Back in his parish, Julian’s life sailed on. Tides of his life as priest and canon lawyer were seldom calm.
Long before the time, the four friends had planned to meet to celebrate – just for a day – their fifth anniversary. It has to be on Manly beach, they all agreed.
Julian and Simon arrived at the appointed meeting place – the top flag – almost simultaneously. Shortly after, Eddie joined them. As per custom, Joe ran down to them minutes later. “Five minutes late this time!” the others chorused.
So much to share in so little time. Firstly, they all agreed, let’s try the surf!
Although the beginning of Autumn the day smiled on them. The warmth of the sun penetrated the filmy clouds. The waves rose and fell majestically, rhythmically.
For the four friends, in some ways this enjoyable day was a carbon copy of their day here five years before. But – not quite! Some of their aspirations of that day had come to fruition; yet some of their prior hopes for the future had been dashed.
With a late afternoon breeze blowing up and darkening clouds rolling in, it was time, they agreed, to leave the beach. Once seated at a corner table at the Steyne, talk flowed:
“Great to catch up!”
“Life in a parish so different!”
“The seminary never taught…!”
“Humanae Vitae!!”
“Schools…”
“Nursing Homes…”
“Life is pretty hard for some people…”
“Great boss…”
“Lucky you…!”
“How would you handle this situation…?”
“Great to have the Liturgy in English!”
“Sure is!”
“Surely Rome will see reason…!”
Anecdotes flowed regarding so many personal and parish incidents. Family news was also prevalent. An outsider may have perhaps envied the apparent joy in living of these four happy young men as they talked and laughed together. Yet, no one – not even one of the friends – could see the questions simmering for answers in the subconscious of one of them. It would take another couple of years before he was fully aware himself.
They parted with the usual scrum hug and prayer.
“Let’s make this every couple of years,” suggested Simon.
“Could be other odd times, too,” Eddie added. “Like special family celebrations.”
“Great idea,” they agreed.