SNOOPY AND THE PRIEST

THANKS FOR COMING, SNOOPY

The human in the picture, believe it or not, is still a little younger than Snoopy.  Not that much, but younger.  His name is Manual Simas and he is the Catholic Priest, pastor of the Mission San Jose in Fremont, California.  The Voice from the Kitchen and I went there to assist in the thanksgiving ceremonies marking the Golden Anniversary of Father Manny's ordination to the priesthood.  Belle worked for him for 6 wonderful years.  She and I left him in 2004 to answer the call of Our Lady of La Salette to come to Moreno Valley.  Our profound love for Father Manny took us back by his side in Fremont to give him something that we could not give had we stayed home, a symbol of our continuing love for him.
So, OK, why Snoopy?  To make a long story longer than it has to be, Snoopy turned out to be the central figure of the monthly children's Mass during which the children would pantomime the Gospel story in the sanctuary.  On that Sunday, Snoopy would occupy the main throne/chair in the sanctuary and Father Manny would sit in the front pew.  So,OK, why Snoopy?  Two reasons:  1] Father Manny loves animals as much as St. Francis did.  2] Snoopy is no regular dog.  Snoopy walks on two legs and dances on two legs too...or haven't you noticed?  Now if God can do that for Snoopy, imagine what He can do for us.  That is why, Snoopy.

THIS TOO, IS WHY SNOOPY

"¹³ People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. [Mark 10, 13 - 16]

The original Snoopy Plush disappeared somehow.  The young people who had been "catechized" by Snoopy bought another one and sat him down right next to the altar where they had seen him for the greater part of their young lives.
Father Manny spent hours during his celebration posing with children of all ages with Snoopy by his side.  Two miracles in one frame.