Richard "Rick" L. Blary - d. July 20, 2012

Richard "Rick" L. Blary, 57, of Heyworth, passed away on Friday, July 20, 2012 at his home. He was born September 18, 1954 in Danville, son of Donald Wayne and Elizabeth Jean "BJ" Jones Blary. He married Charlene M. Krieg on June 15, 1985 in Carthage, IL. Surviving are two daughters, Rachel (Michael) Wille of Bloomington and Katelyn Blary of Normal; one son, David Blary of Heyworth and two grandchildren, Kaleb Wille and Riley Bardon and his mother, Elizabeth "BJ" Killough of Danville. Also surviving are one brother, Donald (Mary) Blary, Jr of Michigan City, IN; two sisters, Janet (Gary) Shaw of Brownsburg, IN and Brenda (Ron) Cunningham of Meza, AZ and one step-brother, Tim (Candy) Killough of Danville, IL. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Blary; his step-father, Donald Killough and one sister, Patti Jo Blary. Rick worked for over 20 years with the Unit 5 Department of Transportation, retiring in 2004 as the director. A memorial visitation is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 27, 2012 at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, IL. Services will be private. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. The family has established a memorial tribute in Rick's memory at www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com. † Dona eis requiem.

Fr. Thomas Dubay - d. September 26, 2010

From an email I received today from Fr. Brian T. Austin, FSSP.

Thank you to the many folks who were so kind to write me and tell me of Fr. Thomas Dubay's passing on Sunday, 26 September.

Fr. Dubay was an outstanding priest, with an almost palpable love for the Lord. His books, lectures, and retreats all had the same theme - be immersed in prayer, in order to be transformed into the image of God. We will miss him, although we know that heaven is the brighter for his joyful presence.

A short account of his final days is here: http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2010/09/father-thomas-dubay-sm-rip.html

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon him!"

Taken from this site:

Father Thomas Dubay, S.M., R.I.P.
Fr. Z. is reporting the very sad news that Father Thomas Dubay, S.M., has died. Fr. Dubay was one of the great spiritual directors and writers of our times. May God grant him eternal peace and beatitude. More information to be posted as it comes available.

UPDATE: The following is from the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington, D.C., who cared for Father Dubay during his final days.

Rev Thomas Dubay, SM
RIP September 26, 2010

From Washington, DC:
This morning at 4:45, the Lord welcomed into His Kingdom Rev Thomas Dubay, SM, after suffering kidney failure and massive bleeding in the brain. Father’s frail health had been declining ever since his admission to the Little Sisters of the Poor home in Washington more than a year ago, but his suffering was even more noticeable in recent months. Despite this fact, Fr Dubay was just as witty as ever.

When Father’s superior, Fr. Bruce Lery, SM, called the Little Sisters on Sunday morning to tell them, he said, "We have a saint in heaven" –how true! Fr. Dubay was hospitalized about a month ago and then transferred to a rehabilitation facility for specialized treatments but his health was steadily declining. Yesterday he was re-admitted to the hospital with bleeding in the brain, and he was put in coronary intensive care. Although the ventilator was removed, he continued to breathe on his own.

Although he suffered from his loss of independence, he was happy to concelebrate Mass almost every day in the chapel of the Little Sisters Home in the shadow of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in our nation’s capital.

The Marist priests and brothers visited him almost daily, and Father depended very much on his superior, Fr. Bruce, who was always there for him. In a few words, Fr. Dubay literally practiced what he preached! Father was happy to give weekly classes to the Little Sister postulants –classes which he enjoyed as much as they! From his room, Father continued his spiritual direction with many persons who called on him and this also was extended to letter writing.

We can render prayers of thanksgiving for the wonderful support Father gave to religious communities spending a good part of his life giving conferences and retreats. Although his preaching and spiritual direction was delivered to contemplative communities, his teaching was not for them alone. Religious the world over benefitted of his spiritual wisdom and guidance for years. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace after leading so many souls to true spiritual peace during his lifetime! The opening prayer of today’s liturgy says it all: “Help us hurry toward the Eternal Life you promise and come to share in the joys of your kingdom”.

For more about Fr. Dubay's writings and work, see his author page at Ignatius Insight.

UPDATE (Sept. 28, 2010): Tim Drake has posted a piece for National Catholic Register in remembrance of Father Dubay.

I would also like to personally recommend Fr. Dubay's book entitled, Happy Are You Poor, it is an excellent and eye-opening read.



†Dona eis requiem.

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Laetare Seraphina Cunningham - d. 3/14/10

Laetare Seraphina was only about 7 weeks old when my wife had the miscarriage on Laetare Sunday, (hence the name.) We had the funeral service done April 22nd at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, with Fr. Terra, our pastor. Normally the people mentioned on this site are on here so that we can pray for them, but by reason of faith, have reason to believe that we have have a member of our direct family in heaven who can now intercede on behalf of the rest of us here on earth, so what a fitting name to have, "Laetare".

So, Laetare Seraphina, ora pro nobis.†

Kathleen McCambridge - d. Oct. 7, 2009

[Joseph Bright has] been in contact with Father Benoit Guichard, FSSP, administrator of Our Lady of Fatima Chapel in New Jersey where Father McCambridge is assigned. Father Guichard mentioned that Father McCambridge's mother died on Wednesday and her funeral Mass was this morning in Chicago (Arlington Heights).

If you wish to express condolences, send Mass cards, etc., Fathr Guichard said that Father McCambridge would receive them at the chapel's address:

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHAPEL
32 West Franklin Avenue
Pequannock, NJ 07440

Mrs. Kathleen McCambridge's obituary can be seen on the following website:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?n=kathleen-mccambridge&pid=134259870

May God bless you,
Joseph M. Bright

Talma Scorza - d. October 7th, 2009

A very good friend of mine sent me this email this morning:

"Talma Scorza, my Grandma, was very special to me. She passed away, on Wednesday, October 7th, the Feast of the Holy Rosary. She was very involved during my growing up years. And although she was a Protestant Christian, we celebrated the things we had in common regarding our belief in Christ. She was a faithful, silent servant, who we love and will deeply miss!"

Dona eis requiem. †

Jessie Hollins - d. 7/9/2009

[Jesse was a good man who I was fortunate enough to know for many, many years. Please add this to your site. Jesse was not a religious person as far as I know but he was a model of Christ-like living. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant him eternal peace in the glory of Heaven.

Feel free to edit this as you like. It is a bit long. I do not know his date of birth. He passed away on July 9th, 2009.]

--------------------------------------
Members of a Willis family are grieving the loss of one of their loved ones – a man who once played for the Chicago Cubs – after his body was discovered Friday afternoon in the Trinity River, where he apparently drowned.

Jesse Edward Hollins, 39, went missing Thursday afternoon below the Lake Livingston Dam while fishing with his brother, Stacey, and an unknown number of children. His body was found around 4 p.m. Friday very close to the area where he was reported to have entered the Trinity River, according to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department press release.

“The family is still over there trying to come to grips with the situation,” Willis Mayor Leonard Reed, Hollins’ uncle, said Friday morning.

TPWD game wardens responded to the call of a possible drowning around 3 p.m. Thursday, according to a TPWD press release. Hollins was fishing on the Polk County bank of the river when he disappeared.

The multi-agency search included the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Dive Team, which left at 5:30 a.m. Friday to assist, Lt. Bryan DuBose said.

Volunteers from Texas EquuSearch, a nonprofit group that assists law enforcement in search and rescue efforts, joined the search for Hollins late Thursday evening.

“Our group arrived around 10 p.m. and worked throughout the night,” said Mike Fitzpatrick, a search leader with Texas EquuSearch. “We brought in three boats to assist with those from local law enforcement.”

Also aiding in the search effort was the Trinity River Authority. John Jadrosich, public information officer, said officials reduced and redirected much of the water flow from the dam to reduce the strong water current in the search area.

The suspended discharge of the water from the lake aided searchers, who used side-scan sonar and divers to search an area of the Trinity River that is several hundred yards wide and between six and 12 feet deep, according to the TPWD press release.

“When Mr. Hollins went into the water they were still discharging into the dam,” TPWD spokesman Aaron Reed said. “It wasn’t a very high flow because of the drought, but when they began the search the Trinity River Association stopped the flow to help with the search.”

The popular fishing area also has a lot of debris, in which would be “pretty easy” to get tangled up, Texas Game Warden Capt. Shawn Phillips stated in the TPWD press release.

TPWD also had two boats with side-scan sonar, with a third in the way Friday morning, according to the release.

“We had a lot of help out here and everyone worked together really well,” Phillips stated in the release. “I’m glad we were finally able to make a recovery and that Mr. Hollins’ family can have some closure.”

The search also included the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which did not return a phone call seeking comment, and Scenic Loop Volunteer Fire Department, which was unavailable for comment.

A graduate of Willis High School, Hollins was a “stand-out athlete,” Reed said, who played baseball and football at WHS.

After being drafted in the 40th round of the 1988 amateur draft, Hollins made his pitching debut with the Chicago Cubs Sept. 19, 1992, at the age of 22, according to Baseball-Reference.com. He pitched four games for the club.

“It was a good experience,” Reed said of Hollins’ time with the Cubs. “We were very excited for him and proud he made it to the major leagues.”

Most recently, Hollins, with others in the community, organized Sunday evening softball games in Willis, Reed said.

“He was the kind of guy who would do anything you asked him to do,” Reed said. “He was someone a lot of children could look up to.”

Eddie Ruth Lagway, a longtime Willis resident, said Hollins was involved with the youth in Willis.

“He was a true role model and a very respectable role model,” Lagway said. “He’s going to be very well missed.”




--------------------------------------

† Dona eis requiem.

Manuel Enrique Fernandez - d. 4/3/2009

This was submitted to me by my Mother-in-law and wife:

[Manuel] was 88 years old. His sisters names are Carmen and Amada. He lived in Panama all of his life and he is survived by his wife and children. His father was from Spain and his mother was Panamanian.

Dona eis requiem. †

Right Reverend Monisgnor MOISES BERNARDINO ANDRADE, S.Th.D., S.Th.L. 23rd of September 1948 to 23rd of February 2009

It is with great sadness that I share the news the passing of the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Moises Andrade, S.T.L. at 4:30 A.M. after suffering a massive stroke last Thursday afternoon. Condolences to the family and close friends of our beloved spiritual father and adviser, Msgr. Andrade.

In paradisum deducant te Angeli: in tuo adventu suscipiant te Martyres, et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem. Chorus Angelorum te suscipiat, et cum Lazaro quondam paupere aeternam habeas requiem.

John K. Bestor 12/15/1921 - 10/5/2008

The grandfather of a very close friend of mine passed away this weekend:

John K. Bestor, 86, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2008. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, at Redemptorist Catholic Church, 3333 Broadway, KCMO. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A private burial will follow Mass. John Bestor was born on Dec. 15, 1921, in Plattsmouth, Neb., to Frank and Frances (Hiber) Bestor. John attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Law School in Lincoln. He served in the Army and was discharged in 1953 as a Captain of Artillery. John worked as a lawyer at Stinson, Mag and Fizzell for over 50 years, representing corporations in labor matters. He was a member of the Missouri Bar and the Arbitrators Association. John enjoyed practicing law and investing in the stock market. He was a big supporter of Scholarship Funds and one of the oldest season ticket holders of both the Royals and Chiefs. John is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert H. of Ashland, Ore.; and his first wife, Fritzi Bestor. He is survived by his wife, Lorena of KCMO; son, John Bestor of Overland Park, Kan.; daughter, Susan Copeland of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a sister, Lois Neuzil of Wood River, Neb. Left behind to cherish his memory are four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren and many friends.

† Dona eis requiem.

Next Requiem Mass for GRANT THEM REST

I just got word from Fr. Fryar that the next requiem mass will be on Thursday the 25th of September. Just wanted to give you a heads-up.

Pax.

Eileen Margaret Worrall 9/6/1922 - 9/17/2008

This morning I received a request from Matt Doyle on behalf of his wife's grandmother Eileen who died this morning. Below is the entry taken from his blog, Lacrimarum Valle:


"Please pray for the repose of the soul of Wendy's Grandmother, who died peacefully in Lancashire Hospital in the early hours of this morning. She was 86 years old, and left 2 daughters, 4 granddaughters, and 3 great-granddaughters (with 2 more great-grandchildren on the way).

She was a noble woman whom I will remember most affectionately as calling me "Dr Doyle" from the first time we met; me, a humble medical student! She spent all her working life as a nurse and Matron, training at the Birmingham General Hospital in the midst of the Second World War."

Subveníte Sancti Dei, occúrrite Angeli Dómine, Suscipiéntes ánimam ejus, Offeréntes eam in conspéctu Altísimi.
Suscípiat te Christus, qui vocávit te, et in sinum Abrahæ Angeli dedúcant te. Suscipiéntes ánimam ejus, Offeréntes eam in conspéctu Altíssimi.

Come to her assistance, all ye Saints of God: meet her, all ye Angels of God: receiving her soul, offering it in the sight of the Most high.
May Christ receive thee, who hath called thee, and may the Angels conduct thee to Abraham’s bosom. Receiving her soul and offering it in the sight of the Most High.

Dona eis requiem. †

Baptismal font restored and dedicated to...

This morning I received the following email:

Thank you for this wonderful ministry! I know that it brings hope and consolation to so many, and is a great help to the suffering souls. I just wanted to share these pictures with you, and you readers...I recently had this baptismal font restored, and dedicated to inspire prayers for the soul of one of your members, Doug Keller, who I enrolled a month or so ago. Thanks and God bless you!
Michael Belusko

Requiem Mass for August

I apologize for not posting when Masses were said in the past, but I will start doing so from now on. Today at 6:30am Fr. Kenneth Fryar, FSSP celebrated a Requiem Mass for all those listed on Grant Them Rest.


(Yes I know, this photo is not very good, but my camera phone doesn't have zoom.)

† Dona eis requiem.

Considering donations - Need feedback

I have tossed the idea around in my head for a while now to leave the option open for those who would like to give donations for this site. The donations could go towards the stipend for the Masses said for all those listed on GRANT THEM REST, (however I already do this, so the only reason for donations to this end would be for those who would like to contribute their own personal sarifice as well), or they could be for any of you who would like to help my parish (actually it is only a mission at this point) get its own church building. I am a member of Mater Misericordiae Mission in Phoenix, AZ, and the pastor of MMM is Fr. Fryar, F.S.S.P., (I have mentioned before that he is the priest that I have offering the Masses for those on this site.) We are currently 'renting' space at St. Thomas the Apostle in Phoenix, and we have a building committee that has been looking into options, but our main obstacle is funding. With about 250 members, and many of us earning below average income, we are far from reaching anywhere near the amount of funds we need to see our goals realized.

Again I am just posting this to get some feedback from those who read this site, I never had any intentions to receive any donations in any way when I created this site, it just was something I had in my mind and I wanted to give the opportunity to those who may feel interested/called to do so.

Please feel free to either leave comments here, or to email me directly with your thoughts.

-------------------------

PS~ You can visit the webpage to Mater Misericordiae Mission here: http://phoenixlatinmass.com/



And here are some articles of MMM in the news for your edification:

FSSP offers traditional Mass at historic mission
The Remnant, 2007.12.25
Article not available online as of 2008.1.06.

Spreading the Good News in an old way: Latin Mass draws faithful to beauty, mystery
Catholic Sun, J.D. Long Garcia, 2007.12.20
For the first time in nearly 40 years, Catholics celebrated the Latin-language Tridentine Mass at the historic San Xavier del Bac Mission. Members of Mater Misericordiae Mission, which offers the extraordinary form of the Roman rite, traveled to the Franciscan mission Dec. 8 to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. (Photos 1-10: San Xavier Del Bac-Latin Mass)

Pope liberalizes Latin Mass: Guidelines make Tridentine Mass more accessible
Catholic Sun, Andrew Junker, 2007.07.19
The silence, ritual and prayer can lend a more transcendent nature to the Mass and attracts Catholics of all ages, said Fr. Kenneth Fryer, FSSP, pastoral administrator for Mater Misericordiae Mission, which celebrates the extraordinary form of the Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. The extraordinary form “expresses itself perhaps in a more sublime way,” he said, explaining why younger people who never grew up with the 1962 Missal are attracted to it.

First Tridentine Mass in Phoenix, AZ a big hit!
Net-Abbey.org, 2004.06
June 6, 2004, the Feast of the Holy Trinity was a special day in another way for the diocese of Phoenix Arizona. After the Latin Mass has not been allowed for 40 years, the Feast of the Holy Trinity was celebrated by a solemn High Mass according to the 1962 Missal. The Mass was made possible by a group of volunteers and the new Bishop of the diocese of Phoenix, Thomas Olmsted.

Sharon L. Woodard - d. 7/1/2008

Today I received a letter in the mail from my auto insurance company (State Farm) notifying me of my agent's death. Here is the obituary I found for her online:

Age 61, of Tempe, AZ, passed away suddenly on July 1, 2008. She was born in Waukegan, IL. She graduated from Waukegan High School and attended Southern Illinois University prior to moving to Arizona. She was a long time State Farm Insurance agent in Mesa and Tempe, AZ. She was very active in the Golden Retriever Rescue Group. Sharon is survived by her mother, Florence; brother, William; two nieces, Laura and Lisa; and great-nephew, Kainan.

She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon.

Arrangements were entrusted to Regency Mortuary, Sun City, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sharon's name to Rescue a Golden of Arizona, P.O. Box 31894, Phoenix, AZ 85046-1894.

Dona eis requiem. †

Stephen J. Richardson - d. 7/21/1992

An email that I received today:

I was recently referred to your blog during a discussion with an 'online' friend. During the course of a 'conversation' in which I was relating to him about the passing of the dearly beloved father of my daughter, my friend recommended that I contact you and he proceeeded to outline the service you so geneously offer for the comfort of the grieving and the souls of our dear departed loved ones.

I would therefore ask that you please remember in your prayers, the soul of Stephen John Richardson.

I have recently made a video tribute to Steve which can be viewed here. Please find attached the last photograph that was taken of Steve and our daughter, in 1992.... a week before he died on the 21st July, aged just 25 years.

My God bless your endeavour.

Debbie Scalise

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Dona eis requiem. †
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James Grandjean 4/17/1940 - 6/30/2008

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

James "Jim" Dennis Grandjean entered this life on April 17, 1940, in Slaton, Texas, to parents Jules and Tillie Grandjean. He was called to be with the Lord on June 30, 2008, while cradled in the arms of his wife and sons.

Jim came from humble beginnings, but his family instilled in him the value of education and the opportunity for change it might bring. Jim was graduated by Trona High School in 1957 (his proudest achievement).

Jim was on active duty in the Navy reserves from 1963 to 1965, where he traveled to far-eastern locations such as Japan, Australia, Thailand and Vietnam. Upon his return to the United States, Jim studied at San Francisco State University and was graduated with honors 1968. He was later awarded a Juris Doctor degree from Hastings College of the Law in 1971.


Shortly after graduation, he served as chief counsel and executive director of Alaska Legal Services where he supervised 40 attorneys in 12 different offices. He also served as counsel to the Alaska State Legislature while working concurrently with a private civil litigation firm. He met his wife (and "best friend") Susan in Anchorage, where she worked as a legal secretary and clerk. Their marriage in 1977 ultimately yielded three sons, Jules, Alain and James.

Because Jim could never forget his early struggles against poverty and to receive an education, he was moved to return to the southwest in 1983. He began practicing concurrently in both Arizona and New Mexico, running a private office, which often refused to bill clients for services provided. He spent the last 20 years of his life tirelessly helping the indigent receive legal representation in both civil and criminal matters. He considered himself a "humble country lawyer" who believed in helping those who would not be helped otherwise.

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan, and his three sons, Jules, Alain and James, whom he loved immensely and often referred to as his "guardian angels." He is also survived by his brother Darrell (Angie) Grandjean, sisters Sandie (Ron) Lane and Claudia (Rios); and a wonderful extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2008, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Fleury in Prescott. A Rosary will precede it at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home, corner of Cortez and Carlton, with a greeting time at 5 p.m. Memorials in Jim's name can be made to St. Vincent De Paul and the Judians of Sacred Heart Parish, care of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

You are invited to log onto www.ruffnerwakelin.com to view a tribute to Jim, sign his guestbook and share a memory.



Information provided by survivors.

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Dona eis requiem. †

Stephen E. Woolley 11/28/1956 - 4/14/2008

When I got home from daily Mass this morning I had two emails with regards to GRANT THEM REST; the first one was concerning the recognition of one of the earlier submissions to this blog, and the second is as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam

Thank you for providing such a wonderful ministry or prayer. May God bless and reward you for your love and care.

Would it be possible to add my late friend, STEPHEN EDWARD WOOLLEY to the list?

His dates are: 28 November 1956 to 14 April 2008.

The following is the words of remembrance read at his funeral:

Panegyric – Stephen Edward Woolley

Si monumentum requiris, circumspice. If you seek his memorial, look around you.

While these words famously commemorate Sir Christopher Wren and his greatest work, S Paul’s Cathedral; they do, nonetheless, say something about Stephen and his connection with this building.

In 1996, Stephen was invited by the then administrator, Fr Tony Hughes, to help raise £500,000 for the restoration of this cathedral. As in all things, Stephen undertook the task with great proficiency and enthusiasm. Coordinating the diocese-wide raffle, he convinced Seat to donate a brand new car, as well as a host of other valuable prizes from other donors. Many here today, will remember the great flower and vestment exhibition, which ended with the diocesan family fun day, during which Stephen was awarded the Diocesan Medal by Bishop Crispian. He convinced museums and private owners to lend valuable vestments and first class relics; several celebrities appearing at Chichester responded to his appeal and gave their support to the cathedral; the TV cameras rolled in and opened up the cathedral to the nation. He also brought an ecumenical angle to the celebrations by inviting local churches and neighbouring cathedrals to assist in the decoration of this great church and indeed, many still talk about Winchester Cathedral’s towering flower arrangements, standing either side of the old tabernacle in the apse.

But it wasn’t just to the cathedral that this loyal son of the Church gave his time and effort. He assisted with the production of the diocesan newspaper, ‘Portsmouth People’, and was responsible for its transformation from a black and white to a full colour publication in 1999. For a few years, he also helped in this cathedral’s day centre for the elderly and will be remembered as the one who made the most magnificent home-made lemon meringues and other cakes— a gift which he always claimed from his mother and grandmother.
Stephen was a man, driven by an ethic of hard work, kindness and loyalty. If a cause deserved his attention, then he made time and worked tirelessly for its success. Many here today will have had personal experience of his charitable works, which, even after his untimely death, will continue with his long-term sponsorship of children in Malawi through the charity, World Vision. But Stephen was more than just a kind man. His dedication to this work was apostolic in its foundation: faith, hope and love motivated his daily life and ensured that whatever he did for someone, it was in a spirit of Christian love and not tainted by self-advancement. Stephen’s faith was Easter-focused, as may be seen from the order of service for this Mass, which is based closely on Stephen’s specific instructions and which show clearly that death is swallowed up by the victory of the Resurrection.
Stephen had a great love of music and liturgy. Having started his musical ‘career’ as a chorister at Chester Cathedral under the directorship of Roger Fisher; he continued to sing as a lay clerk at Southwark Cathedral, while at Kings College, where he met one of his musical heroes, Harry Bramah.

In his work-a-day life, Stephen was also highly conscientious and generous. After testing his vocation for the Anglican ministry, he decided to enter the world of retail work, where he soon rose through the ranks, becoming a manager of a national chain of newsagents. Feeling the call again, he returned to university to continue his Theology degree, but once again, decided that the time was not right for him to enter the ministry and so returned to the world of work, becoming an assistant general manager in a company dealing with the new and exciting world of mobile communications. It was amusing to watch public reaction as he carried his heavy work “Transportable” mobile ‘phone around with him. More reminiscent of a military field ‘phone, it filled the mid-1980s observer with astonishment and envy. With modern mobile ‘phones the size of a credit card, it just shows how quickly technology moves on. Headhunted by Ferranti in 1988, he became operations manager of the newly formed Ferranti Creditfone, which was to become Rabbit and then Orange. In 1989, Stephen received instruction from his long-term friend, Fr Denis McSweeny and was subsequently received into the Catholic Church at Our Lady of Lourdes in Milton Keynes.

Having decided to follow the self-employment path, Stephen founded a pilgrimage tour company, which, while small in size, became respected for the bespoke nature of its itineraries. During the Holy Year of S James in 1993, only Stephen’s pilgrims made it into the cathedral for the closing Mass, while all the big British companies’ pilgrims had to make do with large TV screens outside. Similarly, when Prinknash Abbey wanted to arrange a Benedictine Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, it was to Stephen they turned and he arranged a pilgrimage for over ninety pilgrims.

Following his move to the south coast, Stephen worked a while for Stagecoach and then, with other investors, purchased the Sandringham Hotel on Southsea seafront. His last move was to be in March 2006, when, together with a friend, he bought the Fernbank Hotel in Shanklin. With an open door policy to his many friends, he welcomed them to what was his favourite enterprise. Many here will remember his fiftieth birthday party in 2006 and also last year’s Christmas party for friends. It is with regret, that he had so little time to enjoy the Fernbank; but in the short time that it was his, he turned a once failing business around and gained great respect from guests and colleagues alike.

The cathedral referred to is S John's Cathedral in Portsmouth, UK. Attached is a picture of Stephen with the then Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Elaine Baker.

Thank you again for this.

God bless

Philip Andrews

† Dona eis requiem.

Doug Keller 4/7/42 - 12/19/04

Received this email last night.

Doug Keller was born on April 7, 1942 and departed December 19, 2004. He was a major business man in the North East Ohio community, and helped many people in need. He was a kind soul and loved by all who knew him. His entire life was marked with style and grace. He was an artist designing many beautiful pieces. A major statue shipped from Italy and a wonderful garden has been erected in Akron, Ohio in Doug's honor. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Doug Keller. Please pray a Rosary for Doug and please offer an Indulgence for him. Thank you and God bless you!
~M.B.

Requiescat in pace. †

James Francis Russo 7/28/1965 - 11/15/2007

I received an email last night with the following message:

...he suffered greatly for the last two years of his life. He also suffered because he left an eight year old daughter that he loved more than life. He did not want to leave her without his guidance and protection. Please pray that he finds peace and is able to intercede through Our Lord and our Blessed Mother for her on her long journey of life without him. Please pray that his extreme suffering while living mitigates some of his debt for sins and that his time in purgatory is not long. Please pray that I find the peace to accept this loss and that I can feel the assurance that he is resting happily in Heaven with Jesus, Mary and all the saints forever. Thank you.

Requiescat in pace. †

Gerald and Becky Pearson

Gerald and Becky Pearson are the parents of a personal friend of mine. Gerald was born July 16, 1945 and died February 11, 2004. Becky was born March 7, 1956 and died January 25, 2008.

Please pray for the repose of their souls, as well as the comforting of their daughter!



De Profundis (Ps. 129)

1 canticum graduum de profundis clamavi ad te Domine
2 Domine exaudi vocem meam fiant aures tuae intendentes in vocem deprecationis meae
3 si iniquitates observabis Domine Domine quis sustinebit
4 quia apud te propitiatio est propter legem tuam sustinui te Domine sustinuit anima mea in verbum eius
5 speravit anima mea in Domino
6 a custodia matutina usque ad noctem speret Israhel in Domino
7 quia apud Dominum misericordia et copiosa apud eum redemptio
8 et ipse redimet Israhel ex omnibus iniquitatibus eius

1 Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord:
2 Lord, hear my voice. Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
3 If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it.
4 For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord. My soul hath relied on his word:
5 My soul hath hoped in the Lord.
6 From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
7 Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful redemption.
8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Morris Payne - d. 9/27/2007

I am sorry that this is late a few days, but I received this email on the 27th:

Just received word that my wife's grandpa passed on this morning. May the soul of Morris Payne rest in peace. I am looking for a picture, but I realize that we don't have many pictures of him. That seems to sum him up. A quiet and very reserved man. Didn't want too much fuss made over him. He died at the advanced age of 93.

Please pray for the repose of his soul.

Fr. Richard J. Rego, S.T.L. - d. 7/30/07

Fr. Rego, Chaplain of the Saint Gianna Latin Mass Community in Tucson, AZ, has suddenly passed away at the age of 72. Fr. Rego was a frequent guest on Catholic Answers and ran a blog that was posted to occasionally. However, on July 25th he posted three articles (his first posts since May). Please pray for the repose of his soul. Click here to read his final messages.

The following is taken from the St. Gianna Latin Mass Community website:

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved father, teacher, confessor, and friend. Father Rego died on Monday, July 30, in the year of Our Lord 2007 at St. Mary’s hospital in Tucson, AZ. Though God the Father, in His wisdom, called His faithful priest to judgment, Father Rego will live forever in the hearts of those he touched on earth. Father never wavered from preaching the truth. He taught us about Catholic faith and would have made St. Paul proud, for he did it both “in season and out of season.” He reiterated time and time again the importance of the obedience of faith, frequent confession, frequent communion, praying the rosary, and a deep devotion for Our Blessed Mother. Most especially he modeled for us, a reverence and awe for “the gift beyond compare,” Our Lord Jesus, really present, truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

Father Rego had a deep devotion for the Traditional Latin Mass. Such devotion was proven on a weekly basis when he traveled 300 miles round trip from Ajo, AZ for almost 10 years to offer the Traditional Latin Mass. In the end, Father succeeded in establishing St. Gianna’s, a place for those of us who equally share in the reverence and solemnity of the Latin Mass. His message of truth reached thousands via the internet and his many appearances on Catholic radio.

We commend to Thee, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant Fr. Richard Joseph Rego, and we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, that as in mercy to him, Thou becamest man, so now Thou wouldst vouchsafe to admit him to the bosom of Thy Patriarchs. Remember, O Lord, he is Thy creature, not made by strange gods, but by Thee, the only living and true God, for there is no other but Thee, and none that can equal Thy work. Let his soul rejoice in Thy presence, and remember not his former iniquities and excesses, which he has fallen into, through the violence of passion and the corruption of his nature. For although he has sinned, yet he has always firmly believed in the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; he has had a zeal for Thy honor, and faithfully adored Thee as his God, and the Creator of all things.

May Mary the most merciful Virgin Mother of God, kindest comforter of them that mourn, commend to her Son the soul of this His faithful priest, that through her maternal intercession, he may overcome the dread of death and, with her as guide, joyfully reach his longed for home in the heavenly fatherland. Amen.

There will be a viewing and Rosary on Friday, August 3, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone St., Tucson, AZ. There will be a Solemn High Requiem Mass on Saturday, August 4, at 1:30 p.m., also at St. Augustine Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, Father requested donations be made to St. Gianna Latin Mass Community.

Audio recordings by Fr. Rego

Here is a youtube video of the homily Fr. Rego gave when we were in Tuscon.

Fr. Richard J. Rego, Requiescat in Pace

FN Paul Hawkins - d. 3/12/07

FN Paul Hawkins, from the Bisbee Knights of Columbus Mother Lobe, was called back home to the Father yesterday at 1000 hours. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Thank you - Vivat Jesus

First Mass for those listed...

The first Mass has been said as of Thursday, February 8th, for all those listed here on Grant Them Rest, it was said by Fr. Michael Goodyear, LC, and he will continue to do so on a monthly basis.

Please remember to keep everyone listed here in your prayers.

Pax tecum.

Theresa Little Flower and Joseph Marie Koinzan

An email I received today (yesterday):

Theresa Little Flower Koinzan was born dead 31 weeks after conception on Mother's Day 2006. She is our gift to the Blessed Virgin Mary for Mother's Day. We are honored to have such a beautiful gift to present to our Heavenly Mother.

Joseph Marie Koinzan was born dead 14 weeks after conception on Nov. 6th, 2006. Joseph has shown us how perfect life is from the moment of conception. He was consacrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus while still in the womb.

We are honored to have two little Saints to pray for us always.

Eternal rest grant unto them Oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May our babies rest in peace. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

+Requiescant in pace.

Sir Knight James B. Joly - d. 1/31/07

Sir Knight James B. Joly, Faithful Admiral, Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator and Former District Deputy passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 31, 2007. Sir Knight Joly was the Founding Faithful Captain and Assembly Commander of the Msgr. Bernard G. Collins Assembly. SK Joly was also the editor of the KOCOA state newsletter for many years.

A Rosary and Chalice Ceremony will be held on Friday, February 2, 2007, at 7:00pm. Sir Knights in Regalia are asked to assemble at 6:30pm. The Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 9:00am. The honor Guard will assemble at 8:30am before the Mass of Resurrection. Both ceremonies will take place at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 2213 N. Lindsay Rd, Mesa AZ 85213.

Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May our brother Jim rest in peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Please pray for the repose of his soul.

+JMJ

John Bianco - 1/28/07

A good friend passed this along to me this morning (taken from angelqueen.org):

My fiancee, the love of my life, John Bianco died on Sunday of sudden cardiac arrest. We were to be wed in a tridentine high Mass this April. He was 32.

We were just having a conversation and he suddenly stopped breathing. I called the paramedics and he was transported to the ER, but there was nothing they could do.

I managed to get him conditional Last Rites, but he was already dead when the priest arrived. He needs all the prayers for his soul that he can get. He read this forum nearly everyday and I'm sure he would appreciate all your prayers.

I, too, could use your prayers as I struggle to find meaning in all of this. It seems so cruel that God would take him away three months before we were to marry. We all have crosses to bare, but this is one I cannot bare alone.

I am struggling to find how this all fits into His Divine Plan.

So, I beg all of you, get out your rosaries, if you know priests have masses said for him, offer up your Communions and indulgences, please, please, pray for the repose of the soul of my John. He was a good man, a good traditionalist Catholic, and he will truly be missed.

Thank you all.
Amanda

Amanda, rest assured that he will be in our prayers and that masses will be said for him as well (as they are said for all the members of Grant Them Rest.

+Requiescat in pace.

Marie Giardina: 1/9/1958 - 4/21/1992

Here is another email I received this weekend:

Marie Giardina was #5 of 10. She was born Jan 9th 1958 and died April 21 1992
Her passing is a lost link in a great chain yet one that extends to a greater place.
Her soul rests in purgatory.
With passing of Pope John Paul, I felt her spirit move closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.
With the committed intentions of our family and all those who pass this way, she shall rest in peace.
His way is the Truth and the Light.

Please pray for the repose of her soul.

+JMJ

Abbott Patrick C. Shelton, O.S.B. & Father David J. Draim, O.S.B.

The Reverend Abbott Patrick Shelton, O.S.B., and the Reverend David Draim, O.S.B. were killed at 3:55 p.m. yesterday in a car accident. Please pray for the repose of their souls!

Here is the Press Release from St. Leo Abbey.

(Also please include prayers for St. James the Greater Catholic Church, in the Diocese of Charlotte, the Benedictine Abbey of St. Leo in Florida, and Belmont Abbey in North Carolina.)


+JMJ

Gregorian Masses

What are they?

Gregorian Masses are thirty Masses said at any altar for thirty consecutive days for the deliverance of a certain soul from Purgatory. The pious practice of having these Masses celebrated for the deliverance of the souls from Purgatory was not first introduced by Saint Gregory the Great, who was sovereign Pontiff from 590 to 604, but precedes his time. However, they are called Gregorian Masses because St. Gregory contributed to the spread of this pious practice. In his Dialogues the Saint tells us that he caused to be said thirty Masses on thirty consecutive days for the repose of the soul of Justus, a monk who had died in the convent of St. Andrew in Rome. At the end of the thirtieth Mass, the deceased appeared to his brother, Copoosus, who had assisted him as a physician in his last illness, and announced that he had been delivered from the flames of Purgatory.

In their “Lives of the Saints” the Bollandists tell us that on the thirtieth day Saint Gregory himself was assured of the deliverance of the soul of Justus. And an inscription in the church of SS. Andrew and Gregory, which Rome erected on the spot of the dwelling of the holy Pontiff, confirms the fact.

Saint Gregory, as we read of his life, was also instructed by God Himself in the efficacy of these thirty Masses and he recommended the practice on various occasions.

In the life of St. Vincent Ferrer, we read that he had thirty consecutive Masses celebrated for his deceased sister and saw her delivered from Purgatory.

Pope Benedict XIII lauded this pious practice of having thirty Masses said for each soul that has departed from this life.

In Italy, France, Spain, Germany and especially England, which was converted by missionaries sent by St. Gregory, it was an established custom previous to the Reformation and the French Revolution, to have thirty consecutive Masses said for each departed soul. In a number of old churches in Europe, altars dedicated to St. Gregory and the Poor Souls are to be found. Many old paintings are still preserved attesting the same fact.

Several Religious Orders have it specified in their rules and Constitutions that thirty Gregorian Masses are to be said for every deceased member. The Carmelites, Dominicans, Nuns of the Visitation, and others follow this practice. A very old edition of the Dominican Missal contains special prayers for the Gregorian Masses.

-Rules for Gregorian Masses

-How to arrange a Gregorian Mass

The Reality of Purgatory

The existence of Purgatory is defined as a dogma of the Church by both the Council of Florence and the Council of Trent. Thus it is obligatory for all Catholics who wish to remain in communion with the Church to accept and believe in the existence of Purgatory. The Council of Trent further defined that the souls detained in Purgatory are able to be assisted by the faithful on earth especially by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass - see Council of Trent Session XXV.

From other credible sources:

Holy Scripture

Fathers of the Church

The Great Saints

Private Revelation

(Hat Tip to: knocknovena.com)

The Holy Card

I received this poem entitled, The Holy Card, today in an email from one of my new readers:

Five a.m., my coffee,
Rosary in my hands,
All upon my lap-desk,
My soul inhales, expands.

And then I spy the HOLY card,
Upon my desk it lay.
A relic, token, keepsake,
Memento for the day,

From those who’ve gone before us,
We hope decked out in grace,
And yet, so often, leave their cards,
Sometimes in strangest place.

One side…their names and dates,
The other, Christ or Saint,
Prayers to persevere for them,
Make sacrifice, don’t faint.


So when you spot such HOLY cards,
Behind it is a story,
That you’ve been chosen, asked to help,
Free souls from Purgatory!

JMJ
"Long-skirts"

Friends of the Suffering Souls

This was taken from knocknovena.com, it relates very much with the purpose of this blog and I highly recommend that you spend some time there and consider being a Friend of the Suffering Souls.







KNOCK - OUR NOVENA

Our organization really owes its existence to the apparitions of Our Lady at Knock in Ireland on Thursday the 21st of August 1879. On that day at about 8pm in the evening Our Blessed Mother appeared to 14 people at the Parish church of Knock. This occurred just after the saintly parish priest, Venerable Archdeacon Cavanagh, had completed 100 consecutive Masses for the souls in Purgatory. It is generally understood that, apart from its other significance, this was a sign of approval from Our Lady of this work done by Archdeacon Cavanagh for the Holy Souls.

OUR BEGINNING

In the early eighties a group of people in Australia, in imitation of what Archdeacon Cavanagh had done, got together and each made a contribution in order to raise a stipend to have 100 consecutive Masses said for the benefit of the souls in Purgatory. That there does exist a Purgatory is a dogma of the Church and that the best way to assist the souls in Purgatory is by having Mass said for them is defined by the Council of Trent.

After the first novena was completed another was organized and still another and out of these efforts came to exist the Friends of the Suffering Souls, each member undertaking to have one Mass said each year for the souls in Purgatory. This Mass is offered on behalf of the whole organization and therefore, because of the number of members, there is a continuous novena of several Masses each day being offered on behalf of the organization for the benefit of the souls in Purgatory. Each Mass is offered for all of the Holy Souls but with a special commemoration for deceased members.


OUR PRESENT STATE

There are now 12,000 members throughout the world. Most of these are in Australia but we also have members in 64 other countries including South Africa, Scotland, England, Ireland, United States, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Japan, India, Canada, Italy, Spain, Papua New Guinea and Nigeria. Details of our membership can be seen on our Members page. Each member organizes his own Mass with a priest chosen by the member. Each member has to confirm for us that he or she has in fact organized the Mass. Our postal address is:

FRIENDS OF THE SUFFERING SOULS
PO Box 73
HELENSBURGH NSW 2508
AUSTRALIA


BENEFITS TO MEMBERS

As a result of belonging to the organization each member receives the following benefits:

1.

In spiritual matters the merit is multiplied by participation and not divided. Therefore each member receives the same merit as if he had arranged each and every individual Mass himself.

2.

The many souls who benefit from this great number of Masses will be eternally grateful and will pray for the interests of members whilst they are in Purgatory and when they are released into Heaven. They will never forget the members because the members did not forget them.

3.

All of the Masses are offered for all of the souls in Purgatory but especially for deceased members. Therefore after a member's death his or her soul will enjoy the benefit of every single Mass organized by this organisation. If a deceased member has to pass through Purgatory, as most of us will, then they will be grateful they took care of others so that now others take care of them.


WHY THE HOLY SOULS NEED HELP

Unfortunately many people underestimate both the duration and the intensity of Purgatory. These matters are not defined by the Church but the teachings of the fathers and private revelations should be sufficient to convince us in both these matters.

Private revelation and the past practices of the church indicate clearly that many souls spend a very long time in Purgatory. Our Blessed Lord Himself is quite clear about the fact that His justice requires that every fault, even the smallest as well as the largest, be paid for before our release. So he says in Matt. 5:26 - "Amen, I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repayest the last farthing".

With regard to the intensity of the sufferings Our Blessed Mother told the saintly French priest, Father Lemy, that it is better to spend 15 years dragging your weight on earth rather than to spend 15 minutes in Purgatory.

For further information on the sufferings of purgatory see our Links page and also our own page on Purgatory.


OUR POSITION UNDER CANON LAW

Under Canon Law "all Christian faithful have the right to promote or to sustain apostolic action by their own undertakings" ..Canon 207(1). To that end, "The Christian faithful are free, by means of private agreement made among themselves, to establish associations" to carry out various apostolic works...Canon 299.

Maria Gloria Mercure: 5/7/1938 - 5/2/2000

CLICK HERE to read a Tribute written by her son, Michael.


As always, pray for the repose of her soul.

+JMJ

Mortuum Mundo...Vivum in Christo

I have another blog, Mortuum Mundo...Vivum in Christo, which focuses more broadly (unlike this blog which is fairly specific in its purpose), I blog about all things Catholic; Sacred Music, the Liturgy (mostly according to the 1962 Missale), current Catholic News, works of mercy and the culture of death...and I even have post a small bit on the Saint of the Day (well, almost every day that is...).

You may also find quite a few useful links in the right hand column on that blog as well. (I have been quite busy lately, and this blog, Grant Them Rest, is still fairly new so I don't have much on here yet, but I hope to change that very soon! Also, if you have good links that keep with the theme of Grant Them Rest, please email me or leave a comment here and I will add them to the site!)

Shalom!

Divine Mercy Podcast

The following was posted on the Rosary Army Forum last night, (Blogspot was having some issues last night so "GK" was unable to view Grant Them Rest, otherwise he/she would have noticed that one of the main focuses of the blog is to get people praying for those departed souls).

Lee,

I would like to point you toward my podcast page where you can download the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in mp3 format. I thought if you were promoting prayer for souls departed, that would be a good one (other than an intention at Mass, of course).

BYW, I have been getting an error when I try to go to the Grant Them Rest site.

GK

To listen to the podcast in your browser window, click on the title of the podcast next to "Direct download" at the botton of the show notes.

To subscribe:
For iTunes, click on the "Add to iTunes" button.
If you use a different podcast player, enter the link
http://feeds.feedburner.com/divinemercy
and you will be subscribed.


DM Extra - Divine Mercy Chaplet with Meditations

Distraction during prayer is a challenge for us all. To try to assist you with this, I have recorded the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and included a series of meditations on the wounds of Christ's Passion. I pray that this recording will help you to grow closer to our Lord as you meditate on his passion and the agonizing wounds he endured for our salvation.

May the Merciful Jesus fill your heart with His gentle peace and remember, at every moment, do what Love requires.

Meditation
Catholic Progress

Music provided by Magnatune.com
Great Doxology - Monks and Choirs of Kiev Peche


Direct download: DM_Extra_-_Divine_Mercy_Chaplet_with_Meditation.mp3

Señora Ida Ferraris viuda de Madarang: 12/13/1920 - 9/27/2006

I have had influx of emails today - more souls to be prayed for!

From another email:

To Mr. Lee Cunningham:
Please add my maternal grandmother to your blog-list {http://grant-them-rest.blogspot.com/}
Her name is Señora Ida Ferraris viuda de Madarang.
She was born on the 13th of December 1920, the feast of St. Lucy, and passed away last 27th of September 2006, the feast of St. Vincent de Paul.

Attached to this email is her picture, and the eulogy that I delivered on the Solemn Requiem Mass in commemoration of her 40th Requiem Day.

Mil gracias para con todos!
Ryan of the Diocese of Parañaque, PHILIPPINES

I was unable to open the Word doc attachment from my Mac laptop (I guess I should fork over the money and get Microsoft Office already...), but I will add it when I get back into the office tomorrow.

Here is a picture of Señora Ida Ferraris viuda de Madarang


Please pray for the repose of her soul!

O Bone Jesu, miserere nobis.



Here is the eulogy that Ryan gave:


EULOGY for IDA FERRARIS viuda de MADARANG
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ida’s grandchildren were one, if not the most, busy preparing for today’s commemoration of her 40th Requiem day, so much so that one of them quipped; ang hirap maging apo ni Lola. {It’s hard to be a grandchild of Ida}

· Post-war Philippines found the 20-year old Ida taking upon her shoulders the yoke of supporting her orphaned family, setting aside her dreams and ambitions until her youngest sibling was able to offer herself to weave the fabric of the Lord with Ignacia’s scissor and needle.

· With their eldest child just a few days from his intermediate graduation, and their youngest a mere 8 years old, Ida again found herself alone due to the demise of the love and all of her life, Clem. With faith and courage, she took upon her shoulders the role of being both mother and father while suffering the loss of Clem.

· At an age when most would prefer to spend their days in quiet and solitude, she welcomed the birth of her eldest grandchild, taking upon herself his rearing and formation.

To live in the shadow of Ida means to live a life of courage, compassion, faith, and love.

Courage. Courage, which does not come from bravery but courage, which comes from her deep faith in God. Because she knew that if God is with us who can ever be against us.

Compassion. But compassion is not simply to give something to those who are in need. Compassion is with passion. She lived a life of passion. Passion not only in the sense of enthusiasm, but of passion, which is the passion of Christ prior to his death. She served as she suffered. And she suffered because she chose to serve.


Faith. But faith is not simply to mumble 10 Paters, 10 Aves, and 1 Confiteor and exclaim que sera, sera. Faith is to be like a child in the arms of your Father. She lived the faith...a living testament of the commandment of selfless-love that Christ has given to us.

{A lived faith is to see Christ in others; to be your brother’s keeper. A lived faith is to be the Acting Person; to be the other.}

Being bedridden, I occasionally brought her Holy Communion. As I raised the sacred species for her to see, never have I seen her eyes without tears as she prayed Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed. A child in the presence of her Father. A child of faith. A child of love.

Love. It is not the love of Cupid to his arrow but it is rather the love of the man crucified for us, because the perfect symbol of love is not Cupid with his arrow on Valentines Day.
The perfect symbol of love is Christ hanging on the cross on Good Friday. And Ida taught us that. She taught us charity not only love, not only Eros but agape. And there is no greater love; there is no greater agape than to lay down your life for your friends.

In this day and age, in a world of strife and discord, it is indeed hard to be Ida’s apo. However, we are reminded that Ida was not original because she only learned her courage, compassion, faith and love from the Lord himself.

Like the widow in today’s Gospel, Ida, throughout the course of her exile in this valley of tears, gave not from her surplus, but her very self, her whole self. Why? Because for somebody who loves much nothing is impossible. For somebody who loves much, there is no limit to what you can do because the greater measure of love is to love without measure.

To the very end, as I held her hand on the morning of the 27th of September, she taught us how to love. As the screen on the electrocardiogram flashed a flat line indicating that her heart had become asystolic, I could not help but whisper to her ear the summary of her life. I love you, Oha. As recounted by those who were witness to it, there was a slight and momentary movement in the electrocardiogram, as if indicating a response; I love you too, Ian...I love you all...

Love. That is who Ida was, is, and will always be.

When she started depending on her cane to be able to walk, I can proudly tell you that Ida always asked me to hold her hand so that she could steady her steps {It was in this very place that we would walk together, hand-in-hand, doing rounds going from the back to the front...but when she got tired, she would give me a slight pull, shortening our exercise to just a single round}.

This great woman who raised her siblings during the post-war onslaught of 1945 – this great mother who took upon her shoulders the burden of being both mother and father to her children upon the untimely demise of her husband, Clem – was humble enough to say “I need your assuring hand.” The hands that held our hands securely as we walked through the dark valleys of pain, sorrow and uncertainty were the same hands that sought security and assurance.

Ida’s eyes that saw differently from the way we saw things are now beholding the glory of God in heaven. Her legacy is a new way of seeing. He taught us how to see as God sees.
Her eyes have been closed by sister death but closed in order to behold the face of God in eternity.

Oha, take your well-deserved rest.

From Heaven, look upon us and ask the Lord to show us where to go. Ask the Lord to show us what to do. Take our hand and lead us to the bosom of the God who is love.

Oha, take your well-deserved rest.

We shall see each other again...Hasta pronto.

Oha, te quiero mucho...te quiero mucho.

Ryan Miguel Ramirez y Madarang
Eulogy for the 40th Requiem Day of
Ida Ferraris viuda de Madarang
12th of November 2006

Marie Maus - d. 1/7/2007

Received another email today:

I just found your site. if you can, please add my Aunt Marie Maus. I don't know her date of birth, but she died on January 7th, 2007.

I didn't know her very well as my mom came from a big family. She was one of the older children and my mom was the second youngest. She bore 10 children and from my memories was a very kind lady. I promised my mom I would pray for her soul, so I will share her name with you also.

Thank you,

(edit: Marie is the one in the upper-left of the photo.)

Please pray for the repose of her soul, and keep her family in your prayers.