Prayer Leader

Before Chris finally moved home, I'd always tell Vince he was man of the house.  As man of the house, one of his responsibilities was leading the family in prayer.  He RELISHED that role and was quite good at it!  It wasn't restricted to just dinner prayer, either.  He was also responsible for stopping us any time a police car or ambulance went by so we could pray for whoever was in need.

On the day of our wedding, our little family gathered together one last time in front of the altar for family prayer BEFORE the reins were officially handed over to Chris as man of the house.  Vince led us all in prayer before the ceremony, and our photographer, Wendy, captured the moment for us!

It was so sweet.  Our celebrant, Fr. John, noted how touching it was in his homily.  I was proud of Vince, because he's always taken that job seriously and he's always done such a good job with it.

Eventually, Chris took charge of things and led our family prayer.  However, once Nate memorized his first prayer (the Hail Mary, of course), he was anxious to have a go of leading.  Chris graciously allowed Nate to lead one night, and ever since, Vince and Nate will ask for the honor of leading prayer.  

I'm laughing a bit as I type this, because I had made such a point about family prayer being the responsibility of the man of the house, but it's honestly so sweet that they want so much to contribute to prayer that I can't really be upset.  

I snapped the next photo on the day before Chris and I got married.  I wanted to go to Confession, and the only place offering it was the Cathedral in Center City.  I had to take the boys along for the ride.  Vince went to Confession first, and then I popped in.  Before I did, I snapped this photo of Vince saying his penance.  Nate, unsure of what he should do, just followed his brother's lead.  Ha ha.  

It's a wonder I didn't melt right there on the spot.

I should probably explain this to Vince a little better.  Whether he realizes it or not, he's been leading the family in prayer for many, many years.  God knows he's redirected me on more than one occasion.  And Nate adores him, seeking to emulate him in basically everything.  

If nothing else, he's got that part of being "man of the house," down pat.  Ha ha!