Today is the Feast of St. Nicholas. This morning I attended Mass but not specifically to celebrate this saints day.

A haunting thing happened back in July and I’ve been disturbed by it for months. A colleague of mine’s brother killed his three daughters one summer afternoon with a box cutter knife to the throat. Since I heard the news, I’ve been unable to watch any of the CSI, Criminal Minds type of shows. The images come without prompting. I simply cannot imagine the events of that day. And though it was no one I knew, I am affected deeply by this tragedy.

Today I went to Mass because I has the Mass said today for the intentions of the mother and survivor of the three girls who were murdered by their father. Some of my colleagues had Masses said for the Dad and the memory of each of the girls. I specifically chose the Mass to be said on the Feast of Saint Nicholas because he is the Patron Saint of Children. Before I even got to the church I was crying. It was hard to be there and not get emotional. I could not help but to think that these little girls were not here this year to celebrate Christmas. I cannot even imagine the pain the mother is going through! My thoughts and prayers are definitely with her.

I stayed after Mass for Adoration and spent a little extra time with Jesus. It was a morning well spent but very draining!