May the Lord give you His peace! My niece received the sacrament of confirmation the other day. I was able to concelebrate the Mass and join family and friends for the celebration. Some of my high school friends who are still my friends had children making confirmation at the same liturgy. What a reunion! I have to admit, it was great to be back in Long Island, NY. I lived the first half of my life on Long Island in the New York metropolitan area. I have lived the second half of my life thus far in places other than Long Island. I must say that at times I miss the area where I grew up and being closer to family and friends. Still, more often than not, the life of a friar takes us to different places in the service of the Church for different reasons. Monks live in a fixed place or “cloister.” Diocesan priests usually serve in a particular local church or diocese. For friars, “our cloister is the world.” In various part of the world, we serve in this international fraternity as brothers to one another, brothers to all of God’s children and brothers to all of creation. It was great to be “back home” on Long Island. Now, I am back in a different part of the cloister in the service of the Church. I am en route to Costa Rica to help with the Franciscorps retreat and then to celebrate on Sunday as three friars profess their solemn vows. Peace and all good!