We were all very proud of our First Communion purses. The white vinyl with the metal twist closure was big enough for our beautiful white missalette, white gloves, some kleenex and a rosary. All the necessities of a young catholic life.
The First Communion celebration at my house was a big event, and it was here that I received my rosaries blessed by the Pope! I was awestruck by their beauty, pearly smooth beads, heavy silver cross with such details. Engraved on the back of the cross was the proof: "Roma".
Mother swept the rosary away with the announcement that I would see them again when it was time for the sacrament of matrimony. Crestfallen, I was still bound and determined to say a rosary on those beads before I was married, and the next Saturday I found the hiding place. Carefully placing them in my white vinyl purse I headed off to confession. I said my rosary, went to confession, performed my penance, and lightheartedly skipped back home.
Shortly after I arrived the phone rang, and I heard my mother ask "How do you know it's Mary Theresa's?". Well, we all know the answer to that! Mother left without a word to retrieve it. I wasn't allowed to carry that purse for a long, long time. |
