Over the last 40 years Tom and Sue Cunningham have proven to be our closest friends. Like us they raised 6 children who had their moments, yet I believe the kids remain faithful to the Church. Such friendships are great, even though the the Cunninghams live in Cicero, NY, and attend a different Parish. Please pray for Tom as he nears death. I visited him last weekend in the hospital and and brought him Holy Communion. This week he has twice received the Anointing of the Sick from two different priests. His loving wife, Sue, is exhausted, but ever vigilant with him during the day. The local kids have stopped by and their 2 Out-of-State daughters who have 12 children between them flew in from Michigan to visit their local family. Much sorrow but great confidence in his soon-to-be appointment with Jesus! May he hear from the lips of Our Lord, "Good and faithful servant, be purified and come into the joy of my eternal Presence!"
I will include Tom and family in my prayers. Remember to remind them about receiving the Apostolic Pardon, if possible. The Apostolic Pardon is blessing with an indulgence that happens at the conclusion of the anointing of the sick if the recipient is in danger of death. The usual process is confession then anointing of the sick, and it is concluded with the Apostolic Pardon. While confession forgives the eternal punishment for sin, the indulgence attached to the Apostolic Pardon forgives temporal punishment due to sin. The words of the blessing said by the priest for the Apostolic Pardon are: By the authority given to me by the Apostolic See, I grant you a plenary indulgence and remission of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Through the sacred mysteries of human redemption, may almighty God release you from all punishments of the present life and of the life to come; may he open to you the gates of paradise, and lead you to everlasting joys. Amen.
Great advice! We were fortunate to have received it. Grateful we are still here but comforting to know now about this beautiful gift of our Church. We will keep Tom in our prayers for a holy passing
At my holy hour this morning Terry i will bring Tom and his family with me. " precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones"
Thanks for your prayers. I just texted his wife, Susan, and she has confirmed that Tom, who is no longer very responsive, has received an Apostolic Blessing from a priest this week! (remission of all temporal punishment). What a gift our Catholic Church and Faith are! Alleluia!
Thank you all for your prayers for Tom. He died in the wee hours of this morning shortly after midnight. Family was vigilant and present. From today's Gospel: Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
I do have to smile with a quiet joy. My son, Fr. Patrick, down in Atlanta, texted not 10 minutes ago, that he has offered this morning the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on behalf of Tom. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for Tom who has called out to you throughout his life. And cover the family with your Mantle of Maternal intercession.
Aww in a way when good holy people like this die it is hard to know if we should be sad or rejoice. The doors towards heaven opens. Prayers for his soul. I hope he passes through the Golden Gates quickly.
Yes, Padraig, Tom was one of those solid Catholic men: a Vietnam vet, a Dad of 6, a faithful hubby, a Bostonian Catholic, loved a round of golf; quiet (unlike yours truly who is a gabber until I put a collar on), thoughtful, prayerful, and a frequent Holy Mass go-er. Eternal rest grant to Tom Cunningham, O Lord; let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all faithful departed rest in peace. Amen!
