Thank you to all who submitted personal stories of gratitude for the priests in their lives! Here are just a few.
“My husband was dying of cancer. I was new to the area, but I called the church and asked if a priest could come talk with my husband. That night the doorbell rang and I opened the door to Father. He said, ‘You wanted a priest – would I do?’ We loved him from that moment. He and my husband spoke regularly until his death a few months later. And when our child was born soon after that, Father became my friend as well. I’ve often thought of that night and his first words. Yes, Father, you would do. Thank you.” – Gail C.
“When we had exhausted our resources to find addiction intervention support for my sister, Father and AARPSS (Archdiocesan Addiction Recovery Pastoral Support Services) were a God send. Father and his team led, managed, and helped us plan an intervention, detox services, recovery services, and sober living. They continued their support for months. 18 months later my sister is still in recovery. Without Father’s love, dedication, and insight, her success would have not been possible. Father attended her one-year sobriety celebration. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Father for all of your love and support for our family!” – Peggy G.
“I want to thank the priests at my local chapel. They give excellent homilies that are down to earth, and I’m very thankful for their many hours of having the confessional ‘green light’ on. As Father noted, ‘We are all lumps of clay in God’s hands’.” – Robert H.
“I thank God for having Father in my life. We have remained friends even though he is no longer my pastor. One incident that shows his care and concern is one Sunday afternoon when he was on his way to the airport to fly to Ireland on vacation, he first came to visit my late husband who was in rehab at the time. He subsequently presided at my husband’s funeral, giving a heartfelt homily.” – Anna-Marie F.
“Father saved my life by getting me to counseling in the early 90s. He was truly Christ on earth for me. He stuck with me and gave counsel even after being told he’d done enough. Like Jesus, I felt loved and cared for. I went on to have a very happy life that may not have happened at all. I give thanks every day to all priests who follow Christ like this special priest!” – Jacqueline B.
