Thank you so much to each and every one of you. I'm not sure if he can get anointing because of the covid situation. We will not even be allowed into the hospital to see him unless he is dying. In any case, I don't think anointing of the sick is efficacious unless you have the willingness to go to confession if you pull through. Perhaps I am mistaken on this point. I will keep you all updated on his progress. Again thanks so much to everyone.
It is my understanding that the Sacrament has the power and authority to remove sins. Also I think it is being given. Maybe not in your parish but I bet if you asked around there are priests who would do it. Fr Seamus Griesbach (did I spell that right?) Is in the Portland area. He was the first to provide confession in the lockdown. We have a young priest in our parish who would be willing I bet.( he leaves us in August) but he has missionary zeal and a love of the sacraments. If you want more info let me know.
Nearly missed this thread. This will be my intention at tonight's online Mass and, with the help of God, tomorrow when I hope to actually attend Mass. God is good. He knows your Dad's heart and that it isn't pride keeping him from Confession.
Praetorian, I have a testimony that the anointing of the sick IS efficacious even without confession. Not the time to tell the true story now. But do ask your dad if you can ask a Priest to come and give him the sacrament, tell him it is for your peace of mind. That should encourage him to say yes, for your sake. When I got a Priest to visit both a brother and a sister who were in hospital around Christmas, he offered both of them in turn, absolution, Holy Communion and the sacrament of the sick. A good job he did, because my sister died 13th June an hour before the Priest when called, got to her bedside. Remembered you and your dad at online Mass again this morning. Saint Rock, pray for James Flanagan. Amen.
I just want to thanks everyone here who offered prayers for my father. Sorry I couldn't write back sooner, but we have been swamped here. So my dad went in for the testing today, but it is not great news. They were unable to put the camera in through either the veins in his legs or arms because he had too much artery plaque. So they did a chemical stress test and put a camera down his throat. It seems that the valve may not be as bad as they thought, which is good and bad. The valve is in serious, but not critical condition so it can last a while, but the bad news is that means that whatever is causing all of his other symptoms is probably a blockage somewhere else they can't see. The doctor said due to his age and infirmity open heart surgery is out. So basically at this point he was sent home to die. His opinion is that he may have up to a year or two if we are lucky. We are looking into other doctors, but it isn't looking very promising. I do thank you all from the bottom of my heart though. This is a great group of prayer warriors and you have never let me down. Maybe God will use the time he has left to turn his heart towards going to confession. I hope so. Thank you again everyone. God Bless, Sean
Oh, yes! God WILL work on him as you have said. You will see! I have witnessed this kind of thing happening not only in my own family but also with the people around me who have others in their lives who are faithful to prayer, trusting in God. Put it into the Rosary, and have Holy Masses said for him soon. I’ve always arranged 3 with each in honor of a different Person of The Blessed Trinity and each for a different petition. An example could be for: conversion of heart; a healing if it be God’s Will; and a happy death with everything attached to that blessed event. God bless you and comfort you—be strong in the Lord!
Sean, you can go online to Seraphic Mass Association and order Masses to be said. You can use a credit card for the Mass stipend and get the Mass card sent to an address or an E-card delivered to email. I have done this and it is very good! It is also beneficial to the priests.