The iPadre Catholic Podcast

On the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, I will have a celebration of my 25th Anniversary of Ordination.

To get a copy of my Mass Program, just click on the image below.

The day Mickey came home

A Priest’s best friend and companion for almost 14 years. Mickey was born on 22 August 2002, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary in the Ordinary Form and the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Extraordinary Form. I always saw him as a gift from Our Lady.

Mickey was the runt of the litter. When I first saw him, he ran behind the food box in the breeders home. He was timid like that all of his life. He came to me on 11 October 2002, and brought joy to me, my parents and everyone who met him since.

Mickey was always sick as the runt is. From the very beginning he had little issues, until the last few years. Around  four years ago (2013), he came down with cancer. A few weeks ago, his doctor at Tufts said he had some many kinds of cancer through the years that he is a study in himself. It seems that the runts always are the weakest and sickest, but they are the most loving and attached. I wouldn’t have anything else.

Mickey loved opening gifts on Christmas Day

These past few years have been very challenging. It is difficult to see a pet who is your constant companion and friend begin to deteriorate. In the last few months, I have seen a marked deterioration. Mickey lost over 10 pounds in the last few years, and about 5 of those in the last few weeks. And today, the 10th of May, Mickey went to sleep.

Mickey taught me so much in these almost 14 years. He loved unconditionally. No matter what you would do to him, he would come right back for a hug and a kiss. Mickey

Mickey was a lap dog

didn’t like to travel. He hated the car, but if he know we were going to see my parents, or I was going back to the rectory, he would be ready to go. A loyal friend who was always at my side. If I left him for any amout of time, he would go into depression, but never had a bit of resentment when I returned. I will always be grateful for the gift of Mickey, and look forward to the day I see him in the Father’s house. Yes, I believe I will see him again, because Scripture tells us that all of creation will be renewed. So, I do believe our pets will be with us in heaven, “not because they deserve it, but because God knows we love them and they make us happy.” 

So, I give thanks to the Lord for the time we had together if ever so short. God is so good! “All were created through him; all were created for him. He is before all else that is. In him everything continues in being.” (Colossians 1:16-17)

Mickey was my best friend

Mickey Finelli

There was a time when I used a flatbed scanner to scan old pictures. But, today, the iPhone camera produces a much higher resolution and its much easier than the clunky software that comes with them. The only problem has been to hold the camera still. My solution was to make an adjustable stand for my iPhone. So, I did just that in about 15 minutes today. Here are three pics of my stand.