Parish Health Happenings On November 28th, the world lost an incredible person. Some of you may know the James family. Christian and Kim are a long time Westside family (Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners, I believe). I was introduced to them many years ago by my in-laws, who were friends of their family. Though I didn’t know Christian well, we had been at the same events multiple times mostly weddings). I followed Christian’s journey though ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), with which he was diagnosed in 2015. As a vibrant father in his 40s, this devastating diagnosis was a crushing blow. I have chosen to use this coveted monthly space to shine a light on this incredible soul and to urge you to watch the attached link, which has a witness talk for a men’s CRHP group. Christian gave this talk in February of this year. As we enter into week two of Advent, I believe that hearing Christian talk about the “joy and peace” he experienced on a daily basis, in light of his failing body, will be a powerful catalyst propelling us all into a renewed mindset as we journey toward the birth of Christ.
It is important to note that throughout his illness, Christian developed a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Rosary. I was privileged to have the opportunity to pray the Rosary with him at his home in early October. In the quiet of his living room, with four other friends of his, I watched Christian rest his head back in his wheelchair.
With his eyes closed and soft smile, he listened to us recite the sorrowful mysteries. This man, who could no longer perform even the smallest physical task, was truly happy. I learned after he passed away that he gave out many blessed Miraculous Medals during his illness. Is it any wonder that he died on the Feast of St. Catherine Labouré, who was tasked with spreading the Miraculous Medal devotion
by Our Lady. Of course not!
I drove away from his house that Friday in October and cried. How ungrateful and selfish I was! I recalled the countless things I complain about on a daily basis. Christian, in his suffering, agony, helplessness and despair had tapped into something that I, in my good physical health, could not even imagine. Christian carried his cross like no one I’d ever met. I knew I wanted what he had. I just didn’t know how to get it. During the past few weeks I have been diving into the promises the Blessed Mother has made to those devoted to praying the Rosary. It is a project I took on to encourage families to join us as we re-introduce the family Rosary on Monday nights. The more I study and reflect, the more I am convinced in the power of the beads to transform our hearts and minds. Christian’s disposition and attitude most certainly displayed this fact. The Rosary is a powerful weapon against any problem and if more people understood this, they would invest the 15-20 minutes required to say it. I can say this with absolute certainty. Please watch Christian’s testimony found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg8fU39C0bE
It is a beautiful depiction of the absolute love and compassion of our Heavenly mother for all her children. After you watch, please consider joining us on Monday nights in the Church. If you can’t bring the family, maybe just you come. There are many who come alone. May you have a beautiful, holy and joy filled Advent!
Kate Rewwer Parish Health Coordinator
