On May 24, we had the great joy of celebrating the 90th birthday of someone very special, our chaplain Monsignor William Rodgers. He has been the chaplain here for over 26 years. The celebration began with a beautiful Mass. We were blessed to have our next-door neighbors – the novices, postulants and Little Sisters of our novitiate community – join us on this occasion to animate the liturgy. The novices accompanied the singing with violin, flute and clarinet. Msgr. Rodgers had asked one of our resident priests, Fr. Dominic Papa, C.P., to preach the homily. He asked Fr. Dominic to speak about the priesthood. A deeply moving reflection was presented that made one think of the true presence of Christ in each priest.
Fr. Dominic stated how Monsignor knocks every day on the doors of each resident’s room to give them his blessing and a little hello for the day.
Fr. Dominic didn’t conclude without mentioning Msgr. Rodgers’s birthday. The chapel erupted into claps of gratitude for our dear chaplain. The Mass was followed by a birthday gathering in the 2nd floor main dining room where residents and friends enjoyed a great meal and sang to Msgr. Rodgers on this joyous occasion. Great fun was had by all. Msgr. Rogers thanked everyone for this beautiful day and asked God to continue to allow him to do his mission here at Queen of Peace.
Photo: Msgr. Rodgers enters the chapel for Mass in honor of his 90th birthday.
A Birthday Celebration