Brother Gawain, OA accepts new call
Brother Gawain de Leeuw has been called to serve Holy Trinity Church, in Inwood, at the northern tip of Manhattan. Gawain involved the members of the Order in his discernment process. He shared his decsion with us on June 16. Here's his message --
"I have accepted the call to Inwood and announced it to the parish. The response has been gracious and sad.
A 90 year old parishioner who has been there since she was born said, "why do priests keep leaving," but there you go.
I had a mass on Tuesday for my 25th anniversary. Given that I wasn't sure if I should have a mass, invite friends, or even the bishops, I decided to go ahead and do so last week. Forty people, including two prelates showed up for a noon-day service. I must say I was astonished and humbled by the celebration which was both festive and yet a little sad. About a dozen colleagues were there as well.
The religious leaders of the area are throwing me a party next Monday evening at a rabbi's house. The orthodox rabbi gave me a call, and I admit I wasn't prepared for his expressions of gratefulness. It was the fruit of this: stability. Just making home here and knowing your neighbors and having coffee with them, and being present in their celebrations.
It was a good and decent run. I could have done better. I anticipate the future with gladness."
Note: The picture is of Gawain presiding at a mass during the OA 2019 retreat.