A new dawn breaks over your solitude.

How different from the days long past,

when the circuit priest would come

to give the Sacraments!

His journey was long; he traveled light;

La Sacristia was refuge for the night.

…Up before dawn, a busy day ahead,

and morning devotions still to be said…

The missals and vestments were carefully unpacked,

the bell was rung and the doors were thrown back;

Altar boys, eager, yet nervous perhaps,

Donned robes and rehearsed their part in the Mass.

By sunrise, the faithful would start to arrive;

Most came on foot, few could "ride"…

Confessions were heard, penance was done,

The pews were full…Mass had begun.