By now, you should probably have realized that I’m out of town; actually I’m out of the country: I’m in Italy on the island of Sardinia, in the capital city of Sardinia: Cagliari. I’ve been invited to preside at a wedding of a couple from Las Vegas: the bride is from Sardinia and the groom grew up in Las Vegas: Veronica Saladino and Elias George.
  I’ve rented an AirBnb for the week; in fact, that’s where I’m videoing this column. I like BnB because I get to live in a residential neighborhood and kind of live like an Italian. I’ve surprised myself that my Italian came right back to me (like riding a bike!). You see I lived in Rome for a year (way back in 1966/67) and have been back many times.
  I went to visit the church in my neighborhood (San Carlo Borromeo) and met the pastor. When he invited me to concelebrate Mass with him on Tuesday, I agreed. And, then (I guess because my Italian was pretty good), he asked me to say Mass on Wednesday and Friday. That has been awesome!
  Also, the pastor of the Cathedral, Don Pala, who was supposed to be the main celebrant (and I would assist at the wedding), decided to leave town for a few days and thus I’m doing the whole Wedding Mass — in Italian and English by myself.   So, you see this is a “working” vacation. Lol.
  What do I love so much about Italy? That’s hard to answer: really just about everything!   But to name a few things: cappuccino, red wine, pasta, gelato, pastries (see the theme? food & drink!); also I love the amazing history — the Roman past with so many ruins telling the story of the Roman Empire, it’s lifestyle, culture, worship, etc. of course, I love the churches and, when in Rome, the Vatican. I find the Italians very friendly and so family-oriented. Scenery is awesome too: vineyards, mountains, the Mediterranean Sea, big cities, small towns and villages —all so different in architecture and style than in the United States. Oh, and one thing I cannot stand about Italy: the oppressive humidity, like 84% today. I do love the desert — still more comfortable even in triple-digit temperatures!
   Would I like to be an Italian? Hmmm, no, I like my Irish/Scottish ancestry very much. Been to Ireland many times and love every part of that beautiful island: so “Erin go brach!” = “Ireland forever!”
   Anyway, I could go “on and on”, but for now “Arrivederci”
     
  Padre Guglielmo (aka Fr. Bill)