July 27, 2026 - The Patron of a Happy Death
Saint Joseph is the patron saint of a happy death. Catholic tradition holds that he received this title because he died peacefully in the physical presence of Jesus and Mary. In this context, "happy" does not mean cheerful, but rather peaceful, prepared, and full of faith. His peaceful passing is viewed as the ideal model for a holy and prepared end of life
I wish I wish I wish in vain…
that we could simply in that room once again
Ten thousand dollars at the drop of a hat
I give it all gladly, if our lives could be like that
Robert Zimmerman
On Saturday, we took the day off and attended a reenactment drama regarding the life of Jemima Wilkinson, the Universal Friend….and the patron saint of Penn Yan. Jemima is also recognized the first declared non-binary person.
The "wife" of David Wagener, a wealthy partron of "The Friend" also spoke.
Our corner…
Saturday evening we were invited to a "steak out" at Lakewood Winery, overlooking Seneca Lake. The look on Julie’s face tells the whole story….great food, company and a spectacular view….thanks Mike Williams…
The Patron of a Happy Death
Dear Friends,
This October I will be 79 years old….The 80s are just around the corner. People my age often spend a lot of time contemplating death mainly because they see a lot of it in their friends and relatives. Not that I’m obsessed, but I do check the obituaries daily to make sure my name is not there and then I proceed with my day. Last week I wrote about my cousin Charles. I visited him on Thursday and he was gone on Monday. On Sunday, we had a viewing and today at 10 o’clock, he will ceremonially be laid to rest from Blessed Sacrament Church in Rochester, NY. I don’t know if anybody is ever prepared for death but Charlie was at peace and surrounded by his loving family. We don’t really know what’s on the other side of the curtain. We have lots of stories that people tell. In that regard I recall, the words of my old friend Joe Dady, another “Saint Joseph". Joe told me that he had suffered a major aneurysm while out snowshoeing in January one year. He was air lifted by helicopter from his Conesus home to Strong Memorial Hospital, where his family was told to prepare for the worst. In his own words, Joe told me that he could feel the presence of his family pulling him back while his ancestors were pulling him towards his demise. He said he came back from the dead and lived several more years. Similar stories were told to me by my grandmother. So what’s on the other side is a mystery but a life well lived, is a just reward.
With peace,
JB
At the end of the day, it’s what you accomplished in your life that will be the measurement of your existence. For Julie and I, (in addition to raising five kids and starting an internationally acclaimed mail order business) one of our great accomplishments was to be a driving force in the "free parcel five" movement which resulted in this beautiful park in the center of Rochester. The measure of success is what you do for the common good.