About ten years ago, I was on holidays on the south coast. At the end of Sunday Mass, an older couple sharing my pew leaned over and asked: “Are you Monica Doumit?” When I told them I was, they responded by telling me that they were regular readers of this column and that they pray for me every week.
It was the first time that I encountered people who, in their kindness, appreciated this column in a way that inspired them to spare a prayer for me. It was a conversation that I have never forgotten because it was most humbling to realise that people I had never met would be so kind and generous to me.
Over the years, this generous couple has been multiplied many times over as I have had the privilege of getting to know The Catholic Weekly readers who have built a relationship with me by regularly reading what I have to say and reaching out, either in person or with a letter, email or phone call.
There was the wonderful reader named Tom, who sent me a silk butterfly and a note of encouragement, describing himself as “an old warrior of limited success to date,” and Denis who – days before he died – sent me a monetary gift so that I could buy some books or attend a conference or something similar to further equip me for the battle. There was also a couple who occasionally sent me photographs of flowers they hoped would lift my spirits.
There have also been many priests who came to know me first through this column and who have since become dear friends, and others who I have never met but who have written to me or phoned from their aged care home – including a 90-year-old priest who phoned for a chat just a few weeks ago!
Even my family hasn’t been spared, with my parents and siblings also getting to know some of the readers.
One funny story my sister often tells is being at the back of her parish and noticing my photo on the front page of the paper. Jokingly, she suggested my niece and nephew draw a moustache and glasses on the picture, only to be chastised by a parishioner who promptly lectured her about how she should show more respect for “the courageous Monica Doumit!”
The love shown to me and other The Catholic Weekly writers is such a grace, and I want to thank you, dear readers, for treating us as brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as friends.
As much as I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you every week, the time has come to step back from a weekly offering and write less frequently for the paper.
A couple of months ago, Archbishop Fisher kindly invited me to take over the role of archdiocesan chancellor, and I will officially take up the position next week. I will still be around and engaged on the critical issues but a little less publicly.
Although you will not be hearing from me as often, I would still appreciate your prayers as I seek to serve the archbishop and the church in Sydney in a new way.
As I retire this column, I want to mention what a blessing it has been to work with such an incredible team. Over the years, I have had the joy of working alongside very talented writers who love the church and want to communicate its richness and beauty to as many people as possible.
I have also worked under three incredible editors. Each of Peter Rosengren, Adam Wesselinoff and Marilyn Rodrigues have taught me how to navigate contentious issues with the charity that is expected of a Catholic publication and I am a better writer (and Christian) because of them.
There is something very special about The Catholic Weekly, and I am proud to have been part of its team for so long and sad to put down the pen…for now.
Dear friends, this isn’t farewell, just “see you on a different patch of the same vineyard.” Thanks for your goodness these 13 years past. Please know of my grateful prayers for you.
