Reverend George A. Saffin studied to be an actor before he received his calling and entered the Seminary. While attending Holy Family Parish grade school I would often listen to his dynamic sermons and see his arm raise high to make his robe swirl in the air for emphasis, I could picture him on a stage wielding a sword like Robin Hood.
My favorite memory of this incredible man had nothing to do with daily or Sunday Mass. I was in the Second Grade and happened to be riding my bicycle on the sidewalk across the street from the Parish Rectory. The chain on my bicycle came off and I was down on my knees trying to get it back in place. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see my Robin Hood.
“Let’s see about this” he said. I stood up and he proceeded to put the chain back in place.
“There you go. Good as new.” he smiled as he stood the repaired bicycle up for me to continue on my journey home.
Saying my heartfelt “Thank You” I watched him walk back across Poplar Level Road to the Rectory. I told myself that someday I would get married (all little girls plan that big day) and I hoped he would be the priest who would preform that ceremony.
Years later, while saying my wedding vows, Reverend George A. Saffin never knew I was recalling the Robin Hood of my grade school days and the bicycle he repaired.