[quote="GoldenLeaf" post=309313]I know this note likely has no business in this forum, but I wanted to wish you all a very happy and Holy Christmas. Likely just a few old timers remember me, I don't post much anymore, BUT I still watch EVERY game and live and die with these dudes. Best to you all.[/quote]
Actually, it's not inappropriate at all, it's very appropriate, and was great to read.
It takes a lot more effort it seems to find a Holy Christmas, so much so that even on a basketball website supporting the largest Catholic university in America, we feel reluctant to post a faith message.
So I will post mine. All of us respect and are appreciative of Paul, but very few of you are aware that he is a man of enormous faith
He is theologically one of the brightest guys I know and lives a life guided by his FAITH based principals. He has become a good friend of mine over the years and I almost met his son last summer but couldn't synch. I tried to meet him when I visited northern California but we couldn't arrange it. Some day soon I hope.
St. John's as a Catholic Christian community is on the upswing. After years of declining enrollment, president Gempeshaw has implemented a successful plan that has pushed enrollment of Catholic students from about 40% to almost 50%. This is in the aftermath of a scandal causing his hire. Maybe there is HOPE after all for the church.
When Santa Rose was hit by fires, many of you responded with CHARITY to help Santa Rosa, Paul's hometown at the time. Your response is a sign of what a great community we are here.
Finally, when I've met some if you in person, there is always a sense of JOY that is palpable. Meeting Room112, jack William's, seeing ralph and Brian and Mike and others makes all of this real and more important than basketball scores.
So, Golden Leaf, the essence of a Holy Christmas is found right here in the words I capitalized - FAITH, HOPE, JOY, CHARITY. If you didn't think you could find that here. It is here and present most days.
Merry Christmas all. You deserve it.
