A Living Stories Project
Introduction
When we set out for Tewksbury to begin to gather stories for The Living
Stories Project, we didn't really know what to expect. We had already heard some of
the legendary tales, and Hank Lemoncelli had told us to prepare to meet some unforgettable
characters. But we were a bit anxious, wondering if perhaps we might feel awkward and the
men might be hesitant to share their stories with us.
We felt quite welcome, however, and we were amazed at the extraordinary range of
experience and emotion that swept over us in three short days. Those who had died came
alive again, and those who are still with us somehow became more human. It seemed quite
possible to imagine a future based on such a rich heritage of wisdom, determination,
pride, creativity, humor and faith.
As more stories unfolded in Washington, and in Lantana, Florida, we began to realize
that we had received a most precious gift from the Oblates of the Eastern Province. We had
been invited to experience a bit of the past, join in the present, and catch a glimpse of
the future with a group of men who affirm life and love God.
We were introduced to extraordinary people like Miguel Convit, Joe Supple, Frank Crump,
Charlie Costello, Dick Murphy, Leo Gabriel Burke, Jack King, George White, and Walter
Mack.
We visited places like the Lakeland Mission, Padre Island, Puerto Rico and Brazil. We
learned words of wisdom:
"Get out of the way. This is God's work."
"Don't let the Church get in the way of your faith."
"The Oblates -- they love people and people love
them."
We heard ghost stories and hero stories, stories of ingenuity, stories of
loss, pain and reconciliation. We had been entrusted with the sacred stories, stories to
live by.
As you read through these texts and the commentary, we hope they do
justice to the collective wisdom of all those who shared their stories. We also hope that
we have unleashed a flood of stories that will continue to be shared, honored, and
preserved.
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