Goodbye, Old Friend

This June 9th the Catholic Church commemorates Saint Ephrem, a Syrian monk from the fourth century. I'm reminded of my old friend, Brother Ephrem, a member of a Catholic religious order of brothers, who assumed the saint's name, and who died a couple of years ago. Because of this elderly brother's humility, generosity, self-discipline, and industriousness, I liked to call him "Venerable" (but always behind his back, so that he wouldn't cuff my ears if he heard me). Now, after his death, I firmly believe that the canonical, official title of Venerable should be applied to Brother Ephrem. He deserves it more than ever.