A different sacred space

By Douglas A. Rosenquist

Fr. Leo Schneider just celebrated the anniversary of his 25th year as a Roman Catholic priest. Church of the Holy Name, where he has served for eight years, honored him at a June luncheon. Among his many gifts, his musicianship (he is an accomplished violinist, violinmaker and baritone soloist) and his spiritual leadership (he always brings the scriptures to life) stand out. Parishioners are grateful.

One summer day years ago, while walking along a busy noon-hour sidewalk in downtown Minneapolis, I was approached by a Native American panhandler. For some reason that day I decided to not avert my eyes as I normally would. I instead engaged in conversation with him. He had long black hair and deep brown eyes, which revealed a surprising, even mystical, wisdom and appeared much more healthy than I would have expected. He wore an earth-tone poncho, blue jeans and sandals. He looked free.

I asked him about his life: where he lived, how he got along, and then I intently listened to his answers. It was clear that he greatly appreciated that I appeared to give a darn in a world that for the most part avoided even eye contact with him. He slept under a bridge, he told me. He lived with a group. Each day they divided up goals: one seeking money, another cigarettes, another food. Their cooperative life impressed me, as I pondered the dysfunctional, back-biting office where I worked—from which this walk was a much needed escape.

As the time came to part ways, I mined my pocket for change, which I gave to him, feeling quietly guilty, knowing I had bills in my wallet. But he humbly said, “Thanks.” Then we parted.

I took half a dozen steps when I heard, “Sir.” I turned around to see those wonderful brown eyes compassionately looking into my blues. “May happiness come to you on secret wings and surround you with love forever.” Then he turned and walked on, leaving me somewhat stunned and perplexed.
So that I wouldn’t forget what he had said, I kept repeating his statement all the way back to the office where I immediately wrote it down. I have pondered this encounter and these words for many years and am only now beginning to grasp what “secret wings” means.

The most sacred space of all is that between any two people.