Gratitude

Attended at Saint Catherine of Siena a day of reflection on this topic, directed by Father Glenn Sudano of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Father Sudano brought with him four young sisters, one of whom, Sister Catherine, was formerly Kirsten Holum, who finished sixth in the 3000 m at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano and whose mother Diane Holum won a gold, two silvers, and a bronze over two Olympics and later coached Eric Heiden.

Father Sudano told this funny story: Back in the days of Ancient Rome, a group of Christians were brought into the Coliseum to be eaten by lions. The Christians prayed for God to help them. Several lions came out, roaring. The Christians continued to pray. Then the lions stopped and put their front paws together as if to pray too. The Christians rejoiced that God had come to their aid. The lions prayed, “Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts . . .”