June 28, 2008: About 16 picketers stood outside the St. Pius X Spiritual Life Center today to let the bishop know that they want to keep their houses of God open. Sixteen people at a moment's notice, and on a lovely Saturday afternoon? Not bad.

Instead of standing outside with a sign, my son Theo and I went in to the picnic and were warmly greeted by a Sr. Judith. They even had face painting, a large selection of food, and games for the kids.


As you can see from the pictures, we took advantage of the face painting.




There were only about two dozen people in attendance. I had expected quite a bit more, and I suspect they did, too.


We brought a bouquet of Gerber daisies with six little cards attached with prayers we would say on each. We also brought two cards, one on behalf of the campaign (and me personally) and one from my four-year-old son. My card had a picture of the Good Shepherd on it. On the inside it said (as I recall--I didn't photocopy it),

Dear Bishop Galante,
      On the occasion of your birthday, we offer this Spiritual Bouquet of prayers to you. As always, we sincerely pray that you be a true shepherd to the diocese, that you do God's will rather than your own, and that you spare our churches. We pray that you experience a conversion of heart...

It also said on the opposite page, as I remember,

A Happy and Blessed Birthday
Praying for your soul and those of the whole diocese

Theo's card said, "Happy Birthday" on one side and, "Please don't take my church away" on the other. (In the picture, his card is the one rolled up like a scroll.)


Theo and I presented these to the bishop, who graciously received them. We asked him for his blessing, which he gave. He seemed to be in a very good mood, and it seems he will be on vacation at his beach house for about a month so that may be the reason.


The picnic was open to friends and family of diocesan employees. I was never asked anything but my first name. Needless to say, no one knew who I was. The point, though, was for Bishop Galante to know we were there and that we will continue to make our presence known until our churches are safe. We continue to pray for his conversion and that he changes his mind and heart, and that he conform himself to the will of God. My family is depending on nothing less than this miracle.