For a Goldenl Jubilee of Priesthood

Extract

Now half a hundred golden years are gone;

For golden were they in the sun-thrilled haze Of youth’s enchanted morning, till the day’s Young splendour paled and passed; and high noon shone,

And golden now again before the wan

Grey ashes of the twilight quench the blaze That gilds again more gloriously the ways Your feet have trod, as though God smiled thereon.

Is it indeed life’s transient sunset light,

A-shine with memories that shift and fade?

Or is it He Whom on the western height

The poet saw in ‘pomp of blood’ portrayed? From feet and hands and Heart the red rays smite The golden road His alchemy has made.

Sister Mary Benvenuta, O.P,