November 2008         

This month something not too unusual happened.  Br. David's mother passed away after a long fight with cancer.  I say not too unusual because in this year alone several parents of our friars have or are currently battling the deadly disease. What was unusual however was the experience of grace surrounding her passing. The extraordinary events which came subsequent to her death were, to be sure, a fruit of her constant self-offering.  In place of a typical wake service, Mary Frances (affectionately known as Frances) desired a time of praise and adoration.  Her body was laid out close to 7pm, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed soon after. The music ministry, composed of Br. David, Fr. Christopher and Fr. Anthony along with members of Br. David's old band from his pre-friar days, led us in worship, and Fr. Agostino, Fr. Ruben (Br. David's cousin) and myself made our selves available for confession.  There were over 500 people present: the line for confession was continuous.  Grace upon grace was experienced by so many.    

The Funeral Mass was not very different.  Although it was on a Friday morning, there were nearly the same number present.  The atmosphere was filled with joy and hope and there was a real sense of unity and solidarity.  One thing I think contributed to this is the solidarity that exists among the friars.  Often times we tell parents of friars who recently join that they are not losing a son but gaining so many.  Likewise, when a friar loses a father or mother, we all do.  To be sure, there is no sorrow like losing one's own mother.  I cannot say that I have undergone the same sorrow Br. David and his family are going through.  I can say that I have been able to enter into this event of death and hope more deeply than I have with even the close friends of my past:  the difference is now I enter into this moment with my brothers... together.  Frances' funeral lasted two hours yet the time seemed to pass so quickly.  The Mass was noble and very prayerful.  The Funeral director related to me in all sincerity that in his 20 years in the business he has never had this experience. 

Wisdom quote: "Although God demands a whole heart, He will accept a broken one if He gets all the pieces" (Mary Irving).