by Sister Maria Faustina, DCJ

Our St. Ann's Convent partnered with Emmanuel Hospice in southwest Michigan five plus years ago and I'm one Sister who has the privilege of assisting patients in their final hours. A month ago I was assigned as Spiritual Caregiver for a hospice patient in his 60s. I read his profile and his spiritual needs. His assigned social worker stated that he wants to receive Holy Communion. I am always happy to bring Holy Communion to our Catholic patients. I called him to set up a day when we could visit. He was happy to receive the call and said, "come on over Sister'. I responded, "now?" and he replied, "yes, now"!  

I drove roughly 20 minutes to get to his home while pondering his urgency. I met him whom I shall name Tony. Tony got on hospice with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Tony was very happy to see a Sister. It has been ages since he saw one. We shared life reviews and I learned from Tony that he attended Catholic school for a year and was taught by nuns. These nuns back in the 60's impressed him so much. I also learned in our conversation that Tony is not of our faith, but wants to be a Catholic. Tony's said intently, "Sister, I want to die a Catholic. I believe in the teachings of the Church. What do I need to do to become a Catholic?" My first response question was if he was baptized. Tony was taken to live with his grandmother at a very young age. His grandparents brought him up and as far as he can remember he was never baptized. He recalls vividly at age 7,  witnessing his grandfather being baptized on his death bed by a priest. Tony recalled, "I was right there, but the priest didn't baptize me". Smilingly, I informed him that his grandfather could have been receiving Viaticum and that would be a possibility of why the priest did not baptize Tony as well. Our conversation led me to contacting a priest in the diocese for his assistance. A few days later we gathered with many family members at his home to witness his first sacraments. Tony rejoiced in his Baptism, first Confession, Holy Communion, Confirmation and also received Anointing of the Sick. Family members were very supportive of his decision to walk this new way of life even in the "evening hours", as our Mother Foundress used to say, of his earthly journey. 

Today, Tony receives Holy Communion weekly. Loves to pray and enjoys sharing spiritual reflection and conversation. Tony peacefully awaits the day when the Lord will take him home to his eternal reward!