Bad weather doesn't stop prayer service for Archbishop Burke

Published: 2004-01-28

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- Archbishop Raymond L. Burke said he had been accused of coming to St. Louis to escape the blustery Wisconsin weather. But when the night of the Jan. 25 prayer service welcoming him to St. Louis brought snow, ice and slush, the former bishop of La Crosse, Wis., said he was being blamed for bringing the bad weather with him. "I can't win on that score," he said. "But it's all in God's hands. I've been consoling myself with some Irish wisdom: The Irish, who don't always see the brightest side of things, view rain and snow as a sign of God's blessings." The family and friends of Archbishop Burke were well-represented at the prayer service, which drew about 800 people on the night before he was installed as the eighth archbishop of St. Louis. "We have been so warmly welcomed in St. Louis, and we are so grateful for the kindness of everyone who's greeted us and helped us in any way," said Mary Drexler, Archbishop Burke's sister. "It's been an indication as to how welcome he will be here."

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