Today at 11:30am mass we were privileged to have a visiting priest named Fr. Marty Smith, OSA. It seems that he may become a regular fixture at St. Mary's and unless I miss my guess, parishioners will not be disappointed. Fr. Smith kindly introduced himself as an Augustinian who currently resides at the Augustinian monastery at Villanova University. He has been ordained a priest for 32 years now. Our area, of course, is accustomed to the Augustinians due to the proximity of St. Augustine's Prep. For example, at my own grandfather's funeral, an Augustinian priest, to our great surprise, showed up to say the mass at Sacred Heart since he so fondly remembered my grandfather. I was so moved by that gesture, I won't ever forget it.

Anyway, Fr. Smith gave an excellent but simple sermon about weathering life's storms and how we should always ask ourselves whether or not we are asking for God's intercession or whether we are depending upon ourselves to make it through. Since it was Father's Day today, Fr. Smith offered a special prayer for the fathers at mass which granted a plenary indulgence! Apparently the privilege of offering this indulgence was granted to Augustinians many years ago when one of them did a "favor" for the pope. I was unfortunately unable to find any further information on this online, so I can't share with you anything other than that.

So, welcome to Fr. Marty Smith. We hope to see you often!