Chapter Nine
The church was in the mission style, seemingly old enough to be genuine. It faced a small square and rose prominently over nearby shops. What caught Rodger’s eye was the church’s sign—the priests’ names were followed by “CSsr.” “Redemptorists,” Rodger said to himself, remembering the retreats they gave when he was in school. He expected these priests could help.
He parked and walked with Mike into the church. Relieved to find a priest there, he introduced himself. Fr. Schmitz listened to Rodger’s story and agreed to ride with them to the motel.
Rodger had not told Veronica of his plan. He had no idea how she would react. Leaving Mike and Fr. Schmitz in the Chevelle, Rodger knocked at her door. When she did not respond, he entered with a key.
“Veronica?”
“I’m really tired, Rodger.”
“I know.” He sat on the bed opposite hers. “Veronica, I brought a priest if you want to talk to him.”
Out in the Chevelle, Mike decided he would show Fr. Schmitz his catechism. “Sister Ann gave it to me,” he explained. “I am supposed to be in school now, but this is not part of school. I read it on my own.” When the priest approved of his practice, Mike decided to read out loud:
13. What do we mean when we say that God is almighty?
When we say that God is almighty we mean that He can do all things.
14. Is there only one God?
Yes, there is only one God.
15. How many Persons are there in God?
In God there are three Divine Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
16. What do we mean by the Blessed Trinity?
By the Blessed Trinity we mean one and the same God in three Divine Persons.
Mike stopped reading. “I don’t understand this part,” he said with an innocent familiarity. Fr. Schmitz laughed and said, “I don’t know if I do either.” Mike looked quizzically at the priest, so he continued: “It’s what we call a mystery. God tells us these big things. We think about them our whole life, and even in heaven we do not fully understand.” “Why does he tell us, then?” Mike asked. “Because it’s really how He is. It is kind of like being around adults, who we might not understand, either.”
Father’s explanation dredged up Mike’s long confusion about his family. He grew silent and fiddled with his book, randomly examining the drawings. After a bit, Rodger emerged from the room and gestured to Fr. Schmitz. The two spoke quietly before the Chevelle.
“She doesn’t want to see you, Father.”
The priest winced sympathetically. Well, I am glad you brought me here. We will see how this goes. You said she probably doesn’t go to Mass?”
“Not that I know of. To tell you the truth, I never saw her go to confession after we were married.” Rodger paused and added: “She is so weak.”
Allowing Rodger to stand silent for a moment, Fr. Schmitz then said: “Look, I have the morning Mass tomorrow, and I must stay around the church until noon. But I want you to give me a call if anything changes, and I am willing to come by tomorrow afternoon and see if we have better luck.” Rodger apologized for taking his time, but Fr. Schmitz would not hear it. “This is what I live for,” he said.
They drove Fr. Schmitz back to the church. Rodger stopped for take out and brought the food into Veronica. After she approved, he also brought in Mike. The three ate supper together—it had been over two years.
Veronica seemed to revive with the meal and her family’s presence. Rodger remained silent, however, and Mike decided he would ask about his conversation with the priest. “Mom,” he said, “do you understand the Holy Trinity?” Veronica, stunned and somewhat bemused by the question, responded: “Why do you ask?”
“Well, my catechism says God is one,” Mike said, holding up a finger, “and three,” holding up fingers on the other hand. “How can that be,” he asked, shrugging and raising both hands. Veronica remained silent for a moment and, with fatigue clearly returning, offered: “It is a mystery.”
“That’s what Father said,” Mike exclaimed with excitement. He crawled onto the edge of her bed. “Father said we wouldn’t understand, even in heaven.” “But,” Mike added solemnly, “it’s how God really is.”
Veronica seemed touched, and Rodger thought he could see gears turning in her head. She straightened the bed covering and, when Mike was looking away, mouthed to Rodger that she was tired. He gathered his son and, after saying good night, left the room.
Mike was up early the next day. He awoke Rodger, in fact, telling him that they needed to get “mom’s cereal.” “I can remember what kind it is,” he said in triumph, “but I can’t remember what it is called. Do they have it in California?” Rodger said they would go find out.
They found a grocery store nearby, and Mike ran to the cereal section. Rodger knew what Veronica liked, but he let Mike scan the offerings. “Here it is,” Mike said, grabbing a box of Shredded Wheat. “That’s right,” Rodger said. They got milk, fruit, ice, and returned to the motel.
Only with difficulty did Rodger keep Mike from pounding on Veronica’s door. Telling the boy that his mom was probably still sleeping, Rodger iced down the perishables and, taking Mike’s hand, walked to a nearby park. School was in session, so there were no other children Mike’s age, but he seemed satisfied to swing and climb the jungle gym. About nine o’clock, they walked back to the motel.
Rodger gently knocked, and this time Veronica answered. She seemed more pleasant but even weaker than the day before. Rodger brought the food in and Mike proudly described how they “got your favorite cereal.” Veronica was just able to eat the small portion Rodger prepared.
Acting on an instinct he did not understand, Rodger told Veronica he “should probably work on the Chevelle, some.” Veronica nodded, and Mike remained with her. Rodger added oil, topped off the radiator, and adjusted the timing. After about 40 minutes, he returned to her room.
Mike had somehow gotten his catechism, and he was reading to Veronica. She seemed to be asleep, with deep and regular breathing, but her eyes were slightly open. Mike went on, enunciating the words in his halting fashion:
24. What is man?
Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made to the image and likeness of God.
25. Who were the first man and woman?
The first man and woman were Adam and Eve.
26. What commandment did God give Adam and Eve?
God gave Adam and Eve the commandment not to eat of the fruit of a certain tree that grew in the Garden of Paradise.
27. Did Adam and Eve obey the commandment of God?
Adam and Eve did not obey the commandment of God, but ate of the forbidden fruit.
28. What happened to Adam and Eve on account of their sin?
On account of their sin Adam and Eve lost sanctifying grace and the right to heaven, and were driven from the Garden of Paradise.
29. What has happened to us on account of the sin of Adam?
On account of the sin of Adam we come into the world without grace, and we inherit his punishment.
30. What is this sin in us called?
This sin in us is called original sin.
31. Was any human person ever free from original sin?
The Blessed Virgin Mary was free from original sin, and this favor is called her Immaculate Conception.
Mike stopped and looked at his father. Rodger approached Veronica to pull up the covers. Bending over and looking into her eyes, he saw she was not asleep. They connected and passed something important without words, the only way Rodger, and now Veronica, ever could. “Make it to lunch, Veronica,” Rodger said.