Today is day 2 of Seminarian Days here in the Archdcese of OKC. We visited our state seminarian brothers in Tulsa. One of our stops was at the Tulsa Catholic Charities. I was particularly impressed by the amount of catholicity that was so present of the Catholic Charities campus. One would think that having that name, it would be a foregone conclusion that Catholic values would be expressed. But, as my seminarian brothers who went with me to the Evansville diocese Catholic Charities can attest, federal funding tends to having a quashing effect on religious values. The chapel itself was spectacular; a real gem for both the people to give of their time and talent, and those seeking help and guidance. Bravo, Tulsa Catholic Charities
One thing that struck me particularly was the names for the bells in the bell tower of the chapel on the Catholic Charities campus. The story goes that a benefactor wanted to donate money to The funding of the building of the campus. By that time, however, the buildingS were completed and paid for, and so they were asked to donate toward the purchase of real bells, used on the hour and for call to prayer. Three bells were donated, at a cost of over $80,000, so the donors were given the opportunity to have whatever they wished inscribed on them. They responded with this:
The first bell will say "Ask and you shall receive"; the second bell will say "Seek and you shall find"; the third bell will say "Knock and the door shall be opened."
Having these names inscribed on the bells have given the bells an even deeper significance to the workers at Catholic Charities. When they hear the bells, they are reminded of the call to see Christ in all they meet and to bring Christ to all who are in need...
It has been a wonderful retreat so far, and I am looking forward to the rest. Keep you posted.
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