I recently attended the ordination of two young men I’ve known since they were boys. It was a joy to see them take their vows, celebrate their first Mass, and give countless first blessings to their family, friends, and supporters. Both Father Ryan and Father Charlie are about the age my uncle, Alfonso, would have been had he become a priest. In July, 1955, Alfonso died tragically at 25, in a car accident. He had recently completed seminary and was awaiting approval to be ordained. I often wonder what kind of Priest he would have been. Only God knows.
Alfonso was also a writer . I’ve read all his works and find him insightful and wise (for a twenty-something man). In the coming years, I’ll publish some of his works, probably under a different site, since most of his writings are literary or poetry.
Here is my favorite poem of his, which I used as the Epigram for Book Four of The Imitation of Christ.
May Alfonso, fondly known as “Bunky” rest in the peace of Christ.
The Eucharist, by Alfonso S. Greco, March 3, 1953
The chemistry of this one drop
Contains the elements of all,
When sinless Master lets His Strength
On sinful servants’ tongues to fall.
Within the Fibre of This Flesh,
Life’s scattered proteins merge.
This Flesh is muscle for the soul,
All adipose to purge.
No mouth, however closed with sin,
Resists this virgin Bread,
Save soul and sin identified,
When mouth is closed and dead.
No food then can help them,
Swept off in the damning flood.
But the life of soul find higher life,
In Saviour’s Flesh and Blood.