My mother is actively dying now. It has been a long hard path. Probably tomorrow she will go to the hospice. As she approaches her 91st birthday, she is finally succumbing to pulmonary fibrosis. I have reason to believe her other “dies natalis” is much nearer.
With this in mind, something happened today that I’ve prayed for for years.
Today, the local parish priest, a good friend by now, heard my mother’s confession, received her into Holy Catholic Church and confirmed her.
He was exactly the right priest for the questions and explanations. To him I will be always grateful.
As it turns out, her mother converted. Her only sibling, her brother converted. Her only child, her son converted and is a priest. She looked at me when I came into the hospital room after Father had left and, with a smile said, “I’m Catholic!”
The room was full of the scent of Holy Chrism and it was quite strong on her forehead as I went to her.
Her confirmation name is “John”.
I am not much for sharing lots of personal affairs on the blog, but this is one of those moments that must be announced from my roof top.
I am filled with gratitude as I can post this good news: my mother will be able to die with the graces of the sacraments. A great weight is off my heart.
Would you, dear readers, in your kindness, to continue to pray for my mother if you have done so, but also to offer to Almighty God a prayer of thanks?
Linger here, please, for just a moment with this ancient prayer of thanksgiving.
Deus, cuius misericordiae non est numerus, et bonitatis infinitus est thesaurus: piissimæ maiestati tuae pro collatis donis gratias agimus, tuam semper clementiam exorantes; ut qui petentibus postulata concedis, eosdem non deserens, ad praemia futura disponas. Per Christum Dominum nostrum
O God, whose mercy has no limit, and whose treasure of goodness is infinite: we give thanks to Your most gracious Majesty for the gifts You granted, ever beseeching Your clemency, that You who grant to petitioners the things they have asked for, never deserting them, will ready them for future rewards. Through Christ Our Lord.
If you don’t mind, I’ll keep the combox closed for this post. If you want to drop me a note, you know how.
Lastly, for the love of God, go to confession.
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