Oh Such Joy!

 

Michael Vono and I entered the (Episcopal) Diocese of Western Massachusetts at about the same time in 1976/77.

He was the Curate at All Saints' Church in Worcester, MA.  I was the Priest in Charge at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Fitchburg, MA

We soon became good friends; the two Michaels:   sometimes known as Vicar Vono and Parson Povey.

After a spell as Rector at Christ Church, Rochdale, MA Michael Vono was called to be the Rector at the Episcopal Church of St. Paul's within the Walls in Rome, Italy.  I visited him there thrice, and preached at St. Paul's twice.

In 1999 he and I had  a splendid holiday in Greece.

Michael Vono's ministry at St. Paul's within the Walls (1992-2010) was in a word:  "spectacular".

Then he was elected to be the Bishop of the Episcopal Church Diocese of the Rio Grande (New Mexico and West Texas).

He and I lost contact not for any ill will, but because  I knew that Bishop Vono had very little free time as he served this geographically huge  Diocese.

Now that he has retired, my friend and fellow Priest Michael Vono and I reconnected via Face Time last evening.

What a joy!  What a blessing! What a sign and symbol of amazing grace!

As someone (maybe George Elliot) wrote:

"Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort

of feeling safe with a person.

Having never to weigh thoughts, nor measure words, 

but pour them all out; chaff and grain together.

Knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them;

Keep what is worth keeping,

And then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away"

My friend, the Rt. Revd Michael Vono is that kind of friend.