In the Gospel this Sunday Jesus asks the disciples, “What are you looking for?” Mesmerized by the Lamb of God, as he was named by John the Baptist, Andrew and the other disciple realized their heart’s greatest desire in Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was tell his brother, Simon, bringing him to Jesus who then named him Peter… and the rest is history.
In light of this Gospel, I can’t help but think about Fr. Monatvon and what the early days of St. Colette were like for him. I didn’t know him personally so this is all my imagination based on what I’ve learned over the years. But, I’d imagine Fr. Montavon’s desire to start St. Colette was a similar encounter with Jesus when asked by him what HE was looking for… Fr. Montavon had the heart of a Shepherd, the heart to serve the Lamb of God. And at whatever moment in his life “John the Baptist” said to him, “Behold the Lamb”, he never looked back, but only forward to how he could fulfill God’s will in His plan for the Church. And over time, patiently, prudently, vigilantly, loving, he built the church of St. Colette from the ground up (literally). And what a truly AMAZING parish he built. Bishop Woost said in his remarks once that “great priests are formed by great communities.” And the community of St. Colette is indeed a great community. The elements of family and hospitality, joy, humility and generosity are all Fruits of the Spirit that you possess. God needed a “St. Colette” and he knew that Fr. Montavan was the priest, His priest, that could pave the way, plant the seeds for it to grow. How blessed we are to have a founding pastor like him, a successor in Fr. Krizner who saw your beauty and goodness and made it flourish, and our current pastor, Fr. Tim who possesses these same great virtues and spiritual resolve. St. Colette is certainly a blessed, holy place. Thank you, Fr. Montavan for your astonishment at the Lamb of God, for “looking for him”, and for serving him so beautifully. We are forever grateful.
Please consider submitting a “Lampstand” about Fr. Montavon and the early days of St. Colette. We’ll continue to publish them over the next few weeks. And enjoy the pictures of our earliest days!! They’re who we are and where we come from… thank you, Lord. Our future we leave to His providence, thank you, Lord!…. And our present is certainly a gift we cherish right now. For all of it, we love you and praise you, beautiful Lamb of God!
God bless you, parish family! ~Sara
