Celebrating Dad - Fr. Richard Goodin, OFM
Fr. Richard Goodin, Jr., OFM, with his father Richard
My father used to wear classy suits to work. He worked in the office (at the family business) and like his father and uncle, he wore business dress daily. He also drove a nice luxury car to work.
The Franciscan habit, 3 knotted cord, and sandals
Yet, as I grew up I saw all that change. He instead began to identify more with his employees who worked in the factory and were covered in wood dust all day. He changed his attire over time to "work clothes" and industry standard boots. And yes, he got a truck and ditched the luxury car.
I say all that to say this: I watched him change to physically identity with the regular everyday worker. I know his employees respect him for it. I think he's happier and closer to them because of such. I think unconsciously that's the same process I mimicked as I shed the weight of high class society and joined the friars minor.
Therefore, I wear my habit and sandals like my daddy wears his work clothes and boots.
Fr. Richard serves at Holy Family Parish in Galveston, Texas.
Posted in: Missions, News, Newsletter, Prayer, Saint Francis
