Posted on 08/18/2009 5:51:24 PM PDT by tcg
I met him years later after he had been diagnosed with the cancer which would cause his death. That was also after he had made the most important decision in his life, the one which will always be primary in my personal memories of this man of convictions, he entered into full communion with the Catholic Church.
I remember that last encounter like it was yesterday. I was filled with the joy of the Lord after serving as a Deacon at the Mass presided over by Pope Benedict XVI in Washington, DC. With my alb and stole in my arms, I rounded the turn out of the stadium trying to make my way through the massive and exuberant crowd.
There he was, looking much older, with a yellow tone to his skin. I was dressed in clericals this time. Again I hesitated, knowing he was not physically well and not wanting to tire him any further. He was obviously winded. However, I knew I needed to tell him something. I turned to greet him, “What a gift this Pope is”, I said, to which he offered that smile, only this time it was even more full faced. “Amen to that” he replied. I looked into his eyes and told him, “I am praying for you.”
I remembered reading an interview in which he was asked how people were responding to his illness, “There's not much you can say. A lot of people say: "You're a tough guy and a fighter. You're gonna beat this." Well, I don't know if I will beat it. Being tough and a fighter have nothing to do with it. I guess the most helpful thing they can say, if they're a man or woman of faith, is to tell me they're praying for me.”
(Excerpt) Read more at catholic.org ...
Did he introduce the world to Valarie Plame
Valerie introduced herself; over and moreover. . .
I was praying for him. I didn’t let him know and now I think I should have. My lesson learned.
I just ordered his book, Prince of Darkness, for my Kindle.
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