Chapter 10

[10 AM—Catholic Mission]

Miguel hustled into the mission. Elation buoyed his spirits. His fellow clergy (on both sides) received an enthusiastic welcome. Demand exceeded Supply especially for travelers coming into Tucson for the holiday.

Father Guillermo's and Brother Benjamin's additions to his Christmas Mass brought this point home to all.

A community effort to open our new church! He beamed from ear to ear. Even if his hand felt stiff from all of the handshakes, he wished to help his counterparts in the kitchen. He knew the others would be there in short order from the hotel and livery. He determined to follow up with town leaders and others after Epiphany. "Please sit down, Eben. John and the others will be here soon."

"I believe so." Binns sniffed the air. "I thought you said the mission was closed today."

"I wish I had someone to keep it going. We will be back tomorrow. I have made arrangements with the livery so that those who'd stay here would have a place to sleep tonight. Sister Ellie has been most gracious in her efforts this morning. Perdoname." Miguel walked into the kitchen area. There he found Sister Ellie and Brother Benjamin with their sleeves rolled up. A pot of creamed corn and two covered pans sat on the counter. "I see a marvelous endeavor here, Compadres. Gracias, Sister Ellie."

"You are quite welcome, Brother Miguel." Ellie smiled. She and Brother Benjamin washed the last pans. Towels dried them off before setting them in the strainer. "There! I believe that does it. And we owe you thanks as well. Brother Benjamin told me of how you spoke about the need for our mission here. I do appreciate your support."

"As you are supporting us right now, Sister. We may belong to different groups. We are all here to serve Our Lord and the people on His behalf. I know you agree on that point. Ebenezer Binns waits at one of the tables. He will write an article on the need. Last night proved that well enough." Miguel rubbed his forehead.

Brother Benjamin frowned. "The livery was full. Some slept in their wagons. Much like in Bethlehem, there was little room. Brother Guillermo and I spoke as well. We will return by tomorrow. The liveries should be taken care of for tonight."

Sister Ellie nodded. "I suppose, Brother Benjamin. Very well. At least we were able to help a few last night." She pointed toward the coffee pot on the stove. "Perhaps Brother Ebenezer and you might care for some coffee?"

"That would be welcome! Gracias!" Miguel fixed two cups. "And I will help you bring your contributions to the wagons." He brought them out to the front. "I am sorry, Eben. We were talking in the kitchen."

"All good information I'm sure." Binns adjusted his spectacles on his nose. "I was looking at my notes. I have what I need for the next issue."

"Perhaps we might speak to the need for lodging after last night?" She came out with Brother Benjamin from the back.

"Oh?" Binns brought out his pad and pencil. "Padre Miguel?"

"We had more travelers than beds last night. We may have such need during certain times of the year. This is yet another reason for our friends' request. We have our own brethren to minister to." Miguel looked to his fellow clergy.

"I could not have said it better myself," Brother Benjamin concurred.

"Well, as I said before, Brother Benjamin and Sister Ellie, all he and I can do is offer verbal support and influence. We do not have money to purchase a building. On the other hand, if what you say is correct, I believe it should not be that difficult to raise the funds. You need patrons. I was fortunate that John and Victoria Cannon supported my efforts. Don Ricardo did the same for the church," Binns reminded them.

"As I always say, the Lord will provide, Brothers. He will give us what we need." She drank from her own cup. "Perhaps there may be an opportunity soon."

"Perhaps. We can speak of that later. I wish for all of us to celebrate our community. Manolito and Mercedes look forward to this meal. We are thankful for our blessings. There is much to celebrate." Miguel noticed the wagons pull up out front. "I believe we are ready. Can I help you with a pot or pan?"

"Take a towel. They are still quite warm. Thank you." She walked back into the kitchen.

"Are we ready?" John called into the mission. "Eben! Good morning and Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas, John! I say this has the makings of a fine day! A fine day indeed!" Binns walked over. He shook John's hand. "I am looking forward to seeing Manolito's new home."

"It's turning into quite the place." John noticed the three clergy members bearing more food. "Now that's a welcome sight. I think we have a few folks than we planned for."

"We shall make it reach our needs, John." Miguel set his pan on the bar. Then he checked the kitchen one last time to insure that everything was shut off. "We are ready." He led the others outside toward the wagons. He looked over the directional sign for travelers. Then he walked toward the wagons.

"Hey, Hermano! You are busy! No?" Manolito called down from the second wagon.

"Sister Ellie and Brother Benjamin are, Manolo. Their spirit and work ethic are most welcome. But you know that," Miguel noted.

"Gracias, Amigos," Mercedes expressed to them. "Please ride with us. There are blankets."

"That would be welcome, Sister Mercedes." Brother Benjamin climbed up first. Then he helped Sister Ellie into the wagon. Miguel came up last.

Manolito watched John climb up into the wagon. "John, we have room aqui. How are you?"

"We're fine, Manolito. Follow us! I want to see what Buck, Blue and the ladies are cooking!" John called.

"And I have a few dishes at the High Chaparral for the table," Victoria interjected.

"Mmm…this is a fine feast for all." Manolito looked to Mercedes. "Our familia is one."

"Si. We love and care, mi Manolo." Mercedes kissed him on the cheek. "Vamanos."

"John." Manolito motioned toward his wife.

"I believe we are ready, my Husband?" Victoria raised an eyebrow. She smiled at him.

"I would never disagree with that, Dear." John started their caravan down the road to the west.

Service had run its course for that day. Celebration awaited its turn…..