I wanted to share something that happened at Ryan's wake last night. I looked up at the doorway and saw our newest bishop on Long Island, Bishop Peter Libasci walking in. Now, by marriage, Mary Ellen is related to a pretty high ranking monsignor in our diocese, so I figured he must have called for the Bishop to pay a visit. I went over to greet the Bishop, since I felt somewhat of a connection... as a young priest he was assigned to the parish I grew up in and his first funeral there was my mother's. He also confirmed my niece, while still a priest, with a special dispensation. Last year, this time as a bishop, he confirmed my daughter with this same niece as a sponsor. Full circle!
The Bishop spent quite alot of time with the Barretts and at the end of the evening, after he had left, I spoke with the Monsignor and thanked him for arranging this visit. He looked at me puzzled and said "I had nothing to do with that. The Bishop said he had read in the paper that Ryan had wanted to be a priest. All priests are entitled to a visit from the Bishop at their wake!" Wow!
When I met Bishop Libasci at the door he said to me "I just had to come and see the little priest." Maybe because this is the year of the Priest, but this story really touched me and gives me incredible hope for the Church. Let's all continue to pray for our priests... new priests, seasoned priests, and future priests!
This is so beautiful, my prayers continue for teh Barretts.
Posted by: molly | August 18, 2009 at 06:37 AM
What a beautiful and touching moment. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Paula in MN | August 18, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Thank you for sharing. That was beautiful.
Posted by: KC | August 18, 2009 at 07:33 AM
What a beautiful moment! Thank you for sharing! Our prayers continue for the Barrett's and all who love them.
Posted by: Jennifer in TX | August 18, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Oh, that is just so beautiful! Crying tears of joy. Prayers continuing.
Posted by: Jennifer Gregory Miller | August 18, 2009 at 08:38 AM
crying some more...
just beautiful, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: amy | August 18, 2009 at 09:03 AM
The beauty of this tragic story knows know bounds. I am in awe, and even without ever having met this child, am so grateful to have "known" him. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story. And thanks be to God for sharing with us such a wonderful, much-too-short life.
Posted by: Eileen | August 18, 2009 at 09:51 AM
This is so beautiful. Our Lord is amazing! What a gift to his family. Thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: Ruth | August 18, 2009 at 12:45 PM
That is an absolutely beautiful gesture. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Terri | August 18, 2009 at 01:50 PM
This had me in tears. Beautiful.
Posted by: Jenny L. | August 18, 2009 at 03:01 PM
Absolutely incredible, God is so Good!!
Posted by: Account Deleted | August 19, 2009 at 08:32 AM
I was referred to this post by Jessica Gordon at Shower of Roses. Very beautiful story and thank you for sharing. I was just beginning to become familiar with Mary Ellen's work and the family. They have touched my heart tremendously. I want to do something special for them in relation to vocations and my Catholic lapbooks and am trying to find someone who knows them so I can determine the best way to set it up. Can you please contact me. Lindy Meyer questions@lapbooksforcatholics.com
Posted by: Lindy | August 19, 2009 at 11:36 AM
So very beautiful. We continue to pray for this dear, dear family....please give them our love!
Posted by: Maria P | August 19, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Oh, that is such a consoling story amidst the heartache! Thank you for sharing it with all of us!
Posted by: Jennifer Mackintosh | August 19, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Oh goodness, that's so lovely.
I don't think I've ever thought about, cried over and prayed more fervently for any family that I've never actually met as much as I have this one.
I'm crying again now.
God be very close to them.
Posted by: Clare | August 20, 2009 at 02:45 PM
How very beautiful.
Posted by: Karen Edmisten | August 21, 2009 at 02:59 PM