for God’s help for each of the travelers with hope for them to be able to focus their hearts and minds and spirits in this endeavor and noted in the prayer how they are living their lives based on the Gospel of Christ with peace and love and open hearts.  

An extremely apt reading from a quote by Henri Nouwen followed emphasizing the fact that the people in our lives that mean the most are those that can share our pain and touch our wounds; be silent when needed and can just be near and face with us the reality of our powerlessness - a friend who cares…  

The second reading was from Matthew’s gospel. “…And He began to teach them: How blest are the poor in spirit, the reign of God is theirs…” and continuing through to the end of the “beatitudes”. This was the perfect choice describing these travelers. They personify each of those beatitudes!  

Another apt musical selection was “Love Can Build a Bridge”.. between your heart and mine – don’t you think its time…” The words, “don’t you think its time” echoed in all of us the fact that it IS about time!  

The reflection given by Jim Cassidy included all of the things said and sung put into perfect order and powerfully described with grace and eloquence as to the power of the invitation each person was given. Each has a special and individual gift to offer. Jim stated how children are our most incredible treasure and to help these helpless children is one step forward to make a difference.  

The reflection ended with a poignant guided meditation called “The Invitation” beginning with “It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for” and with much richness in between, ends with “I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.” Fred Vagle’s quiet guitar music played lightly in the background fitting melodies that came to him as he listened to the words.  

Next we were invited to be participants in a special “Laying On Of Hands” blessing. Each was then presented a gift of those lovely crystal crosses and lit candles. We all said the Lord’s prayer as we held hands and chanted the familiar prayer.

  The closing prayer/ poem was one that is familiar and perfect for the occasion. “We Remember Them” sometimes is used at memorial services and such to include all who have gone before. In this case including those children who have died a horrible death in Africa since last they were there – We WILL remember them!

  We then sang the African Zulu words “Somlandelah U Jesu” (I will Follow Jesus). “…”Wherever he goes I will follow.”  

The ceremony closed with the echoes of that African music played by Anna Vagle on her African thumb piano instrument accompanying voices trailing in the air. A feeling of peace and comfort filled me and as I received hugs and greetings from other attendees I know that they too had those same comforting feelings filling them as well.  

JoAnn Potts is a retired music and English teacher/choir director and 30 year member of St. Joan's. She enjoys volunteering to assist Anna Vagle with music tasks one day each week; singing in the choir; writing her memoirs and poetry; keeping up with friends and family via email; visiting the North Shore and entertaining friends. JoAnn and Jim, husband and wife team of 50 years, are proud of their family of five children and nine grandchildren.
Rita Nohner is a long-time parishoner of SJA and consider St. Joans her spiritual home. She enjoys being involved in the BibleStudy, Soup Suppers, Team Oz and Arm in Arm in Africa. Rita's passions are traveling and photography - a handy combination. She is in the infant stages of creating her own business selling photo greeting cards and looking forward to the challenges ahead.
A reception was prepared for everyone in the adjoining room, where we visited with each of the travelers to wish them well – promising prayers during their trip and wishing them a safe bon voyage!  

The delegation will be leaving for Africa on October 27th and returning November 5th. Watch for the live broadcasts that will be showing on Channel 5 television around that time from Africa. If you miss a story, look for it at the KSTP website.

Schedule
27-Oct Mon Leave Minneapolis 5:35am
28-Oct Tue Arrive Cape Town 11:45am
Table mountain, Rainbow School, AIDS support group,
Meet the Youth in Zwanne Community Church
29-Oct Wed Depart Cape Town for East London - Drive to Malungeni
Community meal, Reception in Community Centre
30-Oct Thu Malungeni community visits, Canzibe Hospital,
Fly from East London to Cape Town
31-Oct Fri Browns Farm Clinic, Hostels, Cay cares Visit Hostels, etc.
Medical people to meet at Guguletu day hospital
Treatment Action Committee (TAC)
Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
1-Nov Sat Golden Girls, Funerals in Guguletu, Sisters of Charity, etc.
2-Nov Sun Early mass with Sisters of Charity, Townships, Church in Guguletu
3-Nov Mon Cape Point, Rainbow School, Meet youth in Church
4-Nov Tue Roben Island (Prison), Depart for Minneapolis 8:25pm
5-Nov Wed Arrive Minneapolis 12:46pm


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