5 /5 Ellis Horton: My 93 y/o father moved to N. California just a couple months ago and because he didn’t belong to a parish , we had difficulty finding a church that would send their priest to my dad’s bedside to administer his last rights . When all seemed hopeless , I got a call from Father Michael to say that he will be at my father’s side in 20 minutes!
We were so relieved because it’s just about the only thing my father asked of me and that was to have a father visit with him .
Father Michael was so loving and very practical in his words and prayers . My father managed to break through the veil of pain management narcotics and reached out to hold Father me Michael’s hand .
It was beautiful and bittersweet at the same time. Thank you Father Michael. Thank you so very much for being there for my father .
My wife wrote the above and I just wanted to add the following:
First I am not Catholic and have never witness a last rite . Father Michael was so personable and loving. He treated my father in law and my wife and myself with compassion and love. The rite itself was not just a ritual but an act of love. I felt the presence of God. If I was catholic Father Michael’s parish is the one I would call home. He has the true essence of a man of God. Reminds me of the following;
"Were paying the highest tribute you can pay a man. We trust him to do right. Its that simple"
Harper Lee, from "To Kill A Mockingbird
