One of the blessings of my priestly ministry, which some, including a few priests, would say is not the kind of blessing they would want to have, is the opportunity I am given during my visits to the hospital, nursing homes, and people's homes to be with those who are in the proximate stage of dying. Sometimes family members are present and join with me in the prayers that are prayed for the dying person, especially the Litany of the Saints. A week or so ago, I had that experience with Bill Sparks and his loving family who were gathered around his bed. We also prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy which was encouraged by St. Faustina for the dying through revelations of the Lord that she received over a long period of time. As we finished prayers for Bill, he opened his eyes and, in a few words, acknowledged what we had done for him. Last Saturday, I was made aware by her husband, Gene, that Teri LaBove, (according to the hospice nurse) that she could die at any time. I went to their home and was told by Gene that he had been giving here regular doses of Morphine to keep her comfortable and that she was pretty unresponsive. I went to her bed, spoke her name, and grasped her hand. She briefly opened her eyes and acknowledged my presence with a few words and then fell back to sleep, as I then proceeded to pray the Litany of the Saints and pray the prayer commending her to the merciful arms of the Lord. She died the next morning after her daughter arrived and spent a short amount of time at her side. Finally, this past Sunday, I went to Encompass Rehab to see parishioner Carleen Ferguson who has struggled in many ways since the death of her husband Dan, almost 3 years ago! She told me of a recent issue in her stomach that the medical people were treating with some medicine. I asked if she could receive Holy Communion and she didn't hesitate to say yes. Little did I (or she) know that this would be food for her journey home to the Lord (which is called Viaticum) as she died suddenly less than three hours later.
I share all this with you for a number of reasons. Firstly, in my almost 36 years of priestly ministry, I have seen many more people than not, in peace before they die. I do my best to assist them through the final sacraments and prayers that remind and hopefully assure them of God's love and mercy and of their everlasting future with the Lord (which can also serve as a comfort to the family who are starting or wil be starting the grieving process). Secondly, I hope you keep in mind and have my cell phone number (501-209-2502) on hand and call me when your loved one is sick AND FOR SURE when they are dying no matter the time of day or night!!! I want to be there with and for them and for the family in the name of Jesus Christ and their brothers and sisters in the Lord from Sacred Heart Parish!!!
Finally, please include in your prayers each day all those who are dying, that they will come to a peace that helps them to "let go" of this life with the assurance of faith that they are about to begin their journey to be with the Lord forever. My thoughts, if not also my words of faith say to the person who is dying: "until we meet again" in and with the Communion of Saints in Glory. Also, please don't hesitate to call me right after your loved one has died, as I am open to coming to their bedside and praying the beautiful prayers for those who have died. I want to do that for them, and be there for any family who are present and who are dealing with the passing of their loved one!!!
I share all this with you for a number of reasons. Firstly, in my almost 36 years of priestly ministry, I have seen many more people than not, in peace before they die. I do my best to assist them through the final sacraments and prayers that remind and hopefully assure them of God's love and mercy and of their everlasting future with the Lord (which can also serve as a comfort to the family who are starting or wil be starting the grieving process). Secondly, I hope you keep in mind and have my cell phone number (501-209-2502) on hand and call me when your loved one is sick AND FOR SURE when they are dying no matter the time of day or night!!! I want to be there with and for them and for the family in the name of Jesus Christ and their brothers and sisters in the Lord from Sacred Heart Parish!!!
Finally, please include in your prayers each day all those who are dying, that they will come to a peace that helps them to "let go" of this life with the assurance of faith that they are about to begin their journey to be with the Lord forever. My thoughts, if not also my words of faith say to the person who is dying: "until we meet again" in and with the Communion of Saints in Glory. Also, please don't hesitate to call me right after your loved one has died, as I am open to coming to their bedside and praying the beautiful prayers for those who have died. I want to do that for them, and be there for any family who are present and who are dealing with the passing of their loved one!!!