Birthday greetings for Father Nick

By Gina Curini
Special to The Catholic Free Press


UXBRIDGE – Vehicles lined up in the parking lot of St. Mary Parish in Uxbridge on April 2 despite social distancing.  Why?  It was Father Nick Desimone's birthday. 
For about 20 minutes before noon, dozens of cars, SUVs and trucks began pouring into the lot.  And they kept coming. 
Every so often a person or two would jump out and stick a poster or flags with "Happy Birthday Father Nick" to decorate their vehicle. One enterprising gentleman hung a Holy Name (Father Nick's alma mater) sweatshirt out his window.  For the most part though, everyone stayed inside and waited. 
There were young and old alike, and one young man sat on the window sill while another stood with his torso half out of the sun roof. 
The suspense grew as several people came out the side door of the church and turned to wait for Father Nick to appear.  Then as his bright blue jacket appeared, the blare of horns was overwhelming!  Father Nick walked toward the parking lot with his arms raised, waving both hands, like the celebrity he was, smiling brightly.  He began going through the lines of cars, trying to bless everyone when someone suggested he move toward the exit, and the cars could instead come by him!  So a line of cars formed to file out past Father Nick, who did stand back a good distance and everyone was able to offer him happy birthday wishes. 
Still, those who attended received the real gift as Father blessed everyone with the Sign of the Cross.  Happy Birthday Father Nick!

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