Friday Oct. 10 was a beautiful fall day. My wife, Dorothy, and I, with two friends, traveled to Lawrenceville for a special Mass at the St. Augustine Parish.

Each year the Capuchin-Franciscan priests and brothers celebrate a Mass to thank God for men who have given 60, 50, 40 and 25 years of service in the Province of St. Augustine. Capuchins Father Gervase Degenhardt was the celebrant; Father Mario Mastrangelo was the homilist.

Father Mario emphasized the importance and necessity of prayer and fraternity. He said the obligation to pray is incumbent on us at all times. He noted that in our world fraught with violence and hatred, Capuchin Franciscan Friars attempt to create stronger bonds of community by living fraternally and seeking Christ in one another.

A few years ago I was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, which resulted in having a rod-like basket placed in my spine. I also have Parkinson's disease and I use a walker to keep my balance.

After Mass we proceeded to the Ministry Hall for dinner. We were approaching the door when my walker suddenly hit a rough spot on the sidewalk. I found myself flat on my back.

Immediately, a young man by the name of Greg was at my side. He insisted that I must not move. I tried to assure all that I was fine and that they should just help me up. But Greg insisted I was not to move. He asked others to call an ambulance.

A young lady said that she had already called. Another young lady who lived nearby brought a blanket and a pillow for my comfort. Cars stopped or slowed down to offer help.

I was both grateful and amazed at the kindness and concern shown by the people of Lawrenceville. Before I was able to ask the full name of Greg and the lady who were so kind, they disappeared in the crowd. I hope they will contact this newspaper and leave their name and address.

My wife and I were taken to Presbyterian Hospital. Again, every person involved -- ambulance driver and aides, emergency crew, doctors who examined me and gave me the good news that I was not seriously injured and discharged me within an hour, the young lady at the information desk who tried to contact my friends at the dinner and the human service lady who called a taxi -- showed the virtues that Father Mario had mentioned in his homily:

We must naturally all care for one another, aiming to create a stronger interconnected community.

I want to believe that as the Capuchin Franciscan Religious were celebrating the Jubilee of their Capuchin Brothers, we were given the opportunity to see that the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and the example of the Capuchin Franciscan Religious are strikingly relevant to our 21st-century lives. My wife and I thank all of you who displayed the virtues of prayer and fraternity.

Even though many people today bemoan the world, I believe we are living in a period when we have the greatest opportunity to know and understand the purpose of life -- to know that being kind and loving toward each other gives us the opportunity to soar like an eagle above the ordinary.