Congratulations, Mike!

Fr. Mike Duggan celebrates 50 years of Mission Priesthood in Maryknoll with a Mass and outdoor luncheon for about 150 family and friends. Guests have flown in from as far away as London and driven in from Phoenix for the occasion.

It is like an impromptu reunion of "Old-Korea" hands with former lay missioners Bonnie Brunner, Rita Reickert, Jim Pronbst and Barb Pavelka attending, along with former Maryknollers Dick Hitchcock and Jose Padin. Most of the Maryknoll Sisters who worked in Korea and are now at the Sisters Center also attended along with Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers in residence. Father Jack Corcoran, here on furlough from Nepal, joined in the festivities. Sr. Jean Maloney was here and will be back in Korea on Thursday the 24th.

Ms. Lucille Naughton even came out of retirement to conduct the schola of Fathers Marty Lowery, Kevin Hanlon and Joe Veneroso, Maryknoll Sisters Alice Cardillo, Rose Guercio, Nori Mojado, Elizabeth Terblock and Dolores Condon, former MLM Barbara Pavelka (who also played flute!), Mr. Jon Prudhomme (Bonnie's husband) and Mr. Jack Naughton (Lucille's husband) with Father Ed Szendrey serving as cantor.

After the meal, Hopi made an appearance, much to the delight of the children and relief of the parents. Between throwing and chasing tennis balls and frisbees, and with all the running around, Hopi and the kids will all sleep well tonight.

Once again, Sodexo did a superb job with both food and decor, with maroon tableclothes and vases of fresh flowers at each table.

Following the official festivities, the "Old Korea Hands" lingered in the Quad for an impromptu, three-hour sing-along, comprised of Broadways tunes and folksongs with Jon Prudhomme leading with guitar and voice.

Upcoming Events @ Mother Knoll

Friday, September 18 International Film Festival Maryknoll presents the next film in the on-going series: Life through Death: Change, Suffering and Living into More Abundant Life.

Tonight's show: Eat Drink Man Woman.

7:30 p.m. in the Asia Room

Open to the public, free of charge.

Introduction by a Maryknoller (Usually Fr. Larry Lewis) and discussion to follow.

Saturday, September 19th Celebration marking Fr. Mike Duggan's 50 Anniversary of Ordination Special Mass at 11 a.m. in Queen of Apostles chapel followed by an outdoor luncheon in the Quadrangle. By invitation only.

Sunday, September 20th No special events (other than 9 a.m. Sunday Mass) at the Knoll, but it marks the last day of the San Gennero festival in Little Italy. That's a good time to go, because vendors give last-minute discounts to move there merchandise. So if you can tell a calzone from a cannoli, get your butt down to Mulberry Street. Of course, if the blood of San Gennero failed to liquify Saturday (his feast) than all Napolitani are expected to drink the Kool Aid like proper paesani.

Tuesday, September 22 A special trip to the C.I.A. (Calm down, it's the Culinary Institute of America) for fixed-price lunch for those who pre-registered (in the dining room). The French restaurant is already full, so guys registering late choose between the Italian and American restaurants. Departing from the back parking lot at 10:30 a.m. and returning by 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 24 A preemptive Chusok (Korean Harvest) Festival from noon to 2 p.m., featuring authentic Korean foods (Yes, of course there will be kimchi—and pulgogi!), music, singing and decorations. Many of the veteran Korean Maryknollers (Fathers & Sisters) will be dressed up in their traditional Korean costume 한복 (pronounced "Han Bok"). Raffles throughout the event will help keep people from running away early, despite the kimchi. You must be present to win!