In our grief he is our comfort and the cure for our anxieties

He was born completely enlightened as the twenty third incarnation of the Bodhisattva Manjusri. Over many lifetimes, he has lived as a dog, a cat, a frog, a butterfly, a killer whale, a gold fish, a cow, a goat, an earthworm, a lady bug, a woman (six times), a man (five times), and a rat (two times). However, being born a cardinal into a family of Catholic cardinals was completely unexpected and unplanned.

Being born with complete understanding and compassion, he knew he would have to make due. He attended Catholic schools and finally entered the seminary somewhere in Oklahoma. Becoming a priest seemed like a very difficult task for a Bodhisattva but it wasn’t. Though his limitations were many, he was able to touch many lives with his generous spirit even though he was a Christian bird.

Chanting the following is guaranteed to bring enlightenment:

"Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhih"

Watercolor and gold on paper. Copyright 2006 by Kelley Vandiver