Memories of St. Lucy Day in Erie, Pennsylvania

Today, on St. Lucy's Day, I am reminded of a woman I met in Erie, Pennsylvania when I was serving a short time in a parish while taking theology classes at Gannon University.  It was on this date around 1989 or so when I met her.  I was invited to have dinner following an afternoon meeting.  The priests were eager to get to the dining room, but I wasn't sure why - other than the bottle of wine that was awaiting us.  We poured a glass of wine and sat down at the dining table.  The room was large and being an older rectory, there were some really beautiful ornate features on the fireplace and a lot of dark wood---making the whole room seem dark.  There were candles on the table, already lit as well as a beautiful Advent wreath placed along the mantle of the fireplace.  The table was already set beautifully with linen napkins, the finest silverware and beautiful dishes.  It looked more like a holiday feast than a regular weeknight dinner.

We began to discuss the events of the day, when suddenly there was a knock on the door that lead from the kitchen.  The pastor looked at the other priest and they smiled at one another--almost giggling.  Two grown men giggling at the dinner table was quite amusing to me.  I wasn't quite sure what to make of this whole scene, but then the main event happened.  The swinging door opened and there stood a small woman of about 80 years 'young', apron draped over her body and a wreath of greens, including lighted candles in her hair. Now, the priests were enjoying this scene, while I was afraid for her life as well as ours with those candles burning brightly on top of her head.  She was singing a song in Polish while walking around the table. At the end of the song, she proclaimed Happy St. Lucy Day!!!  She then retreated to the kitchen, candles blazing, laughing at the top of her lungs.

She was the loyal parish cook for many years.  Her given name was "Appolonia".  She also worked on Saturdays at the local country club making the best salads around.  She was known for her 'colorful' personality and language and legendary cooking skills.  We got to be good friends during my time there.  She was a strong woman who came from Poland as a little girl, but never lost her roots or her love for Polish cooking - stuffed cabbage rolls and the powered sugar laced hand made pastries called paczki.  She was proud to be serving God all of her life and in this quiet way preparing meals for the priests and definitely keeping them entertained.  She was a special minister.  I'm certain that she is smiling down today, wearing a wreath of lighted candles on this St. Lucy Day, assuring all of us that if we only open our eyes to the wonder around us...we will see the face of God in all we meet.