Fr. Don’s Weekly Letter ~ 27 July 2025

Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,

As you know this weekend, I am in Tainan City, Taiwan at a conference of Pure Land Buddhists. It is called the “Ceremony for the Third Year of Venerable Master Chin Kung’s Nirvana.” Master Chin Kung was a great international leader in interreligious dialogue and, like Pope Francis, found his emphasis in the one human family. Pure Land Buddhism has at its center the figure Amitabha, infinite light, who created a heavenly realm where ordinary people can strive for enlightenment.

My short talk is printed here, to the right, so that you may know what I’m up to this weekend. I’ll take pictures.

But what I’m most thinking about this weekend is that I’m missing the opportunity to personally promote our Summer Theatre Program’s production of “Anything Goes.” Since the end of the school year, 47 youth, 6th grade through rising college freshmen have really worked and shared their talent. Last weekend we had a rehearsal for the understudies and I couldn’t believe the depth of talent in this group of youth who are giving everything to this show. I am grateful to them, and for them and their families who have given most of a summer so that they could create this amazing company. You will be truly amazed at how talented they are, it will feel like a discovery. I hope you will buy tickets for performances next weekend.

I am also grateful to and for the volunteer staff and directors who have worked more than we’ll ever know in this labor of love. They get no salary, except to be able to see talent emerge and grow in these young people, become confidence, and build community by their shared love of the arts.

Special thanks to Bill Molino, Executive Director and Producer; Jess Sannito, Producer; Liz Couchman, Director; Maggie Rabe, Music Director; and Jenny Roegner who choreographed the musical including getting 47 actors (some experienced) to tap dance like a Broadway production. Also to Kathryn Weabley, Assistant Director, Emma Krause and Ally Hamilton, Company Managers, and Josie Smith, Production Intern.

The Lord be with you.