"The Wand'ring Magi" by Fr. John Kret, OSA
/Christmas Greetings from Father John Kret, O.S.A.
The carol "The Wand'ring Magi" was written 40 years ago in 1975. After having sung traditional carols in an evening Christmas program, I awoke the next morning dreaming the first two verses and music of an unknown song. I quickly wrote down both music and words which evolved into the song below: "The Wand'ring Magi." This opus then became my Christmas song for the following year. Here it is once again, the story of the Magi reworded in musical format taken from the Gospel of Luke.
There is sadness in my life this year as my sister, Judy O'Connor passed on from this world to the heavenly kingdom on October 29th, 2015 at 70 years of age. I did the funeral Mass for her after cremation on November 6th at St. Benedict's Church in Fontana, Wisconsin.
With the ongoing shortage of priests I continue doing Masses at Sacred Heart Parish in Chicago and Thursday morning Masses at the school. Then on each Wednesday and Saturday morning, I offer Masses with the Augustinian contemplative sisters. Two mornings a wekk I also do computer updating work for the Advancement Office of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, Illinois.
I am still the treasurer of our religious community (now down to four persons) which includes buying the food, banking and paying the bills, and making a monthly summary of the community finances.
On alternate Tuesday evenings from 5-8, I play the clarinet, tenor sax, flute, or melodica, with the piano accompaniment of Joe Patti at Little Joe's Pizza and Restaurant in New Lenox.
I continue to perform music every Wednesday night from 6:00 - 8:30 with Joe Patti at the Bier Stube in Frankfort, Illinois. I also play music at two senior citizen centers during the month.
Enjoy this unique and beautiful carol "The Wand'ring Magi" which reminds us of the story of the Magi. May you have a blessed and joyful Christmas season and a very Happy New Year!
